“Life doesn’t tell you when it’s going to hit you, good or bad.”
Lorraine, a Jamaican living in Barbados, has always lived by this truth.
She’s a beloved figure in St. Lawrence Gap, known for her infectious energy, her talents as a DJ and chef, and her ability to bring people together. Lorraine—also known as DJ Diamond—fills every room with light, music, and laughter. She’s a passionate cook, a talented singer, and someone who’s always looking out for others, whether she’s serving up incredible meals or making sure everyone is having a good time. Despite facing many challenges as an immigrant and working service jobs most of her life, Lorraine has always found a way to get back on her feet and live life to the fullest.
URGENT UPDATE - NOVEMBER 7, 2025
Lorraine's cancer has progressed to stage 4. She is beginning once-weekly outpatient chemotherapy immediately, but faces a critical crisis:
She has nowhere to go between treatments - cannot return to hospital, at risk of being without shelter
She needs nursing care to manage treatment side effects and daily needs
All costs must be paid upfront - no treatment without immediate payment
Watch Lorraine's video message from the hospital (below) where she explains her situation. Despite everything, she's still finding strength to smile - but she's scared and needs our help NOW.
Time is critical. Every dollar goes directly to keeping her housed, fed, and in treatment.
---
Recently, Lorraine was diagnosed with diagnosed with stage 3 throat cancer, now progressed to stage 4.
The diagnosis has brought immense pain and difficulty—her throat is swollen, making it hard to breathe or speak, and she’s spent days in Queen Elizabeth Hospital hooked up to oxygen tanks. Lorraine is not someone who likes asking for help, but she bravely shared her story in a video from the hospital, reaching out to her community for support.
UPDATE (Sept 3): Lorraine is now admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital. She was officially diagnosed with stage 3 aggressive throat cancer on August 28 now stage 4. She cannot eat solid food and is surviving on IV nutrition. She urgently needs to start chemotherapy and radiation but cannot begin without payment."
She’s already undergone a biopsy and will need chemotherapy soon, but the details of her treatment are still unfolding. What’s clear is that Lorraine is facing mounting medical bills, hospital stays, medication costs, and urgent daily expenses like rent and food. She was already struggling financially before her diagnosis, living hand-to-mouth and often behind on rent.
Medical costs so far:
- Biopsy: $4,000 (community raised $2,000; $2,000 still owed)
- Upcoming chemotherapy and radiation: Costs pending
- Daily hospital fees as a non-national
- IV nutrition and medications
As a Jamaican national in Barbados, Lorraine must pay all medical costs upfront. Treatment cannot begin without payment
Support for Lorraine will give her a fighting chance to begin and continue treatment, without the added stress of working while battling cancer. It will help her stay connected to the community she loves and that loves her in return. The Gap wouldn’t be the same without Lorraine’s joy and spirit. Your help could be the difference between her having a chance to recover and facing this challenge alone. Every contribution will help Lorraine focus on healing and give her hope for the future.
Video message from Lorraine: https://youtu.be/2QUux_snh4U
Funds will be managed in coordination with Lorraine's local care team to ensure they go directly to her medical and living expenses.
Every dollar helps. Even $10 makes a difference. Please share widely.