Distressed mother seeks assistance for sick baby

Baby Jaheed Durand is in of medical assistance
Baby Jaheed Durand is in need of medical assistance

Two weeks after giving birth to her son, Tisiana Thomas of Portsmouth noticed that her baby’s cry was rather unusual.

Jaheed Durand was born on 31st May, 2013 and appeared healthy but his mother realized that something was not right since two weeks later Jaheed would cry uncontrollably and then turn “blue and motionless.”

“My baby is five months right now and two weeks after he was born I had to bring him back to the hospital because he was crying a lot and even when I would try to make him comfortable, he would still be screaming,” she told DNO. “Sometimes when he would lie on the bed he would turn blue, ash gray and stop breathing and when I picked him up he would take a big gasp and start breathing again.”

The concerned mother added that she thought her baby was being afflicted by gripes. However she soon dismissed that notion.

“When babies are born they usually have bad gripes but then I found it was too scary and unusual,” she related. “I had two babies before and they had gripes and it was nothing like that. I had to always be observing him and be at his side.”

Jaheed was taken to hospital where a neurologist from Martinique diagnosed him with having a Heart Murmur and Epilepsy. Epilepsy is a common and diverse set of chronic neurological disorders characterized by seizures while a Heart Murmur is an extra or unusual sound, such as a whoosing or swishing noise, heard during a heartbeat.

The baby was placed on a medication called Phenobabital, which he has to take constantly. This has reduced the epileptic seizures to one per day from three.

However Thomas said Jaheed now has to be taken to Martinique for surgery and more tests since the local hospital does not have the resources and equipment to conduct the required procedures.

She is now on a drive to raise funds to take Jaheed to the French island for treatment.

“We have to do some tests and probably surgery and also treatment. The cost of the entire trip is 4,000 EURO and so far we have raised EC$5,000. The government has provided some assistance,” she stated.

Thomas explained that she is scared of losing her baby since five years ago one of her children was killed in a landslide in San Sauveur.

“Jaheed is my baby and I am really scared. I spoke to the doctor and he told me to avoid stressing about it but it’s very scary and I am trying my best to see what I can do,” the distressed mother said.

Thomas stated further that if anyone in the public feels moved to make a donation to her cause they can do so through a National Bank of Dominica and PayPal account set up for that purpose.

The account number is 100060646 with account name Ian Durand (Swift Code NCDMDMDM), or those interested in assisting can call Thomas directly at 613-5212.

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72 Comments

  1. Hasta la Victoria
    November 15, 2013

    The doctors in Dominica should take a second look at this child’s seizures a reassess the need for phenobarbital! These symptoms may be secondary to a heart defect with shunting and not true seizures hence no need for this drug which has its own set of problems!

  2. US Troops
    November 14, 2013

    In the Names of the the Father your son is healed .Keep the faith high and strong. Don’t be scared my dear.

  3. Anonymous
    November 14, 2013

    my dear, your son is already healed in the name of Jesus…he will be ok.

    • Hasta la Victoria
      November 16, 2013

      If only that was true!

  4. Toi Lit-Bowl
    November 14, 2013

    Show your face nuh Mammy! it would make people more sympathetic and assured. Baby looks healthy in the pic.

  5. sis m
    November 14, 2013

    my heart is moved by this situation with this baby and also to the mother.i am believing God for his miraculous healing.I must tell you mum tha the call of God is on that childs life and it requires the mum surrender her heart and life completely to Jesus Christ so that she can bring him into knowing JesusChrist as his lord and personnal saviour so the lords purpose will be accomplished through this child.to the mother trials come our way to draw us close to God but some of us even we are overwhelmed we still harden our hearts to the word of God.God is bigger than this situation and I claim complete healing in Jesus name .amen

  6. advise
    November 14, 2013

    Contact Private Sector Foundation for Health they would be willing to help

  7. was epileptic
    November 14, 2013

    my dear girl.. its heart breaking to hear about this and i know this is maybe more scary to you than you are mentioning…when i was a baby my mother told me that the exact same thing was happening to me.. and they instantly diagnosed it as epilepsy…and the doctors said that i would grow out of it. and i did praise God.. now im praying that your baby grows out of it rather than you having to spend those large amounts of money.. you and your beautiful baby are in my prayers :(

  8. name
    November 14, 2013

    Why the money doh have an account in her name nuh…YOu know Dominicans already.

  9. SMFH
    November 14, 2013

    Please contact the Childrens Heart Fund. Dr. Rhonda McIntyre is one of the directors and also a pediatrician. I am surprised you haven’t been referred there. DNO and Media don’t always raise funds. People more commenting on what, who and why.

    • De Marine
      November 14, 2013

      Nonsense you talking.Its because DNO broke the news that i got to know and yes I have made my contribution,like many other people(not shouting it from the roof top)…Give DNO and the media a break man!!!

  10. November 14, 2013

    Only God’s love is greater than a mother’s love.

    The comments on DNO express a great outpouring of love from the good people of Dominica and throughout the Caribbean and beyond. You are truly a wonderful, loving, and caring people.

    I hold baby Tisiana up to God in prayer and agree with people of faith everywhere for this mother and child. I am only one of the thousands who are praying. Let us offer waves of intercession.

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Pentecostal Evangelist.

  11. expatriot
    November 14, 2013

    My aunt lived to 83 years old with a heart murmur, but some are more serious than others. I don’t suppose the operation is for the epilepsy. The article did not say what problem the operation was for, but I imagine it was for the heart murmur.

  12. big
    November 13, 2013

    O lord what is the GOVERNMENT doing about equipment in the country them people playing right now

  13. November 13, 2013

    According to Peter who said to the lame man on Solomon’s porch, who was asking for alms(money)and not thinking that he could be healed:

    Tisiana Thomas “Dollars and cents I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth I suggest to you to put your faith in the healing of Jesus Christ, because of His great Love for your baby.

    I assure that if it is not God’s plan for your baby to live, one million dollars to pay for her medical treatment cannot do save her. But is good to ask for the financial help–must be that is God’s will for saving your baby also.

    In the mean time do not be distressed as you say that you do not want your baby to die, she will not die if that is not God’s plan for her.

    My suggestion is that you continue in prayer, remembering that there is no greater physician than God Almighty–who made Himself the Living God through His Person of Love–Jesus Christ, for by His stripes we are healed through faith, the healing is for both the spiritual and physical body of ours.

    Believe that God puts His power in His humble servants–the doctors and nurses who will treat your baby, so that through your victory you will give Him the glory.

    Your baby is too beautiful to think that God has planned to take her away from you at such a young age–“faith is the substance of things not seen and the evidence of things hope for”.

    Therefore have faith in God’s authority through His Person–the Son, who is Jesus Christ, believe that your baby is on her way to perfect healing, God’s Will be done.

    • November 15, 2013

      Liz: You have made some powerful statements. I want to thank you for the light that shines though your comments into a world of darkness. Please keep up the good work.

      It is not a shame if a person has no money to give according to Acts 3:1-7 because we can – and should – still pray.

      However, if we HAVE money and ARE able help financially we should DO so according to 1 John 3:17 with James 2:15-17.

      It is God’s will to heal. But we live in a fallen broken world where God’s will is not always done for various reasons. So we continue to pray “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Someday this will literally be fulfilled!

      It is true that “…by his stripes we ARE healed…” (Isaiah 53:5) and praise the Lord, “…by (his) stripes ye WERE healed.” ( 1 Peter 2: 24) You are so right when you say this is BOTH spiritual and physical healing. This is indeed part of the full gospel. Many Christians do not understand this and unfortunately some argue against it. I want to remind them that (a) the quotation is taken from Isaiah 53 which is the great REDEMPTION chapter of the Old Testament, and (b) it is applied to physical healing in Matthew 8:16,17! I could share many other scriptures.

      Yes, healing IS in the atonement. Naturally, there are questions when people who are prayed for are not healed. I don’t have all the answers. This much I do understand. (a) We do not yet have the full benefits of the atonement. Here and now God is letting us taste the first fruits. (b) In God’s own time all who have died “in Christ” WILL be physically healed! Their faith, and the faith of those who prayed for them will be rewarded. When the trumpet of the lord sounds they will rise (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) (Philippians 3:20-21) with full credit for their faith!

      God can heal directly through prayer. He still performs miracles! He can heal indirectly through doctors, nurses, and other wonderful health care workers. We thank God for dedicated medical professionals. I personally have friends who are Christian medical doctors. Once I visited a Christian medical doctor in Toronto who was a specialist and an associate professor at the University of Toronto School of Medicine, and known for inventing one of the world’s great vaccines. I was desperate. My illness (he told me) was serious enough that I might have to quit preaching and do some other type of work. He gave me a prescription but to be honest he was not sure it would work. Then this world famous doctor (yes, if I gave you his name there are doctors in the Caribbean who would recognize it) stood up, and walked across the room. He came to where I was seated, laid his hands on me, and prayed. The rest is history. From that moment I never had a single twinge of the affliction. I admit I did take the prescription for a while. When I stopped using it the illness was gone. I often joke that I don’t know if it was the doctor’s prayer or his prescription that healed me! Later when I became a pastor in my first church we invited this doctor to come and preach for us on a Sunday in both the morning and evening services. I remember one of his sermons. He spoke about “The Healing Jesus.” He drove approx 80 miles each way. He refused to accept a financial honorarium or even let us pay his travel cost.

      For anybody interested in knowing more about God’s healing power in these days I invite you to visit our website:

      http://www.livinghopeministries.ca

      Click onto ARTICLES and read my article entitled JESUS IS THE SAME TODAY.

      If you would like a fuller knowledge of what the international outreach called Living Hope Ministries uncompromisingly stands for please click onto ARTICLES then click onto the ARTICLE entitled THINGS THAT CANNOT BE SHAKEN. Also you might find the ARTICLE on ANGELS and the one on UFOs interesting.

      Don’t be afraid of the website. We don’t ask for money! We are nor selling things! We don’t ask you to join anything!

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Pentecostal Evangelist. Executive Director of Living Hope Ministries.

  14. Vincy
    November 13, 2013

    I lost my baby at 5 months, doctors here were unable to diagnose correctly, which I was in a position to help….sad though…

  15. jason
    November 13, 2013

    oh great God above I bring to you little jaheed in your arms and his mother I pray for your precious healing and blessing upon this little child I beg for your mercy upon this child in the name of jesus lord please help his mother to fully accept you after u have done this miracle for her I pray and after you heal him use him to serve you and lead other to you,thank you father for answering our prayer on behalf of jaheed in the name of jesus AMEN AMEN..Jaheed will be heal jus believe in the power of jesus and trust him and you wont regret please believe me tisiana.

    • MeCamem
      November 14, 2013

      Wonderful prayer and I love it very much. Hope this is not an excuse for you not to make a contribution.

      Adam ate from the tree of knowledge not the tree of life. Which apparently was the objective so that doctors can diagnose medical problems. God did not want to baby-sit us he wanted us to take care of ourselves, which is why our knowledge has so significantly increased but not to the point where we can live forever: The real plan.

      However added to your prayer should have been attached a commitment towards a contribution because the child is in Martinique and the mother needs help.

  16. omega
    November 13, 2013

    IT seems like u domnicans don’t appreciate my intervention and my advice to be ready for any problem at CHU la meynard MARTINIQUE , it look like your confidence in occidental medicine go farer than your trust in my testimony:9 dislike!!!militant on me,hein?
    I WON’T TALK TO YOU AGAIN keep put your trust in french insttitutions,black to black; heartically!!!

    • November 13, 2013

      What the hell is that person trying to say . Can anyone clarify these phrases??

  17. ok
    November 13, 2013

    DNO Please set up your link page so that those of us without much time and access to those links given can make our small contribution…your contribution to this contribution will be our contribution.

    And why can’t the mother set up an account at NBD in her name? I don’t feel comfortable with a source I cannot check or refer to their background. Thanks

    • patience
      November 15, 2013

      you dont feel comfortable without seeing the mum face and you have a problem with the account being oin his dad name,d.a people just hard wen something happen alu playin crying

  18. Former teacher
    November 13, 2013

    Tisiana it so sad to see such a cutie having to go through that problem, I will certainly help.
    After your first tragedy, I can fully understand what you are going through. but trust in God and he will make miracles. \your little angel will survive.
    Hello you are from P>Bouche and in times like that we rally round our people. Have faith.

  19. Want to help
    November 13, 2013

    I need the paypal account #

    • Bank worker
      November 13, 2013

      What’s in that comment to thumbs-down? All the person is asking for is the number of the paypal account. If you did not understand, then the thumbs-down should be for you.

    • Anonymous
      November 14, 2013

      The account number is 100060646 with account name Ian Durand (Swift Code NCDMDMDM), or those interested in assisting can call Thomas directly at 613-5212.

    • Anonymous
      December 19, 2013

      100060646

  20. Anonymous
    November 13, 2013

    Oh boy this face would want me to give up my entire bank account. However i will sure patronize

  21. curious
    November 13, 2013

    Baby’s so cute. Contact the Private Sector Foundation for Health (PSFH). Contact J. Astaphan and Company for more info.

    • Know
      November 14, 2013

      Very good advice and the Children Heart fund

  22. Nature boy
    November 13, 2013

    This kid reminds me of my first born son I’m definitely gonna help

  23. Cyrique
    November 13, 2013

    What a very brave and courageous woman you are!! Your baby is gorgeous!!! This is one time when Dominicans will come together. We’re a kind hearted people. Lots of prayers for both of you darling. God bless you x

  24. Annette Simphor
    November 13, 2013

    I am particularly torched by your babies problem.I know how expensive and stressful this issues can be …financially emotionally and also communication wise because you are seeking help in a foriegn land where your language is not spoken….I lived in M/ques for over 20 yrs and most of my time was to help in whatever way I could ppl from my country Dominica when faced with medical issues ..be it stay translate..or refer…So I would also advice you to contact The Lyons Club in Martinique and Soucour Catholic….they will help not only financially but also a place to sleep and food to eat and comfort help while Baby is in hospital…..I know you must be so frightened but God can do anything if you trust in him..Be brave and confident baby Jaheem will overcome. Smile…

    • Stranger Times Ahead
      November 13, 2013

      Excellent advice and guidance. I can feel that you have a good heart.

    • Grand Bay Girl
      November 13, 2013

      That is whom we have always been Good job

    • patience
      November 15, 2013

      thanks

  25. omega
    November 13, 2013

    hey yo’domnicans!!!:fi ya information,i’m a martiniquaise woman,and when i as young,my little brother, born in 1974,had this kind of symptoms when he was crying,he was getting blue and solid like a stone,extremely tense,and no breathing at all.First time, my mama ran out of the house with him shouting:the child is dead,the child is dead (she was bringing him to an old guadelupean woman dat wa workin with her at the time in a mountanous region in FRANCE),but the old woman take him and pass him under warm water,and he was sleeping.After that, its was often,i was very anxious,because when he was crying with anger, it was bound to happen,but we put him in the bed every time,and after a few time,we was hearing his breathing coming back powerfully,and each time,he was sleeping deeply and for a long time.DIS symptom disapeared after about after 2/3 years of lifetime,we didnt brought him to doctor for that.DISAPPEAR.. n be ready for them so called doctor n nurse, they got a lot of problem n incompetence …its not easy,but of course,i’ll wish u da best

    • Anonymous
      November 13, 2013

      Well what Omega is saying is true to some extent because my child was born in the states with this extra murmur i cannot say i experienced the same sytomps like turning blue etc but the doctor sure did give me the assurance that it happens all the time with new born babies and that the symtomps would dissappear in which it did.

  26. gwaj
    November 13, 2013

    Very adorable baby. I will contribute and hope that he will be alright.

  27. Anonymous
    November 13, 2013

    may god blessed ur child ,, hope everything goes well with hin

  28. Made In Dominica
    November 13, 2013

    Please indicate the Paypal account ID. Best Wishes!!

    • Toi LitoBowl
      November 13, 2013

      I will check back to get the pay pal account so I may do my small contribution part. God is able to do all things.

  29. unbeliveable
    November 13, 2013

    you know whats me laugh, is the fact that all that money has been wasted on oil refinery and other nonsense, and money thats given out at the red clinic at voting time, imagine if all that money had been used to improve dominicas hospital equipmet and staff, then this poor mother would not have to endure this, isnt it about time the goverment started thinking about looking after the health and welfare of there people…..all my prayers to you xxx

    • talk is free
      November 13, 2013

      Seems like u are not very informed on the important things that are going on in Dominica. I’ll forgive u for the ignorance. Pleas make a donation to this very worthy cause?

    • Day Day
      November 13, 2013

      This is UNBELIEVABLE!! I can’t believe someone is asking for help for her baby and all you can talk about is politics? shame on you.
      If you don’t have anything good to say, why don’t you shot your clappers

    • sakafete
      November 13, 2013

      why don’t you help this woman istead of talking your .

    • patience
      November 15, 2013

      stop talking politics

  30. faith
    November 13, 2013

    i dont have much but i hope the little i am willing to give will make a difference……….have faith love you and loves little children..i’ll ask my church to pray for ur son and donate what they can…god bless

  31. mafier police
    November 13, 2013

    my god in heaven am standing befor you today for the Heath of this kid and also the mum my god please held that every thing goes well amen

  32. Proof of prays
    November 13, 2013

    By the power of prayers this baby shall be healed, in the precious name of the most high.

  33. I for what is right
    November 13, 2013

    Well what is wrong with his heart? A heart murmur is not a diagnosis. And is there no account in the mother’s name?

  34. Jimi Hendrix
    November 13, 2013

    I would like to send her some money via Western Union, but I need her contact information.

    • November 13, 2013

      Tisiana Thomas, Portsmouth, Dominica. Ph# 613-5212.

      • Anonymous
        December 19, 2013

        tisiana thomas paixbouche. ph 17676135212

    • patience
      November 15, 2013

      her information is tisiana thomas address paix bouche

  35. Massacre
    November 13, 2013

    Very sad story. may God Bless and help you all the way with your baby.

  36. Anonymous
    November 13, 2013

    We need to come together as one

  37. precious
    November 13, 2013

    you have such a beautiful baby :)

  38. Bawi
    November 13, 2013

    Have faith. God is in control

    • Anonymous
      November 13, 2013

      Why dont you contribute something to her instead of telling her God is in control. She needs money not words.

      • lincy
        November 13, 2013

        that was the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard…WORDS are comforting in case you don’t know, if the person can’t contribute, they can pray. Think before u speak ok boo

      • Bawi
        November 13, 2013

        I will always contribute.

      • dsc student
        November 13, 2013

        So y dnt u make a contribution instead of criticizing those words of comfort

  39. Tj
    November 13, 2013

    DNO – Is the account in the mother’s name. To wire money the account name is important.

    Thanks.

    • kylie
      November 13, 2013

      The article says account name is Ian Durand

      • Tj
        November 13, 2013

        Thanks. Can’t believe I miss the name and the swift from the article.

    • gmmm
      November 13, 2013

      Ian Durand

    • November 13, 2013

      Account number 100060646 name “Ian Durand”.

  40. mankind
    November 13, 2013

    speedy recovery Jaheed. God is ALWAYS in control. I pray those of us who can assist do so.

  41. Anonymous
    November 13, 2013

    my gosh i feel bad i wish i had some money i could give …geez i feel for you stay strong . :cry:

    • STILLAWANDAFULWOLD
      November 13, 2013

      Yes you do

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