Diabetic child overcomes health struggles

Anastasia Cunningham, Senior Gleaner Writer

No child should die of diabetes, and the McLeans were adamant that their son would be a survivor. Two years ago, Dudley and Maudrey found out their 10-year-old son, Tariq, had type-1 diabetes. It was extremely stressful for the family, especially Tariq, who was preparing for the Grade Six Achievement Test.

After spending two weeks in the Bustamante Hospital for Children in extreme ill health, Tariq was enrolled in the Life for a Child Programme that offered much-needed treatment and support. The family had to go through a life-changing experience that proved quite challenging. A completely new diet, frequent hospital visits, medication, insulin treatment, counselling … the works.

In the end, it was all worth it. It saved his life.

Today, 12-year-old Tariq is a perfect example of a diabetic child living a normal life with the proper treatment. The second-form student at St George's College is doing well academically and is a member of his school's basketball team.

At a press briefing last Friday at the Bustamante Hospital, his parents shared his story and thanked Life for a Child, the hospital, the Diabetes Association of Jamaica (DAJ) and others for giving their son the opportunity to live a normal life.

DAJ Chairman, Professor Errol Morrison, said the McLeans represent the family nucleus that will inspire the drive in controlling diabetes in young people. He said young people were at risk and early detection and treatment were important.

"Many children are out there in need of help, and it's our duty to find them and help them," said Morrison.