The Tribune

THE public is being asked to assist versatile athlete Harold Carter II, affectionately known as Lorenzo, in his bid to save his kidneys.

As Carter is currently in Miami, Florida for consultation at Baptist Health South Florida, a GoFundMe under the theme “Help Lorenzo Save His Kidney” has been established to assist in his medical expenses.

Carter, one of the country’s top cyclists and basketball, softball and baseball players, was first diagnosed in 2017 with renal calculus (kidney stones) in his left kidney.

He underwent a procedure to have the stones removed. The procedure gave him immediate relief and allowed him to resume his active lifestyle.

Just four years later, on August 27, 2021 in the height of the pandemic, Lorenzo again experienced severe pain, this time on his right side. He was diagnosed as having kidney stones in both kidneys.

Carter underwent another procedure, which his doctor led him to believe would remove the stones. Instead, the stones were left untouched and stents were placed in both of his kidneys.

Like before, Carter experienced immediate relief – that is until the pain came back weeks later. At a follow-up doctor’s visit, the doctor disclosed that he had not removed the kidney stones.

What was even more shocking was that kidney stone removal surgery could not be performed at the treatment centre at which Carter’s procedure was done.

Since the procedure in August, Carter continues to suffer from excruciating pain in his kidneys (the left kidney has also started to hurt). He has experienced intermittent infections of his ureter - which causes a build-up of urine in his bladder and painful urination.

Carter also suffers from constant dehydration, anxiety and sleeplessness. Lorenzo’s quality of life has vastly deteriorated. As a self-employed mechanic, he is increasingly unable to earn a living. He has lost a lot of weight and is not able to enjoy the sports that have brought him joy. Lorenzo has always been an avid sportsman – representing The Bahamas internationally and regionally in basketball, baseball, and cycling. He also breeds dogs, and the basic tasks associated with this activity has become more challenging due to his medical condition.

While Carter will be travelling to Miami for his consultation, it’s expected that he will be provided with information on the precise treatment that he will need and the cost of that treatment.

Because of the urgency of Lorenzo’s situation and the need to have funds readily available for the surgical procedure, his medical and logistical costs have been estimated at US$15,000. This amount may change after his consultation.

Carter does not have medical insurance and needs your assistance raising funds to meet his medical expenses. He would gladly welcome and greatly appreciate any donation you make - big or small.

He advised the public that their gift would truly make a difference in his life and he promises to keep everyone posted about his fund-raising efforts and his journey to restored health.