Retired school principal needs ‘emergency’ help to fund heart surgery

The crowd-funding account was established after Caballero was admitted to the Kingston Public Hospital on June 21, 2023.

Raul Caballero, the eldest of three sons for Justice of the Peace and her husband Anthony Caballero, said the total sum to perform the surgery is yet to be determined but has set an initial target of US$30,000.

“She's currently still there but requires emergency heart surgery to save her life. The total sum thus far is undetermined however her family and friends are seeking your assistance in getting the process started as nothing will be done without upfront payments,” he shared in a public post.

“We are all praying and believing in God's grace and mercy and that His will be done but we are also all seeking whatever assistance in getting this urgently needed care. Whether it be in thoughts and prayers, qualified medical assistance or cash we are reaching out to everyone to help us to provide this urgently needed care for one of Jamaica's and the world's truly great women.”

And in an update with Old Harbour News, Mr Caballero, the husband, informed that doctors have advised the family that it will cost $1.8 million to implant a pacemaker plus an additional $4 million to perform the surgery to save his lifelong partner of more than 50 years.

“The results of all the tests came back and the prognosis from the doctors unfortunately isn't good. My mom needs an ICD and pacemaker implant immediately to keep her heart rate stable in order for them to treat her with medication to keep her stable in the short term which should allow us time to schedule for open heart surgery to remove the artery blockages,” Raul added in another public update outlining the dire situation the family faces at this moment.

“We're trying to get the finances together ASAP as time is very limited right now. She's still admitted at The Heart Institute of Jamaica but that's currently only until Friday as keeping her there is costing JMD$100,000 per day. After Friday we will have to take her home if we haven't come up with the cost of the implants which is a whopping JMD$4,000,000.00 or USD$27,000.00. We are continuing to ask for everyone's support as this is so far still a great challenge we face.”

She also served as councillor of the Heartlands Division for the People’s National Party (PNP) in the 1970s.

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