SHE NEEDS OUR HELP NOW!

Thomas Derriel feeds his daughter Tamara with supplements. – Contributed

At just six years old Tamara Derriel has embarked on the toughest fight of her life.

She has experienced more pain over the past year than many adults experience in a lifetime. Tamara is suffering from a rare cancer, paraganglioma, which causes her stomach to be dramatically inflamed. Other symptomsinclude difficulty eating, occasional vomiting and pain in various parts of her body.

Although she is able to walk, she is extremely weak and spends most of her time in bed. Tamara has been ill for the past year and unable to attend school. Like any normal six-year-old, she sometimes desires her favourite foods, yet she is often unable to eat them. Tamara is mainly restricted to high-protein supplements and energy drinks. Her parents fear that if she does not receive the necessary treatment immediately she will not live much longer.

Tamara lives with her parents in a remote community in Guy’s Hill, St Mary. Her father Thomas, is a famer, harvesting crops such as sugar cane and occasionally farming animals. However, business has been slow.

Tamara requires 24/7 hands-on assistance which is now the full-time occupation of her parents, who struggle with illiteracy, which has been a major barrier for them in seeking assistance. “I have been going to ChildrenHospital with her from last year May till now is April, nearly May again and her belly just keep growing,” Mr Derriel said.

national appeal

Earlier this year, Tamara was featured on CVM news. It was thought that a lot of support would have garnered from this national appeal, yet only $17,000 was raised.

Medical expenses have taken a toll on the family which often travels to St Ann’s Bay and Kingston to acquire medication and treatment. Not having a vehicle, each round trip can cost between $3,000 and $5,000, depending on whether both parents travel with Tamara.

Treatment so far has included a nuclear bone scan which costs $56,900 and medication costs anywhere up to $8,000 per month. Tamara is not even receiving chemotherapy. In addition to this, they have to purchase vitaminsupplements and other special dietary products. These are just a few of the expenses they contend with on a regular basis.

The Derriels said they currently have prescriptions for Tamara they cannot afford. It’s the parent’s desire for Tamara to receive specialist treatment overseas immediately before her situation deteriorates.

Karla Ashley of Island Fuse Entertainment, realising the desperation and urgency of the situation, has been communicating with the family. She is also making an appeal to corporate Jamaica. Joining forces with Tru Lov Music, they have initiated the ‘Save a Life’ tour, reaching out to schools and various venues to raise awareness and funds.

“It’s essential at this point for persons to donate whatever they can to this cause, a lot of small donations do add up. The danger is when persons, although sympathetic to the cause, rely on others to give rather than giving themselves,” stated Ashley.

Those wishing to help can contact the family at 809-3515 or 858-0986 or donate to Mr Derriel’s First Regional Co-operative Credit Union Highgate branch, account number 26500.