Anna Watler

By Karen Clarke
karen@caymannetnews.com 

A routine medical examination in December 2006 marked a turning point in the life of Anna Watler who was subsequently diagnosed with kidney disease.

“I thought I had life insurance, but I had term life,” and had to undergo a medical examination for the upgrade, she said. After learning there was protein in her urine, she insisted on further tests. A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis.

At the time her doctor said she had 10 to 15 years before needing a kidney transplant, Ms Watler said. However, in February this year she was informed that she would need a transplant as soon as possible.

“It was a shock; I didn’t expect that,” Ms Watler said of her reaction to the news. She added it made her decide to “enjoy life a little bit more,” including spending more time with her three children aged 15, 14 and seven.

Hoping that a donor could be found from within her family, Ms Watler’s sister, Sunbeam Thompson, and her nephew, Shawn Gutierrez, both put themselves forward but were found to be incompatible. “My 15-year-old son, Gary, was a match but because of his age he couldn’t qualify,” she said, explaining that donors must be over 18.

Fortunately a donor came from an unexpected, but familiar, source making it possible for the transplant to go ahead this year. Her childhood friend Elizabeth Peña, who lives in Nicaragua, was found to be a perfect match. “We went to school together and have always kept in touch,” Ms Watler said fondly, adding that on learning of her plight, Ms Peña did not hesitate to get herself tested.

Ms Watler, who was born in Nicaragua, came to the Cayman Islands - her grandfather’s native country – over 20 years ago.

While her insurance will cover the medical expenses for the transplant at the Houston Medical Centre in September, the costs for Ms Peña are not included. The Lean On Me Committee will be having a cake sale on Saturday, 9 August to help raise much-needed, financial support to assist with her donor’s medical expenses.

“Lean On Me committee members will be at the Strand and Airport locations of Foster’s Supermarket, from 10:00am to 6pm this Saturday,” said Derrie Lee, the organisation’s chairperson.

Ms Lee added that there was a bond between Ms Watler and the charitable organisation; her children were models in their first fundraising show in 2006 and “ we want to give something back to her”.

Ms Lee said the committee existed to give assistance to “valid needs” in the community, in keeping with its motto, “Problems become opportunities when the right people join together.”

Ms Watler said she was grateful for the organisation’s assistance.

“I thank the Lean On Me Committee for giving not only to me, but also to the whole island. I’ve always been a supporter of them, not thinking that one day it would be me [who would need their help],” she said.

“We are hoping for the island to come out and support this cause for Anna,” said Ms Lee, adding that collection drives would take place at other locations in the coming weeks.

The Lean on Me Committee was formed in 2006 by young professionals to raise funds for local singer Nina Orrett. Since then the committee has also raised funds for cancer survivor Errol “Skanky” Grant through their annual fundraising concert.

The committee has also raised funds for other causes such as the Pines Retirement Home; Cayman HospiceCare; the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre; and baby Jordon, who was born prematurely.

Ms Lee said individuals who have a sincere desire to help others can contact her on 926-7724. They may also call Anita Khan on 916-5385 , or Kevin Dawkins on 925-1959, for more information.