Restoring Clifton’s Hearing

Hi, my name is Zoe Reid, and I am a single mother to two sons. I am currently fundraising to help cover the cost of my son Clifton Shield’s surgical procedure and hospital bill. Clifton is 11 years old and about to transition to high school. Everyone who knows him describes him as mannerable, kind, considerate, confident, and loving.

Clifton has been attending the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) clinic at the Bustamante Hospital for Children since 2016 due to recurring ear infections, which led to a surgical procedure in 2019. In 2021, he began experiencing ear pain and swelling inside his ear, leading us to consult an ENT specialist. He was diagnosed with a narrowed ear canal. In March 2024, Clifton returned to the Bustamante Hospital for Children ENT clinic, where he was diagnosed with Stenosis of the right ear canal. A CT scan revealed soft tissue occlusion, and a hearing test showed mild conductive hearing loss.

Clifton is in need of a canaloplasty surgery, a procedure that widens the ear canal to remove growth, prevent infections, and improve hearing.

Unfortunately, there is no working ENT microscope in the public hospitals, and I was advised by the ENT doctors at Bustamante Hospital to seek alternatives. After consulting with Dr. Guyan A. Channer, I was informed that the cost of the surgery is 1 million Jamaican dollars (approximately 6,390 USD). Alternatively, the cost at Andrews Memorial Hospital is 550,000 Jamaican dollars (about 3,504 USD). As I do not have insurance, I must find the funds on my own. There is no payment plan, and while I am seeking assistance from the government to cover the doctor’s bill, I am asking for help with the hospital bill.

The hospital bill must be paid before the surgery can be scheduled, and the costs may increase after the procedure. The surgery is urgently needed as Clifton is in severe pain and his ear is continuing to close. The appointment is set for June 26, 2025.

Funds will be used to cover the hospital bill, any possible room charges if admission is necessary, and doctor visits after the surgery.

I kindly ask for your assistance in helping my son during this difficult time. Your support will make a tremendous difference.

Thank you for your generosity.