Relatives of historian Angelo Bissessarsingh are asking members of the public to donate blood as Bissessarsingh needs regular blood transfusions to fight off pneumonia.
Angelo remains warded at the San Fernando Teaching Hospital and is listed in serious but stable condition. The 34-year-old, who was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in 2015, has been warded for the past five days.
His aunt Patricia Bissessarsingh told the Sunday Guardian yesterday that Angelo’s doctors say his blood platelet level is low.
“His blood platelet level is very low and he needs regular blood transfusions in order to beat the pneumonia,” Patricia said.
“We need a regular supply of blood and right now we are running out, so we are asking anyone who is willing to donate to come to the San Fernando General Hospital’s Blood Bank and donate.”
She said Angelo’s blood type is A Positive but doctors are willing to accept any type of blood at this time.
“Any type of blood donated will be accepted, once his platelet levels are brought up, his body can start fighting the pneumonia.”
She thanked Angelo’s fans for their support and explained why the family is asking the public not to visit him at this time.
“His immune system is very low and the doctors have requested that he have only limited visitors.
He is also still on oxygen and is being treated with infused antibiotics.
“We don’t want people to panic, he is stable, the doctors have said his condition is improving and I myself have seen an improvement in him,” she added.
Angelo was scheduled to be awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) on Thursday.
His books, Walking with the Ancestors—The Historic Cemeteries of Trinidad, published in 2013; Snapshots of the History of Trinidad and Tobago, Virtual Glimpses into the Past; and Pancho's Dilemma, all published in 2016, have earned him many accolades.
He was given the keys to San Fernando by former mayor Kazim Hosein (now Local Government minister) earlier this year and the Hummingbird Medal - Gold during this year’s Independence Day awards.
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To donate blood to Angelo
If you want to donate blood to Angelo, simply go to the blood bank and tell the nurse that the blood is for Angelo Bissessarsingh, and they will write his name on the chit. Then they will direct to take the chit to the head nurse on Ward 12, his aunt Patricia said.