Dubai: Joel Thomas, the nine-month-old baby suffering from cerebral and eyesight problems whom XPRESS readers wholeheartedly reached out to last month, underwent a neuro-surgery at a hospital in Kerala, India, last week.
The VP Shunt surgery to address fluid retention in his brain was conducted at the Indo-American Hospital in Vaikom, Kerala, a spokesperson for the NGO, Valley of Love (VoL), said. VoL is co-ordinating with Joel's parents and doctors for his treatment.
"A CT scan on July 1 has revealed that the neuro-surgery has been a success. The family can now proceed towards restoration of Joel's eyesight," the spokesperson said.
Efforts are now on to get Joel admitted to the Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospital for his eye treatment.
Apart from restoring of his eyesight (retinopathy with leukocoria and partial retinal detachment), Joel will have to undergo treatment for a hearing impairment and hernia, the spokesperson added. He said generous contributions by UAE residents have ensured that the best possible treatment can be made available for Joel.
"The total collection towards Joel's medical fund has been Dh176,320," he added.
