My name is Sharida McKenzie, and I’m organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my 25-year-old cousin, Maryam Mohammed, who lives in Trinidad & Tobago and urgently needs a liver transplant.

Because GoFundMe currently supports withdrawals only to U.S. bank accounts, I (the campaign organizer) will receive the funds directly into my verified U.S. account. I will then transfer a portion of the funds directly to the hospital in India where the surgery will take place and the remaining amount to Maryam’s father, Fayume Mohammed, who will use the funds solely for Maryam’s medical expenses, travel, and transplant-related costs.

I am in close contact with Maryam’s family, and we are coordinating together on every aspect of her care and fundraising. Thank you for your kindness and support during this difficult time.

Here is a message from Maryam's parents...

We, Shalima Ali Mohammed and Fayume Mohammed, are the parents of Dr. Maryam Mohammed. She was a former student of El Socorro TIA Primary and St. Augustine Girls' High School. Our 25-year-old daughter's lifelong dream has been to serve others through medicine.

Maryam recently completed her one-year internship as a medical doctor — a moment that should have marked the beginning of a bright and hopeful career. However, in October 2025, our world was turned upside down when Maryam suddenly developed jaundice. After a series of extensive tests at Port of Spain General Hospital, Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, and several private facilities, we received devastating news — Maryam’s liver was cirrhotic and she is now suffering from end-stage liver disease.

Her medical investigations — including blood tests (LFTs), ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans — revealed severe liver damage. Her doctors, Dr. Maria Bartholomew and Dr. Ramkissoon, have diagnosed her with autoimmune hepatitis, an autoimmune condition that has tragically led to chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.

Maryam is currently warded at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, where she is being treated for complications related to liver failure. Despite all efforts, her only hope for long-term survival is a liver transplant. Unfortunately, this life-saving procedure cannot be done locally in Trinidad and Tobago.

We have been informed that the cost of a liver transplant in the United States ranges between US $500,000 and $800,000, a sum far beyond our reach. After much research and guidance from her medical team, we have found a more affordable option in New Delhi, India, where the surgery package is approximately US $100,000.

This is still an enormous financial challenge for our family. Without this transplant, Maryam will continue to suffer from recurring liver complications — and her condition will worsen over time. We are therefore making this heartfelt appeal to you — our friends, family, and kind-hearted supporters — to help us save our daughter’s life.

Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference in helping Maryam receive the treatment she urgently needs. Please keep Maryam in your prayers and share her story widely. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your compassion, generosity, and support.

With gratitude and hope,

Shalima & Fayume

P.S. Nov 5, 2025 - Even though we've met our goal, please know that the family still has to cover costs on top of the surgery such as: airline fares, over 2 months of accommodations in India, food, post-op care, etc. If there are remaining funds after all expenses are paid, those funds will be given to a charity that will help others in similar situations. Thank you