Following our successful Fundraiser recently, Rasonte is schedule to go to Houston - Texas for the fitting of new legs and her first myoelectric hand.

The success of the Fundraiser is a result of the support we have received from all persons, but first thanks to all of you…… as a result of the support and encouragement from all the staff here at Southern Palms.

I am truly thankful for the support and I am proud of my team and how we have taken this opportunity to come together to help one of our own. Not only have we shown what a great team we are, but also how much can be done when we stand together for a worthwhile cause.

The result of the Fundraiser was a total of Bds $ 45,000 and since then we have received additional donations, bringing the fund to a total of Bds$ 60,000.

Since then CBC has launched a Raffle in Rasonte's name.

Despite the success of the fundraiser and the fact that we have been able to raise enough for the immediate need, the future awareness is important to be able to adequately maintain the prosthesis and equip Rasonte for her future. Rasonte had legs fitted in December 2003, these have had to be adjusted every 6 months and are now due for replacement.

Rasonte is scheduled to leave for Houston Texas on June 10th. to have her first fitting of the right myoelectric hand and a passive hand for her left arm. 6 months from now she will have to go for adjustment of the right hand and will then be fitted with the left myoelectric hand. The myoelectric function will give her the ability to have movement of fingers. Because of her age and constant growth, the adjustments have to be done every 6 months and replacements every 3-4 years.

Unfortunately there are no pediatric prosthesis expert here in Barbados and all of her needs involves travel for consultation and treatment, this of course at great expense.

Once again I have to say that circumstances such as these calls for the support of all, it is impossible for the Parsons family to manage these challenges by themselves and I am proud of the support that we have received in our efforts and I am personally thankful that I have been able to make a difference in achieving what we have so far.

The staff at Southern Palms need to be applauded, they have come onboard this initiative to support one of their colleagues and without them it would not have been possible.