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The unpredictability of life dealt a harsh blow to Rickel Woodhouse whose world was upended in December 2019, leaving him in urgent need of a heart transplant.

A high school basketball star during his days at Old Harbour High School in St Catherine, Woodhouse was known for his passion and tenacity on the court. His athletic career continued at the Caribbean Maritime University, where he also developed a love for rugby. However, in 2019, his final year of studies, when he was riding high on success, having won a rugby championship, Woodhouse's world came crashing down.

"I didn't even get to collect that trophy," Woodhouse told THE STAR as he reflected on the day he got the first sign of trouble on the horizon.

"One day I just felt like I had flu and I didn't pay it any mind. Right after that championship, I started to feel weak so I went to the doctor. The doctor told me I should go to the hospital immediately and even wrote a letter to say that he did urge me to do so. In my head I was thinking the doctor was exaggerating because really I felt fine. That time it's like he already knew I was almost a dead man walking," Woodhouse shared.

At the hospital, doctors discovered a cyst on his liver. The severity of is condition led to a scheduling of an urgent surgery.

"After the surgery, when I woke up, I was in a crippling stage. I couldn't move. When mi look, tube inna mi side, tube inna mi penis and a number of different IV fluids and other medication string up. I was in that state for almost three months," Woodhouse recounted.

Heart failure

Things worsened when he was diagnosed with decompensated heart failure, a syndrome in which the heart's structure and function are impaired, preventing it from adequately supplying blood to the body. Now, the 6'3" 27-year-old, once muscular and athletic, struggles with severe swelling, especially in his stomach and feet, and can barely breathe or move.

His older sister, Sydia Gause, explained the family's struggle.

"Sometimes I break down on my job. He's so young. It's affecting him physically and mentally, but he's very strong," Gause said.

The family has been struggling to cover the costs of Woodhouse's medication and care. In an effort to raise funds for the transplant, which costs approximately US$1.7 million (approximately J$264 million), Gause has started a GoFundMe campaign. Just over US$800 (approximately $124,352) has been raised in the first six days

"I can't do it alone and I hope people will help that's why I'm not giving up," Gause said.

The family is reaching out to hospitals in the US, hoping to find a facility that can perform the transplant. "We're trying to find resources in the meantime, good Samaritans who would support and help us to get him better," Gause said.

For his part, Woodhouse said is determined to stay in the game for the long term.

"Honestly, I am tired but willing to fight and want all the help I can get," Woodhouse said.

Persons willing to help Rickel Woodhouse may make donations to his GoFundMe campaign

Donations may also be made or they can call Woodhouse's sister, Sydia Gause, may be contacted via telephone at (407) 485-9697, and his nephew Damion Dunbar can be reached at (876) 846-4363.