A young mother whose baby was born with multiple serious congenital conditions has turned to the community for help as medical bills for her youngster skyrocket.

Ronae Joyiens told The Royal Gazette how, she expected September 30, to be the “one of the happiest days of my life”, descended quickly into a medical emergency after doctors discovered that her son was born with congenital conditions, including a spinal defect, an imperforate anus and a horseshoe kidney.

Within hours of his birth, she said the family was told Kai-Rontae Durham required “immediate, life-saving care”. He was rushed by emergency air ambulance to Boston Children’s Hospital in the United States.

At just five days old, the child underwent urgent surgery, during which he received a colostomy bag to allow his body to function properly.

The family remained at the Boston Children’s Hospital for approximately one month while he received critical care and monitoring.

“I am deeply grateful to the medical team for the care they provided during such a difficult time,” Ms Joyiens said.

Following his discharge, the family returned to Bermuda to continue preparing for the next stages of his treatment.

However, his mother said the journey has been “extremely challenging — both emotionally and financially”.

At the time of her son’s birth, she did not have medical insurance.

Ms Joyiens said the Lady Cubitt Compassionate Association, a local charitable organisation providing funding assistance for overseas medical costs, generously covered the cost of his initial treatment.

Her bill totalled $142,140, including $111,765 for medical procedures and $30,375 for emergency air ambulance transport.

She paid a deposit out of pocket to begin her son’s medical care, but after 45 days the family were responsible for 100 per cent of all ongoing treatment costs.

“These expenses do not include the additional financial burden of travel to Boston, accommodation, missed time from work and the long-term medical care he will require throughout his life,” the young mother added.

The family are required to repay $1,500 per month towards the expenses, but have not been able to consistently meet their payments because of financial hardship.

Ms Joyiens said the family made multiple attempts to secure medical insurance for her son through providers in Bermuda, but all have denied coverage for his condition and necessary surgeries.

In addition, she said the LCCA has informed her that it is unable to fund any further procedures owing to its financial limitations.

However, the charity can assist the family with donations made by the public.

Ms Joyiens said her son’s next surgery, initially planned for January, has been repeatedly postponed for lack of money.

She said Kai-Rontae is expected to require at least two additional surgeries as soon as possible.

“These procedures are medically necessary and time-sensitive, as any delay may result in serious complications affecting his long-term health and quality of life.

“As a new mother, I am doing everything within my power to provide for my son.”

Her efforts led to the launch of a GoFundMe campaign.

She added: “But, it has not generated sufficient support to meet the overwhelming costs of his care.

“I am asking the community for help during this incredibly difficult time.”

Despite everything, her son shows strength and resilience every day.

Ms Joyiens said: “I remain committed to doing everything in my power to ensure he gets the care he needs and deserves.”