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The following press release was sent to Wired868 by the friends and family of 14 year old Trinidad and Tobago chess olympiad and St Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain student, Della-Marie Walcott:
(Courtesy Amiel Mohammed)
The family and friends of Della-Marie Walcott would firstly like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the supporters and well wishers of Della-Marie during these trying times while she lies in a coma.
We would like to reaffirm that previous information regarding her condition did not originate from her parents and, unfortunately, one or two inaccuracies have been circulating.
Della-Marie, a 14 year old student of St Joseph’s Convent (Port of Spain), exudes confidence and brilliance. She is strong minded and has called the chess board her favoured arena for many years.
The 2013 CARIFTA junior chess champion has proudly represented Trinidad and Tobago at several regional and international chess tournaments, including bringing home gold and silver medals at the CAC and CARIFTA youth chess championships over the past seven years.
She has also represented the T&T women’s team at the World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey and Tromso, Norway in 2012 and 2014 respectively.
This amazing young lady’s performances for the “Red, White and Black”, earned her nominations for the First Citizens Sports Foundation Youth Awards in 2011 and 2013 and even inspired her to give back to her community by volunteering as a chess trainer at the Credo Foundation (POS) in 2015.
Della-Marie, was diagnosed and had a tumour removed from her brain on 22 December 2015. The tumour was later tested and found to be benign (not cancerous).
The area of the brain affected was very small and her recovery required a secondary procedure. After this procedure was conducted, she slipped into a coma and has been in that condition ever since.
Her medical expenses while in ICU have been escalating and as such any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
The outpouring of support from Trinidad and Tobago and those abroad thus far have truly been humbling. Every little kind gesture, offer of support and prayer cannot be undervalued.
It is in these moments that solace can be found in something as simple as a hug or a smile. We continue to believe and smile with Trinidad and Tobago as we hope and pray for her recovery.
Anyone interested in assisting can make donations at https://www.gofundme.com/hyjvc2rr or contact Amiel Mohammed—Della Marie’s cousin—at 755-3734 for further information.
Editor’s Note: Wired868 urges readers to click HERE for more information on offering financial assistance to Della-Marie Walcott.
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I thought The Childrens Life Fund was for such incidents.
Awaiting further information to make a donation and definitely praying for her recovery
May God be grscious to you and grant you healing!
Miracles happen everyday….keep the faith….i’will remember her in my prayers…
Donations can be made at Republic Bank Ltd in the name “Friends of Della-Marie Walcott” – AC# 180801224831. Thank you to everyone for all the support.
Know the Walcott Family well. Our heartfelt prayers are with her and with them all for a swift recovery.
Prayers go up for you baby girl.
Keep fighting ??
I just saw this in a group chat
~For our Della-Marie Walcott
in ICU since 22nd Dec, aft emergency brain surgery.
Good Food for a Great Cause!
The tel # they gave for tickets is Debra Cuthbert #687-2146
Tickets also at Kenny’s Sport Center West Mall and St James from tomorrow. ~
This information was passed to us from someone who knows the parents and had asked for prayers and masses for Della-Marie since Christmas Eve and has been giving us updates regularly.
Lasana Liburd yes this is legit. These ticket sales are in the first batch of tickets which are virtually sold out. Sending out info of the new batches should be released tomorrow.
What sort of food is it?
Trin No Pepper Bagonian curry – beef, chicken or veg.
What is the location for pickup? Are they doing office deliveries for bulk orders?
Trin No Pepper Bagonian it’s on Hott Shoppe – Mucurapo Road. I’ll find out about the delivery possibility.
Family Update: The family of Della-Marie have been overwhelmed by the support of the media fraternity, supporters and well wishers during these testing times.
Many people have been clamoring for more information on how other contributions can be made outside of the gofundme page. We are in the process of finalizing details for other fundraising initiatives such as a Hott Shoppe Curry Q, movie fundraiser and a local deposit account. These details will be announced on Thursday 21 January 2015.
We would prefer to conduct any interviews when these details are finalized so as to allow correct and definitive information to be circulated.
Thank you once again and we cannot speak highly enough about the support and the care that she is receiving from her medical team.
These things can be technical. But I agree. Hopefully the family can get assistance from not only the public but State and chess community.
I believe Tenacious Cornelis had stated citizens can access up to $60,000 to assist with medical expenses. I also know sometimes Ministry of Social Development can assist-two persons I am aware of did surgeries and did not pay-but that was pre-approved-don’t know if that makes it different. Maybe Amery can advise you or the family of available options.
I would say her staying in ICU is life-saving…
I was advised by Amery that the Children’s Life Fund is meant to provide life saving intervention. So more details would be needed to know what Della-Marie can actually access in terms of State funding.
Is it that she needs another operation?Are the funds solely to pay for her expenses in ICU?
These are some of the critical questions going forward if she is to apply for State funding.
I was advised by Amery that the Children’s Life Fund is meant to provide life saving intervention. So more details would be needed to know what Della-Marie can actually access in terms of State funding.
Amiel, is it that she needs another operation? What are the funds for? To pay for her expenses in ICU? Or for something else?
She is resting well in ICU, albeit in a coma. The funds will be used for medical expenses related to her stay in ICU. Unfortunately she is in no state to be moved anywhere.
But will there be need for a surgery when she wakes up? (Please God) Or will it then be a matter of after-care?
As of right now, we really cannot say as its such a delicate situation. To my knowledge, no further surgery is lined up however things can, and actually have changed in the blink of an eye over the past month. Really tough to say. Lots of prayers
Lots of prayers man. And let us know about those fund raisers.
Definitely will.
As discussed with Lasana I have communicated with the Ministry of Health and ultimately the Minister this morning. He indicates that arrangements are being made for financial assistance via the Children’s Life Fund. I suggest that fundraising should continue simultaneously as such assistance might not cover the totality of costs.
Excellent news. Thanks Amery!
Amery Browne thank you. Greatly appreciated.
Amery, any advice on navigating the system?
She is in our prayers…
My mind goes back to Jan-Michael’s situation with his then fiancee. It is really sad.
Nerisha, Nicole and Savitri, we will get updates from Amiel on the different fundraisers.
Thanks Lasana Liburd. Her medical team has been fantastic. Brain conditions are always extremely sensitive so its just one of those things. Thanks again for the support. Other fundraising initiatives will be announced a little later this week.
I agree Savitri Maharaj…the discrepancies is what is now put out and what was put out at first is not really relevant…the most important thing is the child is sick and we all hope she can recover….and any little bit the parent receive can go along way I’m sure
Whether the tumour is benign or malignant…I hope she pulls through safely. Not a nice situation to be in.
Why do you say that?
If you go to the page you will see the info there is slightly different to the release put out. Im sure we all have no issue with anything because at the end of the day, the child is in a coma and needs all the help.
Right. Okay
The last few days have been a bit crazy so we are in the process of streamlining all the information. At the end of the day, all the “craziness” and attention has come from a positive place where people are just interested in assisting, offering well wishes and prayers and we are most grateful.
No real biggie for me…buy maybe Amiel can liaise with whoever created the gofundme acct and update him/her.