At just 11 years old, Alleyne School First Form student Jiovanni Osbourne has already shown a courage few adults could muster. Diagnosed with a rare blood disorder at age four, he now faces the biggest fight of his young life — a bone marrow transplant that could save it.
And as the medical costs mount, the energy company Sol (Barbados) Ltd. has stepped in, rallying its staff and the wider community behind his cause.
When Jiovanni was diagnosed with life-threatening beta thalassaemia major, his mother, Janelle Osbourne, refused to give up hope. For the past six years, she has fought alongside him, enduring countless medical treatments, financial challenges, and sleepless nights. Yet, through it all, she said, “Jiovanni continues to smile, dream, and inspire those around him.”
Beta thalassaemia major is a severe genetic blood disorder that prevents the body from producing enough healthy red blood cells. Because of this, Jiovanni requires regular blood transfusions to survive, but the treatment comes with complications, including iron overload that affects his heart and liver. The only long-term cure is the bone marrow transplant option.
“It is a rare condition. So many people have never heard of it, but I just want to raise awareness and encourage any other parents going through something similar to keep pushing,” his mother said.
Jiovanni dreams of becoming a chef one day. Despite frequent blood transfusions and hospital visits, he continues to attend school when he can and stays motivated by envisioning the life he can experience after the successful completion of the surgery.
After hearing of Jiovanni’s story, his courage recently moved the team at Sol (Barbados) Ltd to take action. Through its Employee Giving Programme, staff collectively raised $52 200 – funds that will help cover medical care and other treatmentrelated expenses as Jiovanni prepares for a life-saving bone marrow transplant.
At a media briefing at Sol’s corporate office in Warrens on Friday, General Manager Roger Barrow described the initiative as reflecting not only the generosity of Sol’s team but also the company’s belief in community and compassion.
He said: “When our team learned of Jiovanni’s story, we were deeply moved, not only by his strength but by his mother’s unwavering love and determination. So, it is truly heartwarming to gather for such a meaningful purpose to stand and support a young boy and his family.”
Sol’s Employee Giving Programme, which has been active for the past five years, allows staff to donate towards causes they care about. Together, they have given over $100 000 annually to support a range of social initiatives.
But, Barrow said: “Jiovanni’s case is special. This touched everyone and reminded us why we do this, and that is to make a real difference where it is needed most. The overall goal for the family is $300 000 and while Sol’s donation covers only a portion, we invite the rest of Barbados to contribute through the GoFundMe campaign Gift of Life to a Brave Little Soul or through CIBC FirstCaribbean under the chequing account Janelle Osbourne – 1001272810.”
For mum Janelle, the support from Sol is overwhelming and means more than words can express. In describing the personal experience through this ordeal, she said, “This journey has been filled with moments of fear and unbelievable strength. Watching Jiovanni fight and smile through it all has changed me in ways I can’t even put into words. To know that people who don’t even know us took the time to care — it means everything. It reminds me that we are not alone in this fight.”
As the presentation came to a close, Janelle and Jiovanni thanked the Sol team for their contribution and the outpouring of support that followed their story, in a time when the road ahead still feels uncertain. (DT)
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