Living with End Stage Renal Disease: A Journey of Resilience and Hope

Richard Perkins

27 Mar, 2025

Orullue Miller has been navigating the challenges of End Stage Renal Disease (ERSD) for the past ten years. His story, like many others living with ERSD, is one of resilience, adaptation, and hope.

Mr. Miller’s journey began on a trip to Florida, United States, to attend a wedding. He said that as he rose to deliver the best man speech, his tongue felt heavy and he experienced a total loss of energy. Over the next few days, he experienced shortness of breath and noticed swelling in his fingers. A visit to the doctor revealed that he was in kidney failure. Miller said he was floored by the diagnosis. “The doctors asked me if there were family members who suffered from kidney failure and I said that my uncle had died from it. They said I had kidney failure and I blacked out,” he shared. Miller recounts that he was admitted to hospital in Florida and treated. After his return to Jamaica, he was put on dialysis.

ESRD occurs when the kidneys can no longer filter waste from the blood, leading to a buildup of toxins and fluids in the body. For Miller, his ESRD was tied to his long-standing battle with hypertension, and “sugar” which he said was controlled. He said that he neither drank nor smoked, two lifestyle practices that can put you at risk for kidney disease.

Patients with ERSD often face a long journey that includes frequent dialysis sessions, surgical interventions, and lifestyle changes. The financial implications are profound, with costs for treatment, medications, and potential lost wages placing immense strain on patients and their families.

“It is very expensive,” he says of dialysis as a treatment option. “People pass away because they cannot afford it.” Miller said that after six years of treatment, he approached the CHASE Fund for help with his dialysis. He said the doctor at the dialysis centre provided a letter to the CHASE Fund to confirm treatment and the Fund approved funds to subsidize his treatment. Mr. Miller receives dialysis two days a week.

Mr. Miller disclosed that when he could no longer work, he felt like giving up. The cost of his healthcare weighed heavily on his mind as well as the cost to maintain a healthier diet. He said through his faith in God and with the support of his family, he has persevered.

Click here to watch his testimony on YouTube.

Savanna-la-mar Hospital Receives Major Boost with New Digital Radiography Unit and Orthopaedic Drill

Richard Perkins

19 Mar, 2025

Savanna-la-mar Public General Hospital received a significant upgrade to its medical capabilities on March 14, 2025, with the handover of a state-of-the-art digital radiographic unit and an orthopaedic drill from the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund.

The new digital radiography (DR) system represents a major leap forward in diagnostic technology, providing instant digital X-ray images for faster and more accurate patient care. This advanced technology will streamline the hospital’s workflow and enhance the quality of diagnostic services available to the community. Alongside the DR unit, the hospital also received a modern orthopaedic drill, crucial for surgical procedures and improving patient outcomes in orthopaedic cases.

The new digital radiographic unit at the Savanna-la-mar Public General Hospital.

CHASE CEO, W. Billy Heaven, underscored the Fund’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure across the island. “At CHASE, we believe that quality healthcare is a fundamental right, and access to modern medical technology is essential to achieving this goal,” stated Heaven. “This investment in Savanna-la-mar Public General Hospital reflects our dedication to ensuring that Jamaicans have access to the best possible medical care.”

CHASE Fund CEO, W. Billy Heaven at the handing over ceremony of the Digital Radiographic Unit and Orthopaedic Drill at the Savanna-la-mar Public General Hospital.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, expressed his gratitude for the CHASE Fund’s ongoing support and highlighted the transformative impact of the new equipment. “The addition of this digital radiography unit and orthopaedic drill will significantly improve the hospital’s ability to serve the community,” Dr. Tufton remarked. “These advancements will lead to faster diagnoses, more effective treatments, and ultimately, better health outcomes for our citizens.”

This handover to Savanna-la-mar is just one component of CHASE’s significant investment in healthcare infrastructure. Other recent contributions within the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) include:

An industrial washing machine for Trelawny Public General Hospital, valued at $21.646 million.
Three orthopaedic drills for Cornwall Regional Hospital, valued at $5.775 million.
Two operating theatre lights for Falmouth Public General Hospital, valued at $13 million.
Vital signs monitors distributed to multiple healthcare facilities across the WRHA, valued at $6.8 million.

From left, CEO of CHASE Fund, W. Billy Heaven, Chairman of WRHA, Eric Clarke, Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, Project Manager at CHASE Fund, Latoya Aquart-Foster, Acting CEO of Savanna-la-mar Public General Hospital, Roan Grant and MP for Westmoreland Central, George Wright at the handing over ceremony for medical equipment on March 14, 2025 at the Savanna-la-mar Public General Hospital.

The installation of the digital radiography unit and orthopaedic drill at Savanna-la-mar, alongside the other contributions, marks a significant milestone for Jamaica’s healthcare system, reinforcing the commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services to all citizens. This comprehensive investment by the CHASE Fund is a testament to the ongoing efforts to modernize Jamaica’s healthcare system and improve the lives of its citizens.

Barking Lodge Primary and Infant Opens a New Infant Facility

Richard Perkins

13 Mar, 2025

The Barking Lodge Primary and Infant School in St. Thomas now has a new infant facility. The keys to the new building were officially handed over to the Principal, Tania Johnson, during a ceremony on March 10 by W. Billy Heaven, CEO of the CHASE Fund. The construction of the facility was financed by the Fund at a cost of $41.2M.

The new infant department at Barking Lodge Primary and Infant School in Barking Lodge District, St. Thomas.

The project entailed the renovation and expansion of the existing teacher’s cottage into two classrooms, a sickbay, bathrooms, kitchen and staff offices. Funding also facilitated the provision of the necessary staff and student furniture, kitchen and play equipment as well as the installation of a perimeter fence for the school which has served the community for over 30 years.

Addressing an audience of community stakeholders, teachers, students and parents, W. Billy Heaven, CEO of the CHASE Fund said since inception, the CHASE Fund had invested J$7.04B in the early childhood education sector. “At CHASE we recognize that a child’s formative years are crucial in shaping their lifelong learning and success. That is why since our inception we have worked tirelessly to enhance early childhood education across Jamaica in order to ensure that our youngest minds have access to safe, nurturing and well-equipped learning environment,” Heaven said.

He added that in the current financial year – April 1, 2024-March 31, 2025 – the Fund had added 7,000 sq feet of infrastructure development space in four schools in addition to the other priority areas of upgrading and equipping schools; training of ECI practitioners; and institutional support for Early Childhood Commission initiatives.

Tania Johnson, Principal of the Barking Lodge Primary and Infant School, shows off the keys to the building which had been presented to her by W. Billy Heaven, CEO, CHASE Fund. Enjoying the moment were Dr. Michelle Charles, Member of Parliament of St. Thomas Eastern (left), and Andrea Edwards-Brown, Senior Director, Cross Sectoral Coordination (Acting) Early Childhood Commission.

The CHASE CEO also highlighted the importance of all stakeholders who play a pivotal role in shaping the development experience of students including educators, parents, caregivers the government agencies and the community.

Dr. Michelle Charles, Member of Parliament for St. Thomas Eastern, acknowledged the CHASE Fund’s investment. “The CHASE Fund has not just renovated and expanded the teacher’s cottage into a fully-equipped infant department, but it has also provided the necessary resources to create a safe and stimulating environment for our youngest learners,” she said.

Dr. Charles noted the construction of the school as an addition to the many developments taking place in the parish, including the completion of the highway from Yallahs to Morant Bay. “This investment in Barking Lodge, is an investment in the future of St. Thomas and it sends a powerful message that our children matter, our teachers deserve the best and our community is worthy of development,” she said. Dr. Charles capped her address with the presentation of clocks to teach time to students and books for the school library.

Chronic Kidney Disease: A Silent Epidemic

Richard Perkins

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that affects 300,000 Jamaicans, yet remains largely under the radar for many. It is characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time, often going unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages. With kidneys playing a critical role in filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, CKD can lead to serious health complications if not managed effectively.

With proper awareness, proactive management, and regular screening, it is possible to mitigate its impact and protect kidney health.

Recognizing the complexities surrounding this disease, the CHASE Fund adopted a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach, focusing on equipment provision, patient cost support, education and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

CKD Risk Factors and Causes

Diabetes
Hypertension
Cardiovascular disease
Obesity
Family history of kidney disease

Symptoms and Diagnosis

CKD often presents with few obvious symptoms in its early stages, which is why it is often referred to as a “silent” disease. As the condition progresses, individuals may experience fatigue, swelling in the legs and ankles, changes in urination, and persistent itchiness.

Health professionals use a variety of tests to diagnose CKD, including blood tests to measure creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), along with urinalysis to check for protein and other abnormalities.

Managing and Treating CKD

While there is no cure for CKD, early detection and intervention can slow its progression and improve quality of life. Management typically involves lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet low in sodium and protein, regular exercise, weight management, and quitting smoking. Medications may also be prescribed to control underlying conditions like diabetes and hypertension. It is crucial for individuals at risk to engage in regular check-ups, monitoring kidney health, and adhering to prescribed management plans.

Click here to watch our interview with Dr. Marius Badal, a Nephrologist with the Kingston public Hospital as he discusses CKD, ESRD and more.

World Read Aloud Day 2025: Read aloud, ignite minds, change the world!

Richard Perkins

07 Feb, 2025

Kingston, February 5, 2025 — World Read Aloud Day™ (WRAD) is in its 15th year of encouraging reading to improve literacy skills, foster empathy, and create a lifelong love of reading.

The CHASE Fund observed the day with the presentation of 90 books to the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) and by reading to enthusiastic students at the Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School and the St. Michael’s Infant School, both located in Kingston. The schools also received books for their libraries.

Rachael McDonald, Chair of the CHASE Fund Education Committee, presents books to Maureen Thompson, Director General of the JLS. Ninety books were presented on February 5, 2025, in celebration of World Read Aloud Day. Sharing in the moment are (L-R): Latoya Foster, Project manager, CHASE Fund and Kishma Simpson, Senior Director, JLS.

Rachael McDonald, Chair of the CHASE Fund Education Committee, noted that the Fund has been a strong proponent of literacy especially at the early childhood education level. “The work we do to promote literacy is critical and we wanted to celebrate World Read Aloud Day through this donation of books to the JLS to encourage reading and to support the JLS in its work,” she said.

Maureen Thompson, Director General of the JLS, thanked the Fund for the books and the continued partnership which has spanned many years. “Receiving books is a part of our mandate and we are happy to be a part of this global initiative of World Read Aloud Day which aligns with our mission,” she said.

Research has shown that reading aloud helps build vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills, as well as promotes empathy, self-awareness, and social skills. Many of the books presented to the schools and the JLS were authored by Jamaicans such as media personality Paula-Ann Porter Jones who penned “Sandy, Tosh and the Moo Cow”.

The CHASE Fund focuses on building infant schools and resource centres; equipping and upgrading early childhood institutions; health screening and providing scholarships for specialist training in Early Childhood Education.

Equipment: Number One Priority for CHASE Funding for the Health Sector

Richard Perkins

Equipment for health facilities accounts for 66% of CHASE Fund’s budget available for spending in the Health sector. The level of commitment was made public by W. Billy Heaven, the CHASE Fund’s Chief Executive Officer, during his presentation to the Caribbean Neurosciences Symposium on January 31, 2025 at the Half Moon Hotel in Montego Bay.

“Our objective is to improve on the technology in an attempt to enhance healthcare delivery both in terms of diagnosis and treatment,” the CEO said. “We believe that the provision of cutting-edge technology will not only improve patient care but will also address accessibility and affordability.”

Mr. Heaven indicated that in the past year alone, the Fund had procured critical pieces of equipment for healthcare facilities including: vital signs monitors, ECG machines, defibrillators, MRI compatible patient monitors, microscopes, X-ray machines and an Endoscopic Surgical Tower which was procured for the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

Heaven said that the CHASE Fund would continue to make this a priority area. “Currently, we are partnering with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the North East Regional Health Authority to establish a 40-chair Nephrology Centre of Excellence,” he advised.

Twenty percent of the CHASE Fund’s resources go towards initiatives in the Health sector under which the CHASE Fund also prioritizes training. Heaven noted that the Fund had provided scholarships to medical professionals, specializing in areas such as: Spinal, Cardiothoracic and Neurosurgery as well as Biomedical Engineering, Radiation Oncology, Perfusion Science, Organ Transplantation and Medical Physics.

The CHASE Fund is also involved in promoting healthy lifestyles having provided funding for the establishment of recreational and wellness parks such as the Pembroke Hall Wellness Park in St. Andrew; equipped gyms and other wellness facilities; and supported health fairs across the island.

CHASE Fund Provides Funding for Breast Cancer Cell Line Research at the UWI

Richard Perkins

CHASE CEO, Wilford “Billy” Heaven, has revealed his entity’s initial investment of $30 million in research to improve the representation cell lines of black women in breast cancer research being undertaken at the University of the West Indies (UWI).

Heaven disclosed the CHASE Fund’s support for the programme at the recent 23rd Caribbean Neurosciences Symposium, held from January 30 to February 1, 2025 at the Half Moon Hotel in Montego Bay. “We are excited about this research because it will enhance the understanding of breast cancer biology and improve treatment strategies tailored specifically for Jamaican women, who are disproportionately affected by this disease,” he said He added that it also had the potential to add commercial value to the UWI.

Heaven informed conference participants that Caucasian men and women benefit more from the cancer treatments. He noted that the most prominent global suppliers of cell lines are the American Type Culture Collection and the European Collection of Authenticated Cell Cultures which accounted for the 154 breast cell lines commercially available to researchers.

“Despite the number of cell lines, there exists a clear disparity in the racial diversity of these cell lines. Roughly 90% of these are derived from Caucasian women, while only 8% are from Black women. This poor representation of Black women most likely has contributed to the disparity in responses to anti-breast cancer drugs experienced among Black women compared to Caucasian women,” Heaven explained.

CHASE funding will support the acquisition of equipment for the ACRJ Molecular Lab at the UHWI. The funding will also cover reagents and materials for a three-year period to support research in Breast Cancer Cell Line Advancement and Characterization to improve the representation of breast cancer cell lines from Jamaican women.

The CHASE Fund has to date provided financial support for 23 research projects.

Organized by the Caribbean Neurological Association the 2025 Caribbean Neurosciences Symposium focused on “Global Health, Technology and Leadership in Health Care”

Olympic Way Community Cultural Centre to be Built by the CHASE Fund

Richard Perkins

12 Dec, 2024

The Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Olympic Way Community Cultural Centre was held on December 4, 2024 in Olympic Gardens, Kingston and the site officially handed over to C&D Construction Ltd to begin construction of the centre.

The Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund has allocated $127.5M towards the building of the community centre which is slated to be completed in nine months.
Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, who is also Member of Parliament for the area, stated in his remarks that the entire area will be a Community Sports and Civic Centre and that he intends for the centre to focus on STEM training.

“In terms of the existing civic centre, it is already used quite often for training. We are going to now focus on a different kind of training, in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics); we are going to start some classes in computer sciences, particularly in coding. So, I want to turn this into the science and technology centre for this area, so that our young people can find work in a viable field,” he revealed.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, speaking at the Groundbreaking for the Olympic Way Cultural Community Centre in Olympic Gardens, Kingston on December 4, 2024.

Commenting on the development of the centre, CHASE CEO, W. Billy Heaven shared his vision for the centre.
“We recognize that this centre will be more than just a building. It will be a symbol of our shared commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive community,” Heaven said.

CHASE Fund CEO, Billy Heaven speaking at the Groundbreaking for the Olympic Way Cultural Community Centre in Olympic Gardens, Kingston on December 4, 2024.

Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister, breaks ground for the construction of the Olympic Way Community Cultural Centre with (from left) Sen. Councillor Delroy Williams, Deputy Mayor of Kingston; Leslie Harrow, Executive Director of the JNHT; Omar Frith, Chairman, CHASE Fund; W. Billy Heaven, CEO, CHASE Fund; and Nicole McLaren-Campbell, former CHASE Director.

Making a Difference, Our Impact on the Bustamante Hospital for Children

Richard Perkins

25 Nov, 2024

Making a Difference, Our Impact on the Bustamante Hospital for Children

CHASE Fund Invests in Jamaica’s Future: A $125 Million Commitment to Children’s Health

CHASE Fund is proud to announce a significant milestone: a $125 million investment in critical projects at the Bustamante Hospital for Children. This commitment reflects our unwavering dedication to improving the health and well-being of Jamaica’s children.

A Decade of Impact

Since its inception, CHASE Fund has been a steadfast supporter of the Bustamante Hospital for Children. Our contributions have included:

25 additional beds: Expanding capacity to accommodate more patients.
C-Arm Machines: Advanced imaging technology for precise diagnosis and treatment.
Laparoscopic Machines: Minimally invasive surgical tools for less traumatic procedures.
Peritoneal dialysis machines: Life-saving equipment for kidney patients.
Microbiological incubator: A crucial tool for diagnosing and treating infections.

A Recent Surge in Support

In the past three years alone, CHASE Fund has donated nearly $80 million to the Bustamante Hospital for Children. This substantial investment underscores our commitment to building a healthier future for Jamaica’s youth.

Building a Healthier Future

By supporting the Bustamante Hospital for Children, CHASE Fund is not only improving the lives of countless children but also investing in the future of Jamaica. A healthy population is a prosperous population, and our contributions are helping to build a stronger, healthier nation.

Handover of a Peritoneal Dialysis Machine that was donated by the CHASE Fund to the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

Doctors using a Laparoscopic machine which was donated by the CHASE Fund to the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

A C-Arm Machine that was donated by CHASE Fund to the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

One of the 25 Beds provided by the CHASE Fund to the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

Music in Schools Professional Development for Teachers

Richard Perkins

02 Oct, 2024

The Music in Schools project is an initiative spearheaded by The Organization for Strategic Development in Jamaica (OSDJ), in collaboration with The Ministry of Education & Youth, The Edna Manley School of Performing & Visual Arts, Church Teachers’ College, The Mico University College and Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College. The project aims to enhance the music education of secondary students in Jamaica by improving the skills and knowledge of their music teachers. By providing teachers with advanced training in vocal and instrumental development, as well as performance techniques, the project seeks to foster their professional growth. This improvement in teachers’ capabilities will lead to more effective classroom delivery and a richer learning experience for students.

The project was held over the span of a week, July 15-19, 2024 at the Medallion Hall in St. Andrew, Jamaica, to fully immerse themselves in the learning experience. Expert tutors from Minnesota University along with local facilitators shared their extensive knowledge and skills with the participating teachers.

The teachers were split into 3 groups:

Brass
Wood Wind
Percussion.

CHASE Fund is very vocal about the importance of music in schools and is proud to sponsor the “Music in Schools Professional Development for Teachers” program and is looking forward to seeing how this program will benefit the music education here in Jamaica.

Click the button to see a highlight video of the program on our Youtube channel.

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Category: News

Living with End Stage Renal Disease: A Journey of Resilience and Hope

Support for Special Needs

CHASE Advancing Technology in Early Childhood Institutions

Savanna-la-mar Hospital Receives Major Boost with New Digital Radiography Unit and Orthopaedic Drill

CARICOM: Perspectives on its Pertinence in the Twenty-First Century

Heart Foundation’s Screening Capacity Boosted with help from the CHASE Fund

Barking Lodge Primary and Infant Opens a New Infant Facility

Gym for the JCF Protective Services Division

CHASE Hands Over Book on Kingston to the Jamaica Library Service

Chronic Kidney Disease: A Silent Epidemic

Sight Foundation Receives Vehicle from CHASE

CHASE Fund supports Annual Professional Development Institute (PDI) 2024

World Read Aloud Day 2025: Read aloud, ignite minds, change the world!

Lifting Voices of Jamaican Writers

CHASE TREATS GUESTS TO STIRRING PERFORMANCES IN 15TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Equipment: Number One Priority for CHASE Funding for the Health Sector

St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College Benefits from Music in Schools Initiative

CHASE Supports Your View Awards

CHASE Fund Provides Funding for Breast Cancer Cell Line Research at the UWI

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTRE OPENED AT BETHLEHEM MORAVIAN COLLEGE

CHASE Hands Over Laparoscopic Machines for May Pen and Mandeville Regional Hospitals

Olympic Way Community Cultural Centre to be Built by the CHASE Fund

New Cancer Centre – St. Joseph’s Hospital

Making a Difference, Our Impact on the Bustamante Hospital for Children

Making a Difference, Our Impact on the Bustamante Hospital for Children

Making a Difference, Our Impact on the Bustamante Hospital for Children

CHASE Fund Invests in Jamaica’s Future: A $125 Million Commitment to Children’s Health

CHASE Hands Over Book on Kingston to the Jamaica Library Service

Cornwall Regional Hospital Expanding Services

Music in Schools Professional Development for Teachers

CHASE Hands Over Laparoscopic Machines for May Pen and Mandeville Regional Hospitals

The Arts in Educational Institutions