Hi, my name is Alex Cain, and I am raising funds for my Canadian-born baby boy, Samuel “Sammy” Cain.

Just 2½ weeks after accompanying his Jamaican parents to Jamaica, Sammy was diagnosed with hydrocephalus.

What is hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is a medical condition in which there is an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inside the brain’s ventricles (fluid-filled spaces). This extra fluid increases pressure inside the skull and can damage brain tissue.

We had traveled to Jamaica because our temporary residency status in Canada was coming to an end, but more urgently because his grandmother was gravely ill and nearing the end of her life. We gave away nearly 80% of our belongings — our household furniture, baby furniture, seasonal clothing, lots of baby toys and so much more — taking only what we could afford to travel with. We left Canada believing we were simply going to say goodbye to a loved one and to rebuild our lives, but we never imagined that we were stepping into a medical crisis.

Less than a week after his diagnosis, Sammy had to undergo emergency brain surgery in Jamaica, and three days later, sadly his grandmother passed. As parents, there are no words to describe the fear of watching your baby be wheeled into an operating room, unsure of what the outcome will be. By God’s grace, the surgery was successful. However, months later, his VP shunt became blocked. At just one year old — just over six months after his first surgery — Sammy underwent a second brain surgery.

While I am deeply grateful for the doctors caring for Sammy, the medical resources available to them are extremely limited. My heart longs to bring my son back to Canada, his country of birth, where he can receive continued care with greater access to specialized pediatric neurosurgical support, greater medical technology and long-term monitoring.

Unfortunately, we have not recovered financially from our sudden move eight months ago, six hospital admissions for Sammy, and the devastating loss of my mother. The emotional toll has been overwhelming, and the financial strain has made it nearly impossible for us to make the journey back on our own.

Additionally, because Sammy is a non-national, we are billed whenever we utilize the Children's Hospital in Jamaica.

How has hydrocephalus affected Sammy?

Increased head circumference.

Not yet - crawling, sitting up independently ,or walking... due to balance from increased head circumference.

I am humbly asking for your support to help cover:

• Travel expenses back to Canada for Sammy’s medical care.

• Temporary living arrangements while we re-establish ourselves.

•Our application to legally remain in Canada with him as he receives physiotherapy, occupational therapy etc.... which he requires to develop properly due to developmental delays from having hydrocephalus.

• Ongoing medical related expenses.

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to giving Sammy the stability and medical care he urgently needs. If you are unable to give, please consider sharing our story.

From the depths of a mother’s and father's heart, thank you for reading, for praying, and for supporting my sweet baby boy. Your kindness means more than words can express.