Deidra Anderson - rudolph brown photo

Eighteen-year-old Deidra Anderson's career as a promising athlete now hangs in the balance after she was diagnosed with scoliosis, a disease which results in curvature and deformity of the spine.

positive outlook

"I realised something was wrong when I started to feel pain in my back," Ms. Anderson told The STAR yesterday. "My aunt, who is a nurse, realised that my walking was lean and recommended that I go to see a doctor.

"I try to be positive but sometimes it is very painful," Ms. Anderson commented.

The diagnosis came after several referrals, and the cost for treatment, which includes the provision of monoaxial screws to straighten her spine following surgery, stands at $305,721, a cost that is much too high for her family to stand.

Howard Hamilton, president of the Portmore Pines Citizens' Association, said that the community is offering to support to Ms. Anderson so that she can again conduct her normal activities.

"Deidra is a young member of our community who is active in community life," Mr. Hamilton said. "We are seeking help to offset the costs of her corrective surgery to restore her normal daily living."

There is now an appeal for assistance and an account has been established at the Portmore Branch of Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB). The account number is 1275190.