The IL Cares Foundation yesterday donated $5,000 to assist Kenniyah Rolle, 9, to get the surgery she needs to save her life.
The Sandilands Primary School 4th grader fell ill nearly two weeks ago.
Her distraught parents, Charmaine and Kenton Rolle, were subsequently told their daughter has a brain tumor.
Kenniyah’s medical bills are expected to exceed more than $100,000
Her parents expressed appreciation for the donation, telling Eyewitness News Online that they do not have the funds to finance the surgery, which has now been tentatively scheduled for tomorrow.
“I want to say thank you to the foundation for their help,” Rolle said.
“This will help us so much.
“She (Kenniyah) really needs this surgery and we need to get her to the hospital right away.”
During Kenniyha’s first procedure this week, doctors are expected to remove a sample of the tumor, following which it will be sent to the United States for examination.
The young student, who was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital, has had her feeding tube removed.
However, even with the assistance from the public and other entities, including the IL Cares Foundation, the family still needs to raise nearly $80,000.
Anyone who wants to support or donate can contact Kenniyha’s parents at 242-436-8676 or 242-426-3663.