#KINGSTON, March 5 (JIS): The year 2014 will forever be etched in the mind of Kasey Tulloch, as during his training to become a pilot, his world crumbled beneath him as a result of kidney failure, followed by a debilitating stroke.
Photos by JIS News
As the illness
worsened for the then 20 year-old trainee, and the medication began to drain the body of the Jamaican migrant to
the United States, family members saw little hope of recovery, while a senior
member of his medical team saw death as the only alternative to end young
Tulloch’s suffering.
His mother, Mitzie Cross, tells JIS News that she entered a “state of
depression” after witnessing the steady deterioration of her only son.
“When we found out that his kidneys had been shattered,
he looked at me with sad eyes, and said ‘Mommy, I won’t be a pilot again’,” Miss
Cross says, adding that many days she cried over her son’s health challenges.
Miss Cross and two cousins offered
their kidneys, but they were not compatible and were rejected by the
doctors.
News of Kasey’s ordeal touched his uncle, Kirk ‘Dan’
Cross, a resident of Kitson Town in St. Catherine. On informing his sister,
Mitzie, that he would give one of his kidneys to his nephew, it was brushed
aside as a joke.
The willing donor persisted, and soon his
proposal was accepted. He passed medical tests and a US visitor’s visa was granted
for him to travel to New York.
“I was overjoyed and praising God,” Miss Cross says, after
getting the news that a kidney would soon be available for Kasey.
From Bahamas Ministry of Health
When she shared the information with
her son, he said, “Yes. I am tired,” she adds, noting that her son was doing
dialysis three days every week, and four hours each time.
“He (Kirk) saved Kasey’s life, and mine. I was in a dark
place, and didn’t know what to do. All I could do was pray, and there came
Dan,” Miss Cross told JIS News at
her brother’s home in Kitson Town, where a ‘Thank You’ luncheon was held on
Saturday (February 29), with family members, community persons, and members of
the medical team from the New York University (NYU), where the surgery was done.
They also had an appreciation
segment to the event at the Kitson Town Seventh-day Adventist (SDA)
Church.
“It feels like a miracle. My life revolved around
dialysis, making me feel hungry and drained. My life came to a standstill, I
didn’t know what next,” Kasey said.
“I was not driving. Now I drive, and
work,” he noted, pointing out that technology allows kidney transplants to be done
like regular surgeries.
Asked why he gave up one of his kidneys to enable the
recovery of his nephew, Mr. Cross told JIS
News that two of his nephews had died in quick succession, one from
drowning, and the other by gunmen, and
“I couldn’t save them”.
“I couldn’t bury another one. It was too hard, so I had
to help, and I told my sister that if anything happens to me during the
surgery, they should give Kasey the two kidneys. It is all good to see my nephew
driving and working again,” he said.
Reflecting on the gesture by Kirk
Cross, Administrative Nurse at NYU, Margaret Frank Bader, said “it is the
greatest act of kindness that someone could express to another human being,”
and it should be promoted to encourage other families and individuals to come
“forward” and show love to those with similar health problems.
For Assistant Professor of Surgery at NYU, Dr. Bruce E.
Gelb, the Kasey Tulloch story is “amazing”.
“To see someone who was so sick, he had an
organ failure, and is now healthy, is truly amazing. Medicine is a very
rewarding profession, but transplant surgery and taking care of transplant
patients is even more special,” he said.
Photo by JIS News
“Everyone should think about being an organ donor. When
you die, they save lives. There are not enough people to donate organs, and
many people need transplants. Very few who die have the right circumstances
that allow them to donate organs, and thousands of people have to die natural
deaths for one person to be a candidate for an organ donation. People like Kirk
are heroes,” Dr. Gelb told JIS News.
Wife of the donor, Charmaine Cross, told JIS News that her husband was
determined to give his kidney, and nothing could stand in his way, or have him
change his mind.
“I wouldn’t stop him, because I
wanted Kasey to get better, and today, I am happy for all of this,” she said.
Sister, Lety Cross, who stood as the “backbone” in the
family during the months of worry and uncertainty, described her brother as “brave”.
“We were all worrying what would have
happened, and the waiting looked like an eternity,” she said.
Pastor Wayne Smikle, who served at the time as Head of
the Kitson Town Circuit of SDA Churches, recalled that “Kirk was a bit nervous,
and I reassured him that with medicine, it was possible for people to live with
one kidney”.
“I prayed with the recipient and Dan.
It is a Christian and humanitarian act to save somebody’s life, money can’t pay
for the deed,” he said, while calling on other persons to follow the example
and save lives.
From Bahamas Ministry of Health
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies kidney
diseases as “silent
killers, which can largely affect your quality of life”,
and recommends several precautions to prevent the ailments, such as maintenance of “an
ideal body weight,” and keeping high blood pressure under control.
It also encourages appropriate levels of salt intake, healthy diets, and regular health/kidney checks, “if you have diabetes, if you have hypertension, if you are obese, and if you have a family history of kidney disease”.
Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.
Turks and Caicos, February 8, 2025 – Some claim that it is an overpopulated ocean which is driving sharks closer to shore to feed, and it is leading to dangerous and deadly encounters with the apex predator in peaceful waters like those in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Seas were choppy, skies were partly cloudy but the white-capped waves and alluring turquoise waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands were the bait for two Canadian visitors whose morning swim was dramatically and tragically upended by a shark.
“There was a shark attack on the beach 10 minutes ago; close to where the horses are… “ informed a social media post shared with Magnetic Media.
Mr. and Mrs. Ross, a couple from Canada was swimming at the beach when Mrs. Ross was attacked by a shark, estimates put the creature at 6ft long.
Mrs. Ross lost both hands and a piece of her thigh.
The Royal TCI Police soon confirmed the tourist was injured, with this statement.
“At 10:33 am today (07th February), the Police Control Room of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force received a report that a female visitor had been injured while swimming. Medical personnel and the police were dispatched to the given location in Blue Hills, Providenciales.
The 55-year-old victim was brought ashore and rushed to the Cheshire Hall Medical Center for Treatment.”
The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources, DECR was summoned to the scene where they observed an approximately 6 foot long shark circling near where the family of the woman had huddled, distraught and tending to her life-threatening injuries.
By 1:26pm, the Thompson’s Cove Beach was closed by the DECR.
In the Turks and Caicos, this shark is protected as a valued part of the marine ecosystem but some residents speaking to us believe the shark
is a man eater.
“I was there for 40 minutes and it was still lingering.”
In truth, it appeared the shark was still in waters mere feet away from its victim, even as her loved ones struggled to offer medical care until EMS responded.
“That shark bite victim lost both her hands and some forearms. Her husband tried to fight it off.”
It was reported that the woman, identified as Nathalie Ross, was taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for treatment.
“The Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti continues to grow in troop numbers amid assurance of ironclad support from the international community.
This morning, I saw off an additional 144 police officers comprising 120 men and 24 women to bolster the 600 officers deployed earlier who have already made commendable progress in reducing gang violence in the Caribbean nation. Other countries, notably Guatemala and El Salvador, have in recent weeks deployed additional officers. Together with Jamaican and Belizean troops, and supported by Haitian police, we’re making concerted efforts to establish order.
Kenya’s leadership in this noble mission, which is supported by the UN Trust Fund for Haiti established under the UN Security Council Resolution 2699, is in recognition of our long-standing contribution to peacekeeping missions and peace support operations.
We’re constantly in touch with the UN and countries supporting this mission including the USA whose support in equipment and funding has been invaluable and unwavering.
Inspector General National Police Service Mr Douglas Kanja, Internal Security and National Administration PS Dr Raymond Omollo, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs PS Dr Korir Sing’Oei, National Security Advisor to the President Dr Monica Juma and Deputy National Security Advisor Mr Joseph Boinnet, among other senior officials, joined me in seeing off the contingent.”
Coconut Island Estate Listed for $5.4M, a luxurious retreat in Casuarina Point, presents an exceptional beachfront opportunity with proven rental income potential.
The Bahamas, February 8, 2025 – Calling the demand for sophisticated short-term vacation rentals ‘unprecedented,’ a Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions executive anticipates strong activity when bidding opens on two unique Caribbean-based properties – one in The Bahamas, another in Jamaica – this month.
A heated pool overlooks pristine white sand beaches, while the beachfront bar and grill create an ideal entertainment setting. Immaculate landscaping enhances the natural beauty of this one-acre sanctuary.
“It is extraordinary that two distinct properties, each designed with spaciousness, attention to architectural style and detail, as well as amenities that cater to a highly sophisticated luxury market, come to market at the same time,” said Danny Prell, Vice President of Business Development at the world’s largest luxury real estate auction house.
He stated that both properties offer a component critical to the demanding high-end vacation rental client – a unique location with unmatched beauty, privacy and serenity.
One of the properties, Coconut Island Estate in Abaco in the northern Bahamas, already has a proven track record of rental success, generating a significant six-figure income. Situated on a stretch of baby powder soft beach in the chain of islands known as the ‘sailing capital of The Bahamas’, the estate consists of four separate houses with a total of 10 bedrooms and nearly 9,000 square feet of space. The residence features a beachside bar and grill, a heated pool, and ample opportunities for guests to enjoy swimming and snorkeling without leaving the property. For those seeking adventure, nearby charter options offer boating, fishing, diving, or excursions to charming neighboring islands and settlements.
Kenyan Sunset Listed for $3.5M; offers a distinct fusion of Caribbean elegance and African inspiration across two majestic acres in prestigious Caribbean Heights. This exceptional estate comprises three thoughtfully designed structures, each embodying unique charm.
The second offering, Kenyan Sunset in Montego Bay, Jamaica is sprawled across two acres with three residences perched high atop a hill overlooking two world-famous golf courses and the historic Rose Hall Great House. Its fusion of Caribbean and African lends colour and features that give it the appeal of an architectural magazine cover. The main house features three bedrooms, a private office, a fully equipped kitchen designed for entertaining, a wine cellar, a media room, and a gym, all centered around a private pool. A second pool is located at one of the two cottages.
“The short-term vacation rental industry as we know it today was unheard of just a generation ago,” said Prell. “Globally, it is generating upwards of $87 billion annually and there is no sign of a slowdown. What is less well-known is the demand for luxury properties where those of a certain economic standing can enjoy all the family, friends and colleagues they want to have around them in a non-commercial environment. These properties, Coconut Island Estate in the Abacos of The Bahamas and Kenyan Sunset in Montego Bay, are quintessential opportunities for the client who wants everything at his or her fingertips in a location that is easy to access and hard to leave.”
The estate’s elevated position between the renowned White Witch and Cinnamon Hill golf courses delivers spectacular views, while sharing grounds with the historic Rose Hall Great House adds to its prestigious providence.
Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions is working in collaboration with local Sotheby’s associates in both locations. Coconut Island Estate is listed by Mitzi Pearce of Bahamas Sotheby’s International Realty for $5.4 million with bidding expected to start between $1 million–$1.75 million. Kenya Sunset is listed by Coleen Samuels and Julian Dixon of Jamaica Sotheby’s International Realty for $3.5 million with bidding expected to open between $750,000 and $1.25 million. Both auctions are scheduled to open on February 21 and close on March 1 as part of an inaugural live sale event during ModaMiami in Coral Gables, Florida. Prell said he would not be surprised if a single bidder opts for both.
“Finding one revenue generating property at this level in excellent condition is rare, finding two in the same region at the same time is extraordinary,” he said. “It should be exciting and one of the most active auctions we have had in recent history because both lend themselves to the opportunity for owners to enjoy when they want and earn revenue when they wish.”
About Concierge Auctions
Concierge Auctions is the world’s largest luxury real estate auction marketplace, with a state-of-the-art digital marketing, property preview, and bidding platform. The firm matches sellers of one-of-a-kind homes with some of the most capable property connoisseurs on the planet. Sellers gain unmatched reach, speed, and certainty. Buyers receive curated opportunities. Agents earn their commission in 30 days. Acquired by Sotheby’s, the world’s premier destination for fine art and luxury goods, and Anywhere Real Estate, Inc (NYSE: HOUS), the largest full-service residential real estate services company in the United States, Concierge Auctions continues to operate independently, partnering with real estate agents affiliated with many of the industry’s leading brokerages to host luxury auctions for clients. For Sotheby’s International Realty listings and companies, Concierge Auctions provides Sotheby’s brand exclusivity as Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions. Since inception in 2008, the firm has generated billions of dollars in sales, broken world records for the highest-priced homes ever sold at auction and sold properties in 46 U.S. states and 35 countries. The firm owns one of the most comprehensive and intelligent databases of high-net-worth real estate buyers and sellers in the industry, and it has committed to build more than 300 homes through its Key For Key® giving program in partnership with Giveback Homes™, which funds new homes for families in need from every property the company sells. For more information, visit ConciergeAuctions.com.