Support grows for Old Harbour woman battling rare cancer

A GoFundMe account has also been created to raise US$25,000 to support Morris’ treatment. Over US$3,000 has been raised already, seven days after the crowd-funding account was establish.

Henriques told Old Harbour News that one Jamaican residing in the United Kingdom donated $100,000 among other smaller contributions from the public and expressed profound gratitude to the local community media for its effort in highlighting her daughter’s plight that has touched the hearts of many.

Morris, a customer care representative and devoted mother to her three-year-old daughter, Suriyah, is battling Merkel cell carcinoma — a rare skin cancer that affects only three in every million people. 

The Lloyd’s Pen resident’s cancer journey began in August 2022 when a persistent toothache led to the discovery of a tumor in her jaw. After months of inconclusive tests, excruciating pain, and multiple surgeries, Lisa was diagnosed with this devastating illness. The cancer has since spread to her lymph nodes and maxillary sinus, leaving her face disfigured and her ability to speak severely impaired. Despite undergoing surgery and radiotherapy, her fight is far from over. 

The cost of Lisa’s treatment has been overwhelming for her family. Henriques, has been tirelessly fundraising to cover the mounting medical expenses, which include specialized radiation therapy costing over JMD$2 million. With each missed treatment, Lisa’s chances of survival diminish, and the family is now urgently seeking public help as every treatment cost approximately JMD$400,000. 

Lisa’s story is one of resilience and hope. A loving mother, daughter, and friend, she is adored by everyone who knows her. Her three-year-old daughter, Suriyah, eagerly awaits the day she can reunite with her mom, telling her grandmother, “The doctors are fixing mommy, but they’re taking too long.”   

To help Lisa and her family during this incredibly difficult time to fund her ongoing treatment the family is appealing to the kindness and generosity of the community and beyond to give whatever they can to support her fight against this rare cancer. 

Donate to the GoFundMe account by clicking this link. 

Related Story: Old Harbour woman battling rare cancer that affects three in every million people

Contact Cynthia Henriques for additional ways to support by call 876-506-7518. 

Every donation, no matter the size, brings Lisa one step closer to receiving the life-saving treatment she needs, Henriques says. 

“She’s so kind and loving,” Cynthia says of her daughter. “Honestly, I didn’t know that so many people love her. Even the nurses at the hospital, they love her so much.”