Teen on ventilator for nine months cant go home due to unpaid bills

Wednesday, Oct 16, 2013

Dubai: After nine months of being on ventilator support in a hospital, an Indian teenager with special needs is ready to be discharged, but her parents are unable take her home due to unpaid medical bills.

Desperate for financial assistance, the parents are counting on community support.

The girl, Cherize Shekri, 12, who is diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome and cerebral palsy, has been on ventilator support since her admission at Dubai Hospital in January this year.

Cherize had a tracheostomy, a surgical procedure to create an opening through the neck into the trachea (windpipe), to allow direct access to the breathing tube.

Her mother Arabelle Shekri, who has been by her daughter’s side since her admission, has learnt the medical skills required to operate a ventilator.

Gulf News published in a report in August through which the family appealed for financial aid. Through donations, the Shekri family has been able to purchase a home ventilator costing Dh150,000.

Mother learns skills

“With the home ventilator, Cherize can be brought home. However, we are struggling to raise the money to be able to settle the hospital bill which has crossed Dh400,000. I have learnt basic chest and limb physio, tracheotomy suction and care — the skills required to care for my daughter on ventilator support,” Arabelle told Gulf News.

The teenager is alert and fully conscious. The doctors claim that nothing else can be done and that it is the parents’ choice to take her home.

According to a medical report from the hospital, Cherize was admitted at Dubai Hospital on January 22, 2013 after suffering from breathlessness and unconsciousness. Since admission, she has been on ventilator support.

The mother hasn’t been working since January, and the family — with an older son — is struggling to survive on the father’s sole salary.

Arabelle said: “Cherize’s older brother Steve celebrates his 14th birthday on October 24. He said the best birthday gift would be to bring his sister home.”

To help the family, email arabelleshekri@hotmail.com or donate directly to the Dubai Hospital against Cherize Shekri’s Health Card number 76162818.

By Carolina DSouza Staff Reporter