BDF Corporal Norman Rodriguez was diagnosed with a rare and serious blood vessel disorder in 2007. He's been unable to work or lead a normal life. He needs to undergo a surgery, but the BDF can't afford it the hundred thousand dollar procedure.
Today we asked General David Jones to update us:
Brig. Gen. David Jones, Commander, Belize Defence Force
"Norman Rodriguez, he went in front of a Medical Board and the doctors decided that he is not fit to continue service in the Belize Defence Force. So that has been approved, he's been medically boarded and he will now get his benefits as a soldier who is not able to do duties anymore."
"He will be getting a regular salary of the rest of his life since he will no longer be able to serve in the Belize Defence Force. What wasn't aired in the news is that the surgery that he required is very difficult. Its a 50/50 situation. It is very likely he will die if he takes that surgery. It's a radiation surgery in the brain and if you touch the brain, it is very likely after that surgery he may be a vegetable. So, it's up to him if he wanted to take that risk. That was explained to him. That surgery would have been done in Mexico, not here in Belize."
The BDF says it continues to make best efforts to get the funds together to treat him.
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