Deron Da'Costa - contributed

Deron Da'Costa at one year old has not seen much of the world and without immediate eye surgery may not be able to see much more.

Family members, who thought he had Strabismus popularly known as 'cast eye' recently found out that he actually had cataract. On March 15, his mother took him to the University Hospital where his eyes were tested and doctors realised that he needed immediate corrective surgery.

Now she needs to find $65,000 for the surgery. Included in that sum is a deposit of $32,500 so that a date can be set for the operation

Two months

. Deron's family have been given two months to find the deposit and set the date so that he can get his surgery. But the family has difficulties finding the money as neither his mother and grandmother are working steadily and cannot find jobs.

Karen Nelson, his mother and Joyce Smith his grandmother, came to our offices where they desperately appealed for help for the child because their efforts to find the money have been unsuccessful. "They put some eye drops in his eyes to make it stop, but he still needs the surgery to fix it," Nelson said.

The family and other relatives live in Arnett Gardens where ongoing violence has affected the entire community. The family's house hardly has a back door and they are literally exposed to the violence. Nelson also has a daughter whom she has sent away to stay with relatives so that she is not exposed to the violence.

Both mother and grandmother would love a chance to work, provide for their families and pay for Deron's surgery. Smith is seeking a job and is willing to take any opportunity she receives, meanwhile Nelson has been trying to start a hairdressing business, but needs some of the equipment such as a hair dryer, curling iron and other items needed to effectively provide the services.

"I was trying to make up a shop for myself, but that didn't work out. Sometime mi do a little house work. I save money and buy some phone cards sometimes, but I still need a steady job," Smith said.

Anyone wishing to assist the women or the child may contact Smith at 851-6370.