Dear friends, loved ones, and community,

My heart is heavy tonight.

As many of you know, I am Donna, a nurse, minister, and healer who has served on the front lines through COVID and beyond. Service and healing are in my blood; it’s what I was born to do. Jamaica is home to my roots, even though I have been nurtured by American soil. That love that I received as a teen on US soil has created the wellness opportunities for visitors that now enjoy respite time in the hills of Negril. We share our culture with each other so willingly and honorably . This connection with those abroad and on the island has now created the vision that has become Phoenix Serenity Villa in West End Negril — a sacred space of love, wellness, and connection.

This hurricane has changed everything.

While our Phoenix Serenity property in Negril sustained only minor damage, the surrounding communities — and my own family in Lucea — were hit hard. Homes and small businesses (especially our friends in our neighborhood) have been washed away. Communications are down. I haven’t yet heard from my family, and the not-knowing has been hard to hold.

So I’m doing what I know to do best — to act from love.

This GoFundMe is my way to respond with both heart and hands:

• To help families in western Jamaica rebuild and recover. Specifically our beloved Quality Sea Breeze Restaurant & Canoe Bar located in West End that is now completely demolished. Additionally to replace the rooftop of our friend’s kitchen at Family Bond.

• To assist those whose homes and livelihoods were lost. Specifically to help my sister and her three grandchildren rebuild a home that is unfortunately in a mudslide zone. To also help my brother and sister who were in wood houses that need to be rebuilt to provide a safe home to live.

• To keep nurturing the volunteer work of the Phoenix Serenity team as a community healing space for recovery, rest, and renewal — a place of love that uplifts the local community and those who travel for wellness.

Jamaica’s infrastructure has taken a major hit, and while government support may come, people need help right now — food, safe shelter, clean water, materials, and hope.

If you’ve ever been touched by my work as a nurse, healer, or friend, please consider giving, sharing, or simply holding this intention with me:

That love rebuilds what the storm cannot destroy. I will be sharing pictures of my family and the community as we rebuild our country with your donations. I will be sharing pictures and videos as we go along so you can join us in the healing journey.

Your kindness helps me care for my people, my homeland, and the vision of healing we’re building together in Negril — one grounded in love, respect, and community.

Even in the midst of uncertainty, love lights the way. Thank you for helping me bring hope and healing back home to Jamaica.

With love, faith, and deep gratitude,

Rev. Donna Kerr Davis, RN, NC, RScP, RM

In Love, We Rise