Educator, football administrator Azaad Mohammed-Khan falls seriously ill

Azaad Mohammed-Khan, a revered educator and football administrator, remains in stable condition as he continues to fight a severe neuromuscular respiratory illness. Hospitalized since August, Mohammed-Khan, known for his extensive contributions to Malick Secondary School, the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL), the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), and San Juan Jabloteh Football Club, fell ill on 31 August. Initially appearing as a mild cold, his condition rapidly deteriorated, necessitating emergency medical intervention. His daughter, Jamila Mohammed-Khan, expressed shock at the sudden diagnosis, stating, ‘It was overwhelming because it came out of nowhere. He is a very active person.’ Following emergency tests, doctors identified a severe neuromuscular respiratory condition, requiring ventilator support and a prolonged stay in the High Dependency and Intensive Care Units at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex. Recently transferred to Arima Hospital ICU, Mohammed-Khan has shown signs of improvement, with a device on his tracheostomy tube enabling faint speech. ‘He can’t speak normally. We can hear him but he could not speak at all for two and a half months,’ Jamila noted. Despite being bedridden and limited in movement, his family remains hopeful, focusing on securing support for his extensive rehabilitation needs, including 24-hour nursing care, respiratory and physiotherapy, specialized nutrition, and critical home equipment. The family has received assistance from friends, former colleagues, and the football community, including the TTFA and Malick Secondary School. Jamila emphasized the urgency of support, stating, ‘He has spent his life giving to others, and now he needs our help.’ The family aims to secure urgent financial assistance by 5 December to cover immediate medical expenses. Contributions can be made to Jamila Mohammed-Khan’s Republic Bank Limited account (Savings Account Number: 560008986431).