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Mother desperately seeking to raise £20K for local toddler with ‘breathing’ challenges

- Alian R.F. Lewis, mother of Jeremiah C. Pickering Jr, wants to take child to UK to hopefully find a diagnosis & cure
Jeremiah Pickering Jr, who was born on November 14, 2021, has been suffering from respiratory challenges days after he was born. Photo: GoFundMe
According to Alian R.F. Lewis, doctors in the [British] Virgin Islands have been unable to make a proper diagnosis and she has decided to make the 'frightening but needed move' to the United Kingdom (UK) to seek a diagnosis and possible treatment for little Jeremiah C. Pickering Jr. Photo: Provided
According to Alian R.F. Lewis, doctors in the [British] Virgin Islands have been unable to make a proper diagnosis and she has decided to make the 'frightening but needed move' to the United Kingdom (UK) to seek a diagnosis and possible treatment for little Jeremiah C. Pickering Jr. Photo: Provided
The GoFundMe account created on Thursday, October 26, 2023, has so far raised £612 of its £20,000 goal. Photo: GoFundMe
The GoFundMe account created on Thursday, October 26, 2023, has so far raised £612 of its £20,000 goal. Photo: GoFundMe
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- A distressed mother desperate to save the life of her almost 2-year-old son has turned to the public to help raise some £20,000 via GoFundMe.

Alian R.F. Lewis stated on the GoFundMe account that her son Jeremiah C. Pickering Jr, who was born on November 14, 2021, has been suffering from respiratory challenges days after he was born.

She also said doctors in the [British] Virgin Islands have been unable to make a proper diagnosis and she has decided to make the “frightening but needed move” to the United Kingdom (UK) to seek a diagnosis and possible treatment for little Jeremiah.

Ms Lewis stated that her son even spent an entire month in hospital but since his release, he [son] has continued to battle daily with his breathing, “to the point where I am unable to work and must be by his side 24/7.

‘Declining health’

She said, through prayers and support from his family and friends Jeremiah continues to fight but his health is still declining and she has no answer as to why he has been in a constant state of respiratory distress for almost 2 years.

“At present Jeremiah stops breathing in his sleep and I then must administer a vigorous sternal rub on his back to force him to take a breath and resume breathing. Because of this, I am surviving on little to no sleep. I am afraid to sleep when he does.”

Ms Lewis also wrote that she was fired from her job, as she had to stay home to care for her son on many occasions.

“As I still don’t have a diagnosis for my son and no care or treatment plan in place; with my very last I made the difficult decision to migrate to the United Kingdom to save my son’s life.

“I am humbly asking for assistance for this frightening but NEEDED move. I am requesting donations to assist me with the relocation in taking Jeremiah to the UK, where he can get a diagnosis and necessary care that is needed. His life depends on it, this is my last hope to save my son. I thank you all so much in advance for your kind generosity,” Ms Lewis wrote.

The GoFundMe account created on Thursday, October 26, 2023, has so far raised £612 of its £20,000 goal.

57 Responses to “Mother desperately seeking to raise £20K for local toddler with ‘breathing’ challenges”

  • resident (27/10/2023, 08:39) Like (46) Dislike (0) Reply
    Excuse my ignorance but doesn't SD assist in the relocation of special needs children to u.k if that is what the child needs?
  • Hmm (27/10/2023, 08:41) Like (37) Dislike (3) Reply
    Sad story. What is NHI doing.
  • BOTTOM LINE (27/10/2023, 09:12) Like (18) Dislike (4) Reply
    NHI seems to be a waste of time...Only there to help the rich and enrich it seems
  • 250,000 free concert (27/10/2023, 09:14) Like (57) Dislike (1) Reply
    Girl go to the Premier for help because he said we are not broke and the economy is robust.
  • My Goodness (27/10/2023, 09:31) Like (23) Dislike (6) Reply
    If you read what the lady is asking for is money to help in her relocation to the UK not for medical purposes. since we are a British dependent territory Britain do assist with medical costs. Mother, please ask further about this initiative. I hate it when all people can ask what Hoppen to NHI without reading.
    • False. (27/10/2023, 12:15) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
      The uk does not help off the bat. One must prove to be habitually resident in the Uk before NHS treatment becomes free. And even having proving habitual residency one must reside in The UK for a continuous 12 months before NHS services because free.
      • @False. (27/10/2023, 13:16) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
        Correct. You would have to have been living in the United Kingdom itself for a certain period of time to claim free NHS care. This is coming from someone who has moved from the Bvi and lived in the Uk.
      • kind (28/10/2023, 11:31) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        You dont know what you talking about. once that child has a uk passport NHS number is provided once the mother goes to the gp and she wouldn't have to pay for no medical
  • But (27/10/2023, 10:06) Like (15) Dislike (47) Reply
    £20,000.00? flights to UK under £1000 getting rented accommodation for 3 months well under £3000 including deposit, all healthcare is FREE so why such greed?
    • A reader (27/10/2023, 10:53) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
      What a cruel and thoughtless post, relocating is very costly and many things have to be taken into sccount, the mother should not have to go with just the bare minimum, what about, passports, travel in the country, food, clothes ete etcshe may not be able to get seen by the doctors right away, it much easier to get an appt in Tortola than it is in the Uk
      By the way if you know how to get to Uk for 1000.00 please let me know
      • @ A reader (27/10/2023, 13:35) Like (9) Dislike (7) Reply
        Shouldn't be going to the Uk. The US is closer and much more affordable. I would never go to the UK.
        • Paper (27/10/2023, 15:23) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
          Healthcare is more expensive in the USA and you don't know if they can enter the USA.
        • eh :-s (27/10/2023, 15:43) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
          BIG BIG USA that you need excellent health insurance to even breathe in a hospital.You are saying IS MORE AFFORDABLE THAN THE UK? You are very out of touch and unhinged to even write that.
        • @@ (28/10/2023, 11:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Us us us %$#@ the us bill going to be 200,000 when she is done uk is free as charge
      • regular traveler (02/11/2023, 03:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Traveling through the US is cheaper for 650 per person and base on the child age, he can travel less the cost. food in England is cheaper than here, I relocated already I don't know about the costly part it wasn't costly for me. I don't know which part of England that she is looking to relocate too but it have affordable apartments more affordable than the BVI. I don't know her financial status but she could have taken him to the neighbors islands and get him diagnose. since here can not figure it out then the local doctors suppose to write a recommendation letter to have the child seek medical outside the BVI which should be sent to NHI so that NHI can be used outside the scoop. It have stt and Puerto Rico at least to get the diagnose.
    • Think before you speak (27/10/2023, 13:30) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
      Ms. Lewis has 3 other children most likely she is going with all of them you don’t know her situatuon be kind
    • Oh! (27/10/2023, 15:29) Like (22) Dislike (4) Reply
      It’s evident you have not been anywhere but in your mother's house!

      Last min flights to the UK are well over 1k per person. Secondly rented accommodation in the UK requires a minimum of 6 months’ rent as she does not have rental history or a credit history. Fully furnished privately rented homes start at £900. £900 x 6 is already £5,400.
      She then has council tax which a MANDATORY tax associated with living in a property. That averages to about £187 a month. (Dependant on the city you reside it can be astronomically higher)
      The energy bills during the winter season coupled with the current cost of living crisis in the UK is about £245 a month. I personally pay £300 a month. Let’s not forget water bill, groceries, transport and the purchasing of warm clothing. That can and will easily surpass the £20K she is humbly asking for.

      Again, Healthcare is not free. Whilst she may be a BVIslander/British Citizen, the Law states that if you have been outside the UK for more than 3 years even as a British Citizen, she will have to prove she will a habitual resident in the UK and then be in continuous habitual residency for 12 months before being eligible for NHS treatment. Only emergency NHS treatment will be free. (e.g. being rushed to the hospital or treated in A&E) In some cases they may wave the charges, but she won't know until she is in the UK and the administrators of her chosen children's hospital decide case by case.

      Before you spew your ignorance and assumptions, please don't speak on this young lady's situation like you are the almighty. If you don't want to donate trod on. She is literally trying to save her child's life and you talking about greed without knowing facts! Very ignorant.
    • @But (27/10/2023, 19:25) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      You are wong (and cruel). Health care would not be free to her or her son as they have not lived in the UK for the qualifying time period.
    • @But (27/10/2023, 22:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Your comment is not only heartless but shows clearly you are under educated and operating in a small minded world. You probably should consider traveling more and getting in tune with world events, including the cost of living.
    • @ But (28/10/2023, 11:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You ever been there? stop talk things what you dont know
  • Observer (27/10/2023, 10:13) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    I can recall many years ago my nephew had a similar problem and no X-rays or other tests could determine the root of the problem. The doctors decided to open him up and they found a sugar-apple seed lodged somewhere in his lungs/airways which created the breathing problems. My sister kept that apple seed in a plastic ziplock for many years; she probably still has it.
  • my two cents (27/10/2023, 10:28) Like (5) Dislike (13) Reply
    Why so far? Why are you okay? Why not go to the US? Where it's more closer to the British Virgin Islands and less expensive. It's only my little 2 cents.
    • @my two cents (27/10/2023, 13:50) Like (6) Dislike (17) Reply
      You are right. After the Dameon debacle, I trust NO ONE! Go PR or STT for a diagnosis. You can return after 3 days, tops. No need to MOVE to the UK for a DIAGNOSIS. 20,000 for what??? No offence but some people looking to move UK on the public purse. It is what it is. Telling me since 2021 she could not make a trip next door to get diagnosis? All I can offer is prayers, prayers and more prayers. Your son is now healed. Go in peace.
      • look (28/10/2023, 11:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        From since 2021 she has bean to several pediatrician and doctors in the bvi you cant read . You just want to run your mouth think before you speak even if she go to the US she's still has to find funds to deal with her son and well over the 20,000 . What she going to the US for shes a British Virgin Islander and her son, no connection with the US but she has connection in the United Kingdom we are under the UK rule.
        All the best mommy
  • Anonymous (27/10/2023, 10:28) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    My prayers are with the child and the family
  • Well (27/10/2023, 10:44) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    Firsrly, hats offf to mothers they are alway taking the added responsibility with kids. Vety rare you see fathers going to US or UK with a child who needs special help. I sure hope the dad is helping too. I wish you the best with Jeremiah.
    .
  • Well (27/10/2023, 11:11) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
    This seems like a better endeavour than funding Dameon's house
    • @Well (28/10/2023, 17:57) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      You wouldn't ' know until after the fact ir maybe never, Me? No sireee..Dame eon and
      Sin D fx the goose and no one in authority give a hoot.
      My wallet ain't openin without evidence and corroboration publicly submitted
      along with the solicitation of funds which in my opinion would have been a common sense decent thing to do.


  • smh (27/10/2023, 11:44) Like (17) Dislike (8) Reply

    Some of you guys sound so *&^%$ foolish. Do you think NHI is just a blank cheque? It's INSURANCE, it doesn't mean that everyone that gets sick will be covered for everything. You complain about having to pay the contribution but want it to cover everything under the sun. Real life does not work this way, this is why bigger countries with National Health Systems require people to pay 20% and more of their earnings in taxes/contributions. There's no free lunch! I'm sorry for the young lady, perhaps she could call Heritage/Cindy and do a fundraiser via their program. I will donate to the gofund me, who ever else can afford should assist as well. NHI has its issues but it has saved many lives since inception. It's far from perfect but stop letting emotions make you talk sh**.

  • Wishing the baby and family well (27/10/2023, 12:42) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    Some of us always know the solution to other people issues. The mommy did not ask for advice. She asked for assistance. If you can't donate, just scroll along and say a prayer if you believe that prayer works. Why all the unwarranted comment? If a person has a medical issue, it is not up to the healthcare insurance to pay for flights, hotel, relocation or accommodation expenses, not even when we had BUPA we didn't get that. I am sure the mother already did her research and she has family in UK who have checked things out on that end already. We just like to poke. Our badmindness is the reason alot of people will rather eat live wire that beg the BVI community for anything because youall are horrible people.

    Mom, from mother to mother, I know the struggle. I hope you get answers and your little one will get better soon. It hurts to see your child suffering. May the hand of his creator heal him.
  • My Goodness (27/10/2023, 14:27) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    At false that is why i said to ask about the imitative. you cannot go to Britain on your own and expect to be covered by NHS. If you do that ,what you are saying is correct. There is a program in place between the BVI and Britian but it must be done in the right way. Please ask questions. Only trying to help.
  • Celery juice (27/10/2023, 14:30) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    Fresh Celery juice may assist
  • Fam (27/10/2023, 15:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I pray she gets the help she needs
  • . (27/10/2023, 16:13) Like (14) Dislike (5) Reply
    You all was quick to help a man "save his house" but a baby needs help and you all talking crap. If you not going to help, shut up.
  • The other generation (27/10/2023, 16:25) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    Lots and I mean plenty of our high sch age children are using marijuana like candy. Then there is the secound hand smoker. Please pay attention to this, this also sends the child or children of these smokers to other illnesses such as SLOW LEARNERS, UNDER DEVELOPMENTS AND SPECIAL NEEDS. We already have them all as results of smoking and marijuana is illegal in the BVI!!
  • Listen (27/10/2023, 16:38) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    I'm all for helping but I just have a question.

    she want to move to the u.k. to seek treatment. to me you need to reach out to the u.k. to see if the u.k. can help him. (sorry I didn't see any where it said that she found a doctor that she is sure to help him in the u.k. that why I said that.

    Please don't come for me I am just putting in my 2 cents as I am a mother as well and I read everything.

    if you move and the up cant help him would you move again to somewhere else.

    the internet is our world google what is going on see if others have the same problem and where their live and if you can find the doctor they use to help them. then to me you can make the move or go to seek help for your son.

    moving is a great thought at the moment but you still have to find some where to live and a hospital that will take your insurance if you still have since you said you are not working.

    research as much as you can before taking that step to save your son life.

    i wish you all the best.
    • Real life (28/10/2023, 04:48) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      I'm with the writer listen making that move to the UK without doing any research is a big step. Please lady think this over RP is next door to the BVI and there are very good doctor's there. NHI and Pavia hospital has a partnership that works .please get a referral from a local doctor take it to NHI and they will help. I know someone who suffered the same breathing problem and they got help from NHI and went to PR and today they are doing much better and they find out what the problem was after almost a year visiting local doctor to no avail. Please try stay close to home PR is not far from Tola. You will be amazed at the results going to PR will bring. PR will request a CT scan and it's not going to cost you thousands like in Tortola and St. Thomas . What ever money you raise will go along way with food and hotel. Start working with NHI to see a lung specialist at Pavia hospital. That is my contribution. Thank you may God grant you the strength to do this for your son God bless you both.
  • @oh (27/10/2023, 17:29) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    i fly to the uk every year so actually know the prices. Also NHS is free as it should only be used for emergencies and children are free.

    St Thomas to London Heathrow on Thursday 7th December for 1 adult and 4 children , 1 under 2 for a flight on United at 2.12pm comes to a grand total of $1439 about £1200 and that is for 5 of them flying.

    Also rent in the UK varies widely, if she moved to Birmingham or Manchester rent would be under £500 so again its where she wants to go and the level of begging she expects to do there , instead of here. So no assumptions only facts of life and perhaps if she had learned them in school she wouldnt be in this situation, harsh but true.
    • @ @oh (27/10/2023, 19:28) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      “The NHS provides free hospital treatment to people who live in the UK permanently. Your child must live here lawfully and on a settled basis to receive free treatment. If you do not usually live in the UK, you may have to pay for their hospital treatment.”

      https://www.sheffieldchildrens.nhs.uk/patients-and-parents/overseas-visitors-information-for-patients-and-families
    • @oh (27/10/2023, 19:33) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      You were doing okay until your last sentence. Totally unnecessary, unhelpful, and cruel!
    • Crazy B***h (28/10/2023, 11:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I live in the uk and no where you can find a place so cheap stop talking s**t u dont no. The mother make the best decision to move with her child . If you can list out where in the bvi have facilities for that child let me know.
  • WOW (27/10/2023, 22:25) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tuvimos.government can assistance her, they have an agreement to send I think 3 or 4 sick children a year, get in contact with Health Department, the Director that is!
  • what (28/10/2023, 03:29) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Some People in BVI are spoiled brat. You dont give it to them what they want, they start bashing the government institution and start spreading lies. Tragic. Donate at your own risk.
  • Tough situation (28/10/2023, 06:16) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I wonder if it is wise for her to attempt to take that child all the way to the UK with that type if issue because it’s not a short flight.
    • @Tough situation (28/10/2023, 10:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Something to consider. 8-9hours on an inclosed tube with possible respiratory issues
  • Concerning (28/10/2023, 08:41) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Ma'am as touching as your story had sounded in the beginning. You have raised eyebrows when you stated that you has lost your job and needs assistance in RELOCATING to the UK to seek a better life. Not trying to sound rude, but why can't your son's family members( the big shot Pickerings who owns half of Fort Hill, Jean hill and Baugher Bay assist you?
  • ausar (28/10/2023, 12:58) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    What concerns me, is WHY, did her employer have to fire her? Couldn't she have been able to do work from home, like during the COVID period?

    WHERE is the compassion for a desperate mother with these life threatening issues of a child?

    WHERE IS THE COMPASSION????
  • @ concerning (28/10/2023, 18:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Many questionable issues in this saga of truths and or untruths being presented and only because everybody is convinced that "Toe Tola"people chupid and the blatant absence of evidence underscores the assumption. I am personally offended by the chutzpah of this " mother ".
  • @ concerning (28/10/2023, 18:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Many questionable issues in this saga of truths and or untruths being presented and only because everybody is convinced that "Toe Tola"people chupid and the blatant absence of evidence underscores the assumption. I am personally offended by the chutzpah of this " mother ".
  • US (02/11/2023, 08:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    If she and her children can come to the US I will sponsor her and them and help her get all the medical care and insurance for free. Her and the children would have a place to stay. I'm not sure if her and the children have visas. Would like to get in touch with this young lady. Email me lewismonica65@gmail.com


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