My daughter, Gavihana Richards, is 13 years old and a proud student of Lacovia High School. She’s kind, bright, and full of potential — but she’s also in urgent need of medical help.

Gaviana has been living with scoliosis, a condition that causes a severe curvature of the spine. Over time, the pain and discomfort have become too much, and her doctors have advised that she now needs emergency spinal surgery to prevent her condition from worsening further.

As a single mother, I am doing everything I can to support her, but the cost of the surgery and related care is far beyond what I can afford on my own. I’ve received a medical estimate from Medical Technologies Ltd., and the total cost for the surgical hardware and monitoring equipment comes to JMD $1,904,671, which is about CAD $17,000. (Approximately USD $12,400 or CAD $17,000, depending on exchange rates). This does not include additional recovery costs, travel, or follow-up care.

That’s why I’m reaching out to you — family, friends, kind strangers, and anyone who can help.

Please, if you can donate anything — even a small amount — it will make a real difference. If you’re not in a position to give, simply sharing this campaign with your network would mean the world to us.

Breakdown of Costs

Item | Quantity | Cost (JMD)

Pedicle Screws (Legacy Set) | QTY 20 | 1,190,700.00 (JMD)

Set Screws (Legacy Set 002) | QTY 20 | 374,220.00 (JMD)

Rod (Legacy Set 003) | QTY 1 | 23,814.00 (JMD)

5.5mm Cobalt Chrome Rod – Scoliosis | QTY 1 | 62,937.00 (JMD)

Nerve Monitoring for Scoliosis Surgery (NM Ortho) | QTY 1 | 253,000.00 (JMD)

The funds raised will go directly toward:

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, donating, or sharing. Your support brings us one step closer to giving Gavihana the healthy, pain-free life she deserves.

With gratitude,

Tamara

Mother of Gavihana Richards

Message from Gavihanna,

Hi, my name is Gavihana Richards, but most people call me Shakir. I’m 13 years old and attend Lacovia High School in Jamaica.

I’ve had scoliosis for a while now, and it causes a lot of pain in my back. Some days it’s hard to sit in class, walk around, or sleep well.

The doctors said I need surgery to help straighten my spine. If I don’t get it, the curve could get worse. It might affect how I walk, breathe, or even stand up straight.

I’m nervous about the surgery, but I’m also hopeful. I just want to feel better and live without pain holding me back.

Thank you so much for supporting me. Whether you give or share this page, I’m very grateful.

– Shakir