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Terry-Ann Masters, 29, is reaching out to the public for assistance to purchase much-needed medication that costs almost $500,000.

The Planters Hall, Old Harbour, St Catherine resident is suffering from an autoimmune condition called immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), a rare blood disorder that affects how the blood clots. When your blood can't clot, you may bruise easily, bleed more than normal when you're hurt, or start bleeding for no reason. Sometimes ITP goes away without treatment. Other times, it's a chronic condition, meaning treatment eases symptoms but doesn't cure it.

"I am not the type to ask anyone for help but I really can't find the money to make this purchase. I was on steroids but the side effects are severe so they prescribed Rituximab. It has to be ordered from India and it is four injections and they will be given once weekly for a month. The doctors are saying it will work long-term and suppress the antibodies, so they won't be there to fight the platelets. I would be appreciative of any assistance I can get because I want to regain my independence and just be as healthy as possibly as I can," Masters said.

The mother of two said that prior to her illness, she was employed as a customer service representative at a call centre and lived a fairly normal life. But in August 2022, Masters began having black and blue blotches all over her body so she sought medical attention. Tests revealed that she had very low platelets which was causing bleeding under the skin.

"After that I was admitted at Spanish Town Hospital for a month where I was being treated for low platelets. At that time I was at five, and had to be on bed rest because if I just hit anywhere on my body, it would cause bleeding under the skin. They told me that if I start bleeding, I could just bleed out because there is nothing to clot the blood and it was there that I was diagnosed with ITP," she said.

"This condition is very hard to deal with because my platelets keep dropping and is not stable. My own body is killing off my platelets because the doctors are saying that my antibodies are confused and are not able to tell the difference from the platelets and a virus. When the platelets build up, it just fights them off like a virus," Masters added.

Among the side effects from the steroids, Masters' physical appearance has changed.

"The steroids swell me up. My face and belly is very big and my knees and feet are swollen. My arms are filled with stretch marks based on the swellings. I feel a lot of pain and it gives me insomnia. I don't sleep during the days or nights and because of that, I am always trembling. My body retains water and as a result, I will go to the bathroom all night," she said. Masters said she also plans on applying for a grant under the Compassionate Fund. The fund, which is managed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, in partnership with the National Health Fund, offers grants to the most vulnerable members of the public who cannot readily access healthcare. Services covered include specialised surgeries and procedures.

Persons wishing to assist Terry -Ann Masters may contact her at 876-548-2068.