My name is Pam. I and other friends here in Chicago are trying to support our friend, Tas, who is currently in Jamaica. Her father had to have life-saving emergency surgery while he was visiting. Her hope was that her father would be well enough to get back to Chicago to get care here. But, his health took a downturn and, she had to leave suddenly to attend to him. Unfortunately while there, Hurricane Melissa hit. Now, she and her relatives are dealing with the difficult aftermath and destruction of the hurricane while also still dealing with her dad's recovery. We are setting up this fundraiser for her as she has very limited access to phone and internet as they are currenly using generators to even get electricity. The pictures and video seen here were sent to us by Tas. The video shows the damage of her cousin's house. The other photos show damage in her own home - the ceiling is gone and the glass door is blown out and now covered by wood. There are also photos of the roof damage of neighbors' homes. My words and the photos can only tell you so much.

Tas would also like to give you her story in her own words...

I’m a proud Jamaican. We have always faced adversity, but still we rise. This time will be no different. While on vacation, my dad became ill and underwent 2 life-saving emergency surgeries within a 48hr period. 2 days later I took a leave of absence from work to be with him and my mom. 2 and 1/2 weeks later, while my dad remained hospitalized, Hurricane Melissa roared in and ravished the country. Black River, St. Elizabeth, where we reside, has been completely devastated but there is no doubt we will rise again.

As I tether between grief and gratitude, I often fall on gratitude. Grateful that Black River Hospital saved my dad’s life. Grateful that when the hurricane breached the protective sea wall and flooded the hospital, no life was lost.

Now we are anxiously awaiting daddy being discharged within the coming weeks. We are grateful that our roof remains intact despite other major damages to our home. We are grateful for my cousin, who left his family to be with us while daddy remains hospitalized. Grateful for the neighbors and friends who continue to support us during this difficult time. The countless friends and family who came from all over the country to visit us and my dad while he remains hospitalized. Grateful for the support of my friends, family and colleagues who have reached out to ask, “how can we help?, what do you need? I know you are showing up for your family right now, but what are you doing to take care of yourself?” (I’m drinking lots of coconut water, eating mangoes and listening to my daddy’s friends tell me stories about him).

This is how you can help. I plan to use the funds to help pay:

medical expenses

replace damaged appliances

repair ceilings

assist the neighbors with items they may need to replace

If you have ever enjoyed Reggae music, visited the warm beaches, had the opportunity to be around the people, one thing that is undeniable is that we are a resilient country and we show up for each other. Even if you can’t donate, please share the link far and wide. Now let me get back to eating my mangoes, drinking coconut water, reading my book, and listening to some Reggae. Melissa may have disrupted our lives, but could never weaken our resolve. We remain dignified and will protect our culture as we rebuild.