Optimist Club brings Christmas cheer to cancer-stricken Old Harbour boy

The team, led by Lieutenant Governor Notoya Williams, donated several items as well as cash to 14-year-old Jowayne Blackwood, who has been diagnosed with Leukemia since 2017.

Jowayne was presented with a bicycle, a scientific calculator, a mobile phone, a pair of shoes, a lab coat and stationary along with an undisclosed sum of cash for the purchasing of surgical needles.

The presentation was made during the organisation’s Christmas social event at the Old Harbour Primary School on December 14.

Lieutenant Governor Williams, a resident of Old Harbour, said: “The clubs of the zone responded to Jowayne’s needs as part of the Optimist Clubs’ commitment to assist the young people of the community.” 

She noted that the bicycle is just one of eight gift items on a Christmas wish list Jowayne had put together in mid-November after the group became aware of his life-threatening condition. 

“These Optimists were able to get every item on his list except for a lap-top computer which they will continue their efforts to acquire for Jowayne,” Williams said.

Responding to the heartwarming gesture, Jowayne, a second form student at Jose Marti Technical High School and Sharper Lane, Church Pen resident, said: “I am grateful not only to the team but most importantly I am thankful to God. Having lost my mom and all the pain and tears I am determined to come out strong.”

The Optimist Caribbean District is made up of over 60 clubs from the islands of Jamaica, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and the Cayman Islands.

The Zone Seven clubs are the Optimist Club of New Harbour Village, the Optimist Club of Old Harbour, the Optimist Club Mandeville, the Optimist Club of Caledonia Mandeville and the Optimist Club South Central Clarendon.