Teen living in excruciating pain

The bright smile of 18-year-old Danique Lawrence belies the pain she is feeling daily. Lawrence resides in Blue Piece, Riversdale, St Catherine, and is suffering from a range of illnesses that have left her asking the question, "Why me, Lord?"

Lawrence suffers from bronchitis, asthma, inflammatory bowel movement, diabetes and a severe heart condition.

When THE STAR visited the teen at her home where she lives with her mother, she could barely stand to have her photo taken.

"I am seeking help to offset some medical expenses. I am thankful to my mother who has being trying to help; however, the coronavirus has resulted in her being laid off," Lawrence said.

Severely hampered her education

The former Enid Bennett High student said that her journey has been a long and painful one, and her illnesses have severely hampered her education.

"Even when going to school, I was sick for three of the five school days. The illnesses have resulted in me being unable to do the slightest task," she said.

Instead of studying to be a lawyer, as she had planned, she finds herself going from the Kingston Public Hospital to National Chest Hospital for treatment, including getting insulin.

Her pains and suffering have not escaped her mother, Nordine McDonald.

"Danique is full of potential, but the sickness is really creating problems for her. But if she gets help, I know that she has great potential to do great things," McDonald said.

She added that even the basic provision has become a challenge, as she has been laid off from cooking at the Mount Olivet Early Childhood Institution due to the closure of schools because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"It is a painful experience for me as Danique really needs help. Her immune system is very weak, but we have absolutely no cash, we need help," a teary-eyed McDonald said.

Meanwhile, Lawrence said that it takes at least $6,000 weekly to cover the combined expenses of her hospital visits.

"The sad thing is that my mom's not working. The only source of immediate help has dried up. I need urgent help to ease this pain," Lawrence said.

People who wish to assist Lawrence can contact her at 876-777-7144.