Hi, my name is Cheryl Sharkey. So many of you have reached out to ask how you can help my son’s father, so I thought this might be the best way to proceed. I know the world is scary for so many right now, so just know that any amount of help will be so very much appreciated.

My son’s father, Douglas Rodgers, just survived the worst hurricane to ever hit Jamaica. Douglas and I own a gym (since 2010) in Montego Bay, which employs him and three other people. The gym has been left unusable, and as you can imagine, without insurance protection (hurricane insurance is not available). I am hoping to assist with fixing the roof, the water damage, and providing a bit of financial help towards the workers until the gym can reopen.

Douglas’ house in Falmouth, Trelawny (where the eye crossed right over) suffered extensive damage as well and will need a new roof, repairs to a wall, flooring, and help with water damage. It is safe to say that recovery will be slow and getting his source of income back up and running will take some time given that a gym membership is a luxury item and not a necessity, especially not right after this level of natural disaster.

We would be so very grateful for any amount of assistance and want to extend our heartfelt thanks for all the prayers during the 36 hours we had no information on the status of Ryan’s dad, the business, and so many of our friends in our dear Jamaica.