Hello Family and Friends — it's Marion Marshall,

Most of you know that I was born and raised in Jamaica and although I now live in the United States, the connection I feel to my home country remains deep and strong.

I’m reaching out today to ask for your help. The devastation left behind by Hurricane Melissa has been overwhelming. I’ve seen hurricanes before, but this one was unprecedented and it has hit my people — my family, my friends, the loyal community I grew up in — harder than any other storm.

My sister, my brother, my step-mother, and so many of those who raised me, sheltered me, and supported me when I returned home are in urgent need. Their homes – roofs torn off, walls flooded, entire structures washed over – are no longer safe. In the parishes of St. Catherine, St. Elizabeth, Treasure Beach, Montego Bay and the surrounding areas, devastation is widespread: homes destroyed, food supplies gone, infrastructure crippled.

These are good people with kind hearts — people who helped me and others without hesitation. Now they need someone to help them.

My goal with this fundraiser is two-fold:

Rebuild & Repair – To raise funds so that damaged homes can be made safe again. That means replacing roofs, repairing walls, clearing out debris, and restoring basic security and shelter.

Immediate Necessities – To provide food, clean water, hygiene supplies, and other essentials to families currently living in displacement or extreme hardship.

If you choose to donate, your gift will go directly to those on the ground who are okay but in urgent need; no one is asking for luxury, just a chance to recover their safety, dignity, and home.

On behalf of my family and all of those affected: Thank you in advance for your compassion, your generosity, and your willingness to stand with us.

From my heart — and from Jamaica’s,

Mi lov yuh fi real!

Marion