The Santeno Project

At thirty-three years old, my aunty, Nichola Tomlinson, passed away after losing a long and hard fought battle with adrenal cancer. She died on Sunday November 27 at 4:30AM at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Jamaica. Nicky, as was her nickname, was a single parent who worked tirelessly to take care of her children. She ensured that her children were well fed even if that meant sacrificing her meal to keep them satiated. Nicky continued to sacrifice even after losing her job, because she had to undergo extensive rounds of chemotherapy. However, after the cancer developed to Stage 4, she started experiencing excruciating pain in her back and abdomen. At times, the pain became so unbearable that she would cry and wail unconsciously in front of her children, who in return would cry and vehemently pray for their mother’s recovery that never came. She was a great mother; a lifelong friend; a compassionate aunty; a loyal sister; and a devoted daughter.

 Nicky left behind two beautiful children. The eldest, Santeno Nembhard, is fourteen years old. He aspires to become a Music Executive and a music composer. He is a talented young boy. He composed a song for his mother before she passed to which she enjoyed.  Death is not an alien feat to Santeno. In 2013, Santeno’s father was murdered. He would cry nonstop, while refusing to be counseled. Nicky would often say, “Honey, you are a fighter. You are my warrior, so keep on fighting.” Some days he felt depressed, but he often say “I am going to make my mother proud. I will become musician, so we wont be poor anymore.” Santeno is now an orphan. “I have no one left. I am all alone;” that was what he said when he found out his mother had died. Moments later, he said he is going to commit suicide. In addition, Tracy-Ann Crooks, Nicky’s daughter, is nine years old. She aspires to be a teacher. Tracy-Ann says her mother who always helps her brother and herself with their homework inspired her to become a teacher. Nicky did not graduate high school, and the financial hardship that she faced prompted her passionate advocacy for her children’s education. “If I die, please take care of my children,” was Nicky’s last request.

  A Dialog Between Santeno and Myself After The Tragedy:

Me: How re you?

Santeno: I am sad every day. Mommy is gone and all I wanted to do was take care of her and my sister. I wrote her a song, and I wanted to play it for the community, but no one wanted to play it, until she died. The morning mommy died, they started playing my song.

Me: Can I hear the song?

Santeno:
 
       My life isn’t easy like 1, 2,3 
        I struggle hard even though I don’t have a clue
        Bad-mind want see you to think they’re true
        My life isn’t easy like 1,2,3
       Every day I’m praying for help,
       O God am begging let this suffering end
      Am praying for my family all though am not beggin’       
       Life’s hard so I don’t have any money to spend
      Even if it is a dream I know I won’t die
      Give thanks to God, I have Butter and Bread
      I know I have to get the money and buy a pillow for
                             my bed
        Look at the little baby sister from morning she hasn’t    
                           been fed

Santeno: Mommy was in a lot of pain. I worry about her every day. I cannot focus in school. It feels like every time mommy is in pain, I feel it too. I cannot stop thinking about her…it distracts me! I am so sad I cannot study. And exams are starting in December.

Me: I am so sorry. If I were there, I would help you study.

Santeno: I wanted to protect her. I wrote songs to cheer her up. But, now she is gone. It’s only my sister and me now. And, I do not want Tracy-Ann to get the same thing that killed mommy. I don’t want to lose my sister. I do not want to feel this pain anymore. I cant continue to watch my sister cry. I just want her to be happy.

Santeno: I know if I stay in school and study, I can work and help my sister. But, mommy always helps me with my homework. Who is going to help me now?

 

I, Garfield Walker, a student at the University at Buffalo created this GoFundMe page to supplement Santeno’s and Tracy-Ann’s academic and social lives. I understand the value of having a higher level of education and I want to extend the opportunity to my cousins. The fund will pay for their school tuition, school supplies, school uniforms, and any other recreational activities that they want to participate in. Please help me to make my cousins’ dreams a reality.  Thank you all!


Mission Statement: The Santeno Project was establised to raised sufficent amount of money to support Santeno's and Tracy-Ann's  academic and personal welbeing. All proceeds will go to said purpose and only said purpose.