I just want to work - Peacemaker confined to wheelchair after being stabbed while trying to end brawl

Playing the role of peacemaker ended negativ-ely for Benbow Street resident Shan-eek Morris, who was stabbed in 2017 as she tried to end a brawl between her sister and another woman.

Pointing to a healed stab wound on the left side of her neck, Morris explained that her spine was injured during the incident, and she is now confined to a wheelchair.

The incident occurred while she was six months pregnant with her now two-year-old son, Diego, and the mother of two says she feels completely useless, as she is unable to gain meaningful employment because of her condition.

The 24-year-old said that she is seeking assistance to get an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), which, she said, will help to support her weakened limbs.

"This incident has affected me so much. Sometimes I sit in my room and cry and ask God to take my life. I would want to work and earn a dollar, and I can't do it. Right now, it's just my babyfather and my parents that are doing everything. I don't want to depend on them forever. Sometimes mi daughter tell mi say she hungry and I can't help her, and it hurt mi. Right now, I would appreciate If I could get help to buy the AFO because I want to be independent again," she said.

Between sighs, Morris gave her recollection of the event that almost cost her life and that of her unborn child.

"We were at a bingo game when my sister got into fight with another woman. They were 'cuddle' up together, and I was trying to part the fight, and I felt something hit me in my neck. When I turned around, I couldn't feel any power in my legs come right up to my hands. I tried to hold on to the bingo table to stand up, but I lost my balance and fell on my back. I couldn't move. When my friends tried to put me up to sit, I couldn't because my back felt wiggly like jello," she said.

After being discharged from hospital, Morris sought therapy at Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre in Mona, St Andrew. Afterwards, she managed to deliver her son via C-section.

"My mother had to take my son while I went back to Mona Rehab to do therapy. It was there that I learn to sit up. I can't feel from my breast going down. I can't feel my belly or anything. Simple stuff like going to the bathroom and even filling a cup with water, I can't do. I can't look a regular job because no one wants to employ anyone like me," she said.

She told THE STAR that before the incident occurred, she had plans of becoming a practical nurse and was even attending classes.

"Everything is slowed up now, but I know that one day I will walk again, and I will be able to do all that I set out to do. All I am asking for is a little help to get back on my feet," she said.

Persons wishing to assist Shaneek Morris may contact her mother, Alecia Tucker, at 876-482-2189.