"My cousin, my hero" is another heading that could aptly title this post. Back in February, I spoke about my cousin Ronell and how much he suffered after he was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. He was critically ill and on life support for almost a week. I don't think I've ever prayed so much or so earnestly for anything or anyone in my life.
Thankfully, by God's Glorious Grace, he regained consciousness with his beautiful spirit and energetic personality intact. However, there were multiple complications: septicemia and multiple organ failure; his heart, lung, kidney and liver have all suffered. He had to learn to move his hands and fingers again to do basic tasks like feeding himself.
Vasopressors and purpura fulminans have caused severe damage to his legs, feet, hands, fingers and toes. He is currently undergoing daily wound care and limb salvation treatment while still continuing to pursue his PhD! Despite vigorous wound care and multiple surgeries, doctors were forced to amputate several fingers and half of both feet leaving him unable to walk.
Ronell is a brother to me. He has been there for me and my family through our celebrations and harder times. We grew up together. He is the life of the party wherever he goes, has so many friends and is such a strong spirit and soul. He is a dancer and a musician with a love of singing and playing the tabla (twin hand drums). To say this is life-altering is really putting it lightly.
But despite all of this, my cousin is the bravest person I know. Ronell was my light in this Covid tunnel, always making me and my family laugh in some dark times. He wrote this beautiful message telling the family about his amputations on our family whatsapp group (after the fact, as he didn't want us all to worry through his surgeries) but telling us all thank you for our support and not to worry about him, that he will be fine and he is grateful to the great architect of this universe to be alive and blessed. In fact, when we spoke after I found out about his amputation, I was tearful and he comforted me.
So I've never this on my blogging platform, but his university has set up a GoFund me page, to aid in his recovery and re-institute his independent mobility. He has so many ongoing health care costs and prosthetics are very expensive. People have donated as little at $10 or as much as $1100. Every little bit helps and I would be so grateful to anyone who gives anything. You can donate here.
Thank you so much, friends and family. And my cousin, my brother, my hero, we are here for and with you on this road to recovery. Love you, Ronell.
