Chronically-ill girl’s wish comes true

The Trafalgar Falls will be visited by Kayla Brewster. Photo credit: cruisecritic.com

Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) and The Precious Touch Foundation Inc. have joined forces to make a little girl’s dream come true.

Kayla Brewster, 12, from Barbados, is suffering from chronic diabetes and her wish was to see the waterfalls of the Nature Island of Dominica. The Precious Touch Foundation Inc. contacted the Discover Dominica Authority to grant the wish of Kayla Brewster. The Precious Touch Foundation Inc. is a non-profit charitable Organization which was launched on November 24, 2007 in Barbados.

The Organization is dedicated to the granting of ‘wishes’ to children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions and children who are terminally ill between the ages of two and sixteen years in any of the four categories: I wish to be…..I wish to have….. I wish to meet….. and I wish to go…..

The Discover Dominica Authority after receiving the request from the organization  organized a tour to two of our premier waterfalls Trafalgar Falls and Emerald Pool on Monday March 28th, for Kayla, her parents and two-representatives of the Foundation, Adorial Maxwell- Hazel, Founder/President and Mrs. Eleanor Brown, Public Relation Officer.

The Discover Dominica Authority is happy to assist the Precious Touch Foundation Inc. in helping make Kayla’s wish a reality. “We were very pleased to hear of such a request and from so near,” commented Head of Marketing, Elizabeth Wayland. “The Discover Dominica Authority is honored to be able to bring joy,  happiness and a sense of comfort to the heart of this special child as well as create a magical “WISH” experience for Kayla which will last a lifetime in the hearts of all those involved in the ‘WISH’”.

The children who are ill are referred to the Foundation by a parent, guardian, family member, friend of the family, a doctor or medical professional treating the child. In order for a child to qualify for a wish, the child must meet the criteria which states that he/she must be diagnosed with a life threatening medical condition, confirmed and verified by a medical professional.

The wish is then chosen by the child and approved by the Precious Touch Foundation Inc., and then the ‘WISH’ team sets out to make it come true. In the event that the child is unable to have his/her wish granted for medical reasons, Precious Touch Foundation Inc. will delay the wish until it is medically convenient for the child. However, the wish will not be delayed beyond the child’s 18th birth date. The group will be on island from March 27th to April 2nd.  During their stay they will be visiting several other attractions on the island.

The Authority will hold a press conference on Tuesday 29th March to highlight the positive publicity this initiative deserves and the Precious Touch Foundation Inc. will take the opportunity to introduce their Wish Granting Program to the public in an effort to share and extend this special project to the medically challenged children of Dominica.

The Discover Dominica Authority would like to encourage groups such as this Foundation to continue to do the good work in improving the lives of young people.

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46 Comments

  1. Curtis Brewster
    April 2, 2011

    I am Kaila’s dad.I just want to say thank you to all Dominicans for the hospitality you have shown us for the week were there.You have to be the most hospitable people I have met!!Everyone who met us were kind and accommodation to we,the parents and to Kaila.Everyone had kind and supporting words and I appreciate that very much.Your island is very beautiful and we will be back to see some more!There is a big difference as a parent to see your child hooked up to IV tubes and hearing her laughter in the tranquil of the Rain Forest on the Aerial Tram!! Thank you again,from all of us in the Brewster family.

  2. killamanjaro-killa
    March 26, 2011

    come on u twisted mind people let the children be,its just a wish the kid have to see the beauty of dominica.you kids have to much things to say stop it,and let the children be.

  3. eyezzzzzzzzzzzzzz
    March 26, 2011

    made me cry hope u have fun………………………..

  4. The UK Contingent
    March 25, 2011

    The slant on this article is dangerously misleading! Diabetes is not a life threatening illness in the way that others can be. If treated correctly, there is no reason whatsoever that diabetics – Types 1 or 2 cannot lead normal healthy lives. Sure the sentiment behind this is commendable but it does nothing to allay the fears of diabetic youngsters or anyone recently diagnosed with diabetes. The article almost suggests that this little girl is being granted “a last wish”. Someone messed up…they should have used another real life threatning illness and not diabetes which although a very serious disease should not give rise to this sort of panic setting!! (I should know, I am a 4 insulin injections a day diabetic!!)

    • Midget
      March 26, 2011

      You may be a Diabetic insulin, but that does not mean it is not life threatening to this child. If you really knew the complications of Diabetes you would not make suck a comment. i am also diabetic and also a “HEALTH CARE PROVIDER” and believe me you are SOOOOOOOO wrong in your assumptions. :( :( :(

      • kii
        March 26, 2011

        i agree with u cause its a danger to life and i have family who has died of that severe chronic diabetes k

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      March 26, 2011

      I am elated you understand what these people are doing, in response you may have also notice all the crap, and silly sentiments written by our uninformed Dominicans.

      Some hope for a cure from God!

      God knew long before the girl was born that she would have diabetes, if he wonted to prevent it, he would have healed her long before she was born.

      The fact is there is no cure for this disease, and until a cure is found one can only deal with the problem as I stated in my previous submission. The reason a cure is so difficult to find, is because diabetes is caused by damage genes.

      If you have a genetic defect, how can you anticipate a simple cure?

      The woman I spoke about in my comments who lived to a 103 yeas old with diabetes is my Grandmother; and the man I also reference is yours truly, me; and I have lived a normal life, got married, and all that, have children from Germany, to England, Antigua, and America.

      So I cannot understand the Dominica hoopla over this thing.

      My two older sisters in Dominica, has diabetes also, one of them is seventy-six years old, living with diabetes for most of her life, nonetheless, both my sisters live normal life’s. I am not saying that being sick is a good thing, but come on man; in Dominica we tends to blow things out of proportions too much.

      A lack of information, causes people to react foolishly!

      Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • Homeboy
      March 26, 2011

      Why can’t you people take the article for what it is!!!!! An innocent child with a doctor diagnosed condition that is affecting her wants to appreciate the pristine beauty Dominica has to offer.. All of a sudden you medical experts coming out of the wood work. Go to Ross University and teach…… Darn it

      • Lizavier4Jesus
        March 26, 2011

        Homeboy

        You, and the rest of you, fail to understand the most important thing. That girl can live a vibrant Life, enjoying everything good that God has promised her to see and experience, before her time comes to leave this world–if God has planned for her body to leave this world. But the wisdom and philosopy of human beings can stand in the way of God’s plan for that girl.

        In other words humans beings continue to shove off God’s authority and they use their own strength, with works that is without faith–to put on a great show of impression; to give themselves honor and praise, as they plague the minds of the weak and the ignorant with the thoughts of death. Like telling them, you are so sick that you will die, so start making preparations to go back to the dust that you were formed from. Whereas, they ignore the fact that Jesus promised: “I have come that they might have Life and that they might have it more abundantly”. Jesus want us to accept and experience this Life of abundance here, in this world–that we might be able to take that Life with us into Eternity.

        The idea that suggest that this girl is terminally ill, because she has diabetes, putting the thought in her mind that the disease will be the reason for her death, suggesting her wish to see some parts of Dominica is “a wish come true for her” before she dies; that is not the greatest favour we can do for that girl, to her mind, right now. Unfortunately, because of our carnal minds we view this conduct as act of kindness. But I know that this is works without Love. The apostle Paul tells us at 1st. Corinthians 13, this kind of work is till futility–provoking a sick person, to think about dying because of his/her sickness, is not the work of Love.

        Remember that God gave us freedom of choice, from the beginning. Our circumstances of existence is the manner by which He trains and disciplines us to development with Strength of the Spirit–Life in us forever and ever. But how can we build up in this Life, since we choose to do things by our own strength?

        But God is a God of Love, full of mercy and compassion, He will protect the humble, the weak, and those who trust and obey His commands, by faith. He will protect the mind of that sick girl as well, that the garbage that human beings have fed to her, will not take a hold on her Life. I pray this on her behalf!

        Woe to those who choose to continue with the mentality of pride, haughtiness, and arrogance.

  5. ok
    March 25, 2011

    beautiful!!!! hope you enjoy. please tell someone about Dominica when you go home. God’s blessings on you girl. Get well you hear. All the best.

  6. Simple
    March 25, 2011

    wonderfull

  7. Homeboy
    March 25, 2011

    Now that deserves headlines. Well done Dominica. Imagine this child just wanted to experience nature at it’s best!!!!

  8. dreadlocks
    March 25, 2011

    i feel proud to say am a dominican i have dominica souvenirs and flag to show friends who visit me some say dey never hear of dis island i say get yr computer and google DOMINICA ITS D NATURE ISLE OF D CARIBBEAN

  9. Blessings
    March 25, 2011

    Dominica is blessed, we need ot apprecate that fact. MORE hike groups MORE attention to agriculture (use crown land and make those boys on the side of the road learn something in the fields) MORE care towards preserving natural habitats, MORE we care programs… MORE blessings!. KAYLA!- we love you too!! thanks for showing your interest in out country!!! God is speaking through you!!!

  10. nia
    March 25, 2011

    this is a heart warming story..Lord i pray, that u send ur healing upon this lil girl..I pray that u will give her health and strength and courage while she is here in DA so that she can visit the places she really wants to see.. Give her family courage love and strength to take care of her..

  11. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    March 25, 2011

    ” The Organization is dedicated to the granting of ‘wishes’ to children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions and children who are terminally ill between the ages of two and sixteen years in any of the four categories: ”

    Though one may be considered a chronic diabetic, that dose not mean it is totally a life threatening disease; it becomes life threatening if it is left untreated.

    There are three types of diabetes that I know. You can be hyperglycemic, or hypoglycemic, there is another form of diabetes which affects the brain only, nonetheless if treated that also is none life threatening. The idea is once you are diagnosed and medication prescribe, the patient must be regimental with their medication.

    It is important to note that whether you are diagnosed type I; or type II, diabetes is a progressive disease, and if it is left untreated, then it becomes life threatening, since it is likely to cause damage to the heart, kidneys, and other internal organs. If you are diagnosed type I, chances are it is hereditary, which means it was genetically transmitted, or transmittable from parent to children, and there is a good chance you were born with it.

    In this case whiles a balance diet, and exercise is recommended, type I, patients should be immediately treated with insulin, since the Metformin hydrochloride line of medication in pill form does not work well for type I diabetes.

    Nonetheless, in the case of the type II patients, metformin medication will work for a while, until the disease progresses, by which time insulin is the only alternative, along with a balance diet and exercise. If we follow our medical program, and do as the doctor advised, we could live a normal life.

    I know a lady from Wesley who apparently dealt with diabetes all of her life, I have never seen her take any proscribe medication, if she did; it might be long after I left, nonetheless she lived for 103 years.

    She was born on the 1st day of January 1890, and expired in 1993.

    I also know a man who was diagnosed in 1990, as type I, he is convinced that he was born type II, nonetheless, he lives a normal life. Last night at 11:00 PM, when he checked his glucose prior to going to bed, the amount of glucose in his system was 120 mg.

    When he checked it this morning at 5:30 AM, the glucose in his system read 71 mg, perfectly normal, and that is accomplished by maintaining a regimental balance diet, along with medication.

    Note: one who is not diabetic, your glucose should range between 80, and 120 mg plus or minus 5 mg, So a normal person glucose should not exceed 125 mg, and should not drop below 75 mg. In the event it exceeds 125 mg, you are considered hyperglycemic, and if it drops below 75 mg, you are considered hypoglycemic.

    I any event diabetes is not a disease to play with, one need to take it seriously, it is not all that life threatening as some people believe. We do not see as many amputations of the lower extremities as we saw in the past due to diabetes, and that is because of the treatments available in the twenty-first century, if we do as the doctor instructs, there is no reason why one should not live a normal life with diabetes.

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • Lizavier4Jesus
      March 25, 2011

      “There is no reason why one should not live a normal life with diabetes”

      Fete, well I agree with you here, though! Because I have diabetes since 14 years ago, and seem as if I am feeling better and younger, even if the years are building up on me, wee!

      One thing I know for sure, is that, whatever our sickness of the body will do to us, actually depends on how we are treating that sickness in our mind, you know!. Our mind is the greatest processing site in our Life, yes!

      In a way, it does not even look like an act of kindness, when we start to put all kinds of thoughts in a persons mind, causing them to nurture the idea that they are terminally ill, which means that they are not going to live very long, and we are willing to give them a last wish. O Good heavens!

      In these days and time, there should be more people who knows how to help people to nurture the thoughts of Life in their minds, instead of encouraging them to keep that idea of death, which they came into this world with, to begin with.

      “His was wounded for our transgressions, and by His stripes we are healed”. Isaiah 53: 5

      The Love of God Almighty by faith and the Power of His Holy Spirit in us, represents the Perfect blood of His Person, Jesus Christ. No sickness, no chronic desease can contaminate that blood, once we have it in us. And that Perfect, spiritual blood will wash our own physical blood of sickness, disease, and death, so that we will have Life, forevermore.

      My days in this world may come to an end before Jesus’ return, but I ain’t leaving because of diabetes or no chronic desease, nuh! For by the stripes of Jesus Christ, I am going through complete healing, man!

      As God has promised, so it will be done!

    • Anonymous
      March 25, 2011

      was this comment necessary. what did it really contribute to the story. Couldn’t you just commend the efforts and move on, and if you couldnt add any of value don’t say anything.

      I have Telemaque relations from Marigot & Wesley and everytime I read one of your pointless tirads I pray that you are not one them.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        March 26, 2011

        I wish you are not actually related to me, because any information I give on Diabetes Mellitus is from a professional, medical, and scientific point of view, and not because I am hyperglycemic, if you shut your mouth long enough and listen to people who knows, perhaps you will learn something that will put you in a position to babble!

        Tell me which medical institution you have attended, and I will tell you which one I attended, then we can compare our intelligence, and who is better informed on the subject of Diabetes Mellitus, an related subjects, as a matter of fact, I challenged you on any medical subject diseases , and treatments and let’s see who knows the subject better.

        Try not to open a can of worms unless you are prepared to deal with it okay!

        You do not know me, so be careful, step softly, because you seem to be stepping on thin ice. At lease under every comment I write I sign my authentic name, because I do not write and talk baloney, anything I talk about can be authenticated if you wish to learn something about the Diabetes Mellitus, I invite you to go unto my Website, which is an educational site, look on the left hand side, and click on the category diabetes mellitus, read it perhaps you will gain some knowledge.

        You and I may be in the same school of DNO, however, we are in a different class; you are an idiot; and we do not want you in our family!

        Take a hike!

        Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

      • Truth, Justice, Love, Peace and Unity
        March 26, 2011

        @anonymous

        I could comment myself on this article. However, having read your comment, I am informing you as well as others just as you comment allow others to provide their comments. Are you a dictator/oppressor? Sounds like it. You are in no position to comment in this manner. Some of you are crude and rude and dictate to others what they should state, etc. Keep such views to yourself since you are not the owner/employee of DNO. Keep this in mind. You would do well to learn love from the heart and generate it to others.

    • lisa dodds
      March 26, 2011

      I was thinking the same thing about the child’s condition and being described as terminally ill. Your information on the disease is very comprehensive I must say.However, cudos to this foundation who is looking out for the needs of sick children and very briliiant of Kayla to have made such a wonderful choice.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        March 26, 2011

        Lisa, to be chronically ill does not mean a death sentence, If I say I am chronically ill with back pain, that simply means I have to learn to deal with the pain for as long as I live, because the treatment and medication that I take for the pain is ineffective, they do not work!

        it does not mean I am going to die!

        However, there are ignorant and gullible people who like to try to put people down, and try to elevate themselves above people who knows better than the crap they talk, and that is why our country is the way it is politically.

        I am so angry at this want to be Telemaque, or Dods, (Dodds), that I forgot to give this idiot the domain of my Website where she/he could go to get an education on the subject at hand, and so I would to take the opportunity to direct the whoever they are since they have no name to visit http://www.yvonnedods.com and log unto the category diabetes mellitus, and educate themselves about the diseases, I wrote all myself, as I was taught while I was on my quest to becoming a medical doctor!

        Also Lisa, connect with me via my E-mail [email protected] or [email protected] I have a question for you.

        Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

        • 2011...wow
          March 26, 2011

          Sir, you seem to be a well informed, and knowledgeable MAN…..but challenging those without the qualification to be charllenged, gives them power over the fact that you a aware of what you talk about…..in this case you seem to show them your weaker side…the fear of the unknown seem more powerfull than most of us……for knowledge is power….but I must say what you say is fact….not opinon…

          However, every one is just happy knowing that a sick child got her wish…may this be Kayla or another child…a smile on a child face means more to them than we can imagine… lets all keep smiling…

          My opinion….

  12. Ms. Chin
    March 25, 2011

    God guides our path and by his stripes we are heal. Have faith and believe in God. My prayers are
    with you Kayla.

  13. 2011...wow
    March 25, 2011

    I must say Wow…..they say hope takes away despair…..and I hope with the help of the foundation, the doctors and all involved with Gods guidience she gets better, miracle do happen to those who believe….and pray that a few other sick kids in Dominca as well get the chance to join Kayla, see nature together for a while away from the hospital..

    And please take some pics…….may the memories last forever….for all..

    God bless…….

  14. SWEET KAT
    March 25, 2011

    IT IS SUPPRISING TO SEE HOW MUCH OTHER PPL LOVE OUR COUNTRY MORE THAN DOMINICANS IT SELF

    • 2011...wow
      March 25, 2011

      The ones who does not like, or appreciate Dominica, are those who has nothing, or no where to compare it with……they don’t know better…

      • boom
        March 25, 2011

        wow. you are so right!!! hit the nail on the head!! i’ve lived out of dca for the last 5 years and trust me i have had the opportunity to analyze and see life and dca in a whole new way that i never thought!! We are so blessed but wwe just dont realize it!!

    • Ms. Chin
      March 25, 2011

      Because they don’t live on the island. It’s like spending 2weeks vacation and after that
      you want to leave.

  15. Anonymous
    March 25, 2011

    I did not realize how beautifull Dominica really is, and i know Dominica you live abroad knows this. I left when I was 13 When I come to visit, It is always something new to see.

  16. Dominican Abroad
    March 25, 2011

    WOw, Where is she coming from? Kayla, may nature remind you of an awesome God and may you be comforted knowing that He is there for you through your sickness and has the power to heal you. Blessings! u’re in my prayer

    • jean grand fond
      March 26, 2011

      he has the power to heal her but he wont. why doesnt he heal all the sick innocent children if he has all this power to heal? huh? answer that.

  17. AHA!
    March 25, 2011

    I am suffering from chronic labour fatigue. Could you please make my wish come true and and buy me a ticket out of here? Please?
    I am really sick

    • 2011...wow
      March 25, 2011

      Wow…

    • Jespen
      March 25, 2011

      politics in everything. you must be a jackass (a very stupid person)

      • K.M.R.
        March 25, 2011

        i believe she or he means labour as in work… so i guess you are the stupid person to think other wise

        • xx
          March 25, 2011

          i doubt jespen thought anything otherwise…if yall so fed up leave….but i hope when you all get out th ere you wont be singing another story. the grass is not always greener on the other side as you think neither is all that glitters gold. some of us learn that the hard way! life is about many things and some of yall will get to analyze and realize the truth behind that too. i rest my case!

    • Charmer
      March 25, 2011

      Did u have to make this sweet subject be a political one?

  18. Precious
    March 25, 2011

    This is wonderful and i plead the precious blood of Jesus upon her life. I also want to thank all those involved in making this child’s dream become a reality. May God bless us all. This could be the Spirit directing her to our blessed island to be healed.

  19. rainbow
    March 25, 2011

    Proud to be Dominican. May God bless you Kalya and those helping to make your wish come true

  20. henri
    March 25, 2011

    good work you guys, keep it up. I am truely touched

  21. Dominican for sure
    March 25, 2011

    I honestly pray that the blessings which reigns here in Dominica, within the rain forest, the fresh air, the senic view, etc. may help bring some healing to this little girl and that a miracle will be performed. God never ceases to amaze me.

  22. Blessed
    March 25, 2011

    Keep up the good work. Get better soon Kayla. Whispering a prayer for you.

  23. kk
    March 25, 2011

    Amen

  24. de caribbean change, BBA, MBA, CPA
    March 25, 2011

    I pray God Kayla’s wish sees her through and that she gets better and moves on with her life.

  25. Fuke-CHillot!!
    March 25, 2011

    WOW!…. I am touched!

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