The Tribune

By CELESTE NIXON

Tribune Staff Reporter

cnixon@tribunemedia.net

A DESPERATE mother is making a public plea for help with the medical expenses of her young son, who is struggling with cancer.

Six year-old Richard Riley-Roberts was diagnosed with a Wilm's Tumour (a malignant tumour of the kidney) after becoming extremely sick and suffering respiratory distress while on vacation with his family in Miami.

According to a letter from Richard's doctor in Miami, following his diagnosis he went through major surgery and chemotherapy treatment, which was completed in 2010.

But, during a routine check-up that summer, the disease was found in his lungs, for which he received a second round of chemotherapy and radiation.

Richard was four at the time.

He was well until last January, when he had to be admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, suffering from shortness of breath, chest pain and fever.

Tests revealed his disease had returned again.

After reviewing the results, an expert reported that the cancer was non-anaplastic, giving Richard a higher chance of being cured with high doses of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

Unfortunately, with no health insurance, his family is currently $90,000 in debt and another round of therapy, depending on the intensity of the treatment could cost $10,000 every six months and up to $150,000 for the transplant.

And, the treatment cannot begin until the old bill is paid, a letter from the University of Miami Hospital said.

Richard's mother, Latoya Riley-Roberts, said time is of the essence and any donation would be "a blessing".

If you would like to help Richard or learn more about his case, call Mrs Riley-Roberts on (242) 456-8680.