Help Rebuild Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa

By Dr. Amanda Bowen

Hello everyone, Dr. Amanda Bowen here.

As many of you know, Jamaica has been devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Our beautiful island has suffered unimaginable loss — homes destroyed, communities displaced, and families struggling to find food, clean water, and shelter.

As a medical doctor and the owner of Amanda’s 876 Adventure Tours, I’ve witnessed the damage firsthand. Many of the same communities that once welcomed visitors to explore Jamaica’s beauty and culture are now facing immense hardship. Seeing this devastation up close moved me to act.

Medicine was my first calling, but my love for travel and community led me to create Amanda’s 876 Adventure Tours and Transportation Company, where I’ve merged my medical background with my passion for showcasing Jamaica’s natural treasures. Now, I’m using that same platform to help my fellow Jamaicans recover and rebuild.

This GoFundMe was created to raise funds for essential supplies and emergency relief, including food, water, hygiene kits, tarpaulins, medical equipment, and rebuilding materials. As a doctor, I know how critical it is to get medical supplies and aid to hospitals and clinics struggling to care for patients in the aftermath of the storm.

Transparency and trust are extremely important to me. I’ll be sharing regular updates, photos, and donation breakdowns so that supporters can see exactly how their contributions are being used to help families and healthcare facilities across the island.

Fund Management and Distribution Details

Because GoFundMe requires a U.S. bank account, I have partnered with my trusted friend, Sydney Chow, who is listed as the official beneficiary of this fundraiser. Sydney will receive the funds through her U.S. account so that we can purchase relief supplies abroad — where prices are often lower and stock is more readily available — and have them shipped directly into Jamaica.

Once the shipments arrive, I will personally coordinate the distribution of supplies to affected families, clinics, and community organizations across the island.

The individuals receiving assistance will be those in the worst condition and in remote or hard-to-reach areas — people who may not have access to larger relief efforts. Special focus will be placed on vulnerable families, the elderly, and those whose homes or livelihoods were completely destroyed.

All donations will go toward:

Non-perishable food and clean drinking water

Tarpaulins, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies

Medical kits and basic emergency equipment

Building and repair materials for damaged homes

Shipping and customs fees for getting supplies safely into Jamaica

In addition, some of the funds may be given directly as cash assistance to individuals and families who urgently need to get back on their feet — for example, to purchase food, rebuild a roof, or replace essential items. A receipt will be written for each cash distribution to ensure transparency and accountability.

Every dollar donated brings us one step closer to rebuilding lives and restoring hope across Jamaica.

Thank you all for your kindness, compassion, and support.

Together, we can help Jamaica heal and rise again. ❤️

— Dr. Amanda Bowen

Owner, Amanda’s 876 Adventure Tours