Twelve-year-old Marlon Jupiter, who had been battling an aggressive form of blood cancer for more than a year, has died after his family was unable to raise the funds needed for a life-saving bone marrow transplant overseas.
His sister, Lashana Jupiter, confirmed the death in a Facebook post, writing: “With a heavy heart I must say my brother passed away.”
Marlon was diagnosed with T-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in 2023 after he was rushed to hospital with a high fever and low blood count. Lashana said additional tests—including a CT scan and biopsy—later confirmed the condition when lymph nodes appeared on his hands and neck.
Since the diagnosis, the boy underwent repeated hospital visits and intensive treatment while his family searched for options to save his life. Doctors advised that an urgent bone marrow transplant offered his best chance of survival, but Lashana said the procedure is not currently available in Guyana.
With no local treatment option, the family began arrangements for Marlon to travel abroad. After being declined by two countries, doctors in Brazil eventually accepted his case.
However, Lashana said approximately US$35,000 (about G$7.3 million) was required to cover the transplant and related expenses. The family launched a public appeal for financial assistance, with support from the non-profit organisation SHEA. Despite fundraising efforts, the full amount was not secured in time.
During his illness, Marlon’s schooling was also disrupted. He missed significant portions of Grades Five and Six due to hospitalisation. Relatives supported him with homeschooling during periods of recovery, and he later achieved 469 marks on the National Grade Six Assessment, placing third in his school.
Family members described Marlon as determined and resilient, noting that he remained hopeful throughout his illness even as his condition worsened.
