Ailing teenager gets help - ... But still in need of more assistance

Having read the heart-rending story of Danique Lawrence last week, Oral 'Rising Sonn' Clarke was moved to assist the teenager.

Lawrence, 18, suffers from bronchitis, asthma, inflammatory bowel movement, diabetes and a severe heart condition, and made a passionate plea for help last week. Her story was reported in this newspaper.

"I was touched after reading her story in THE STAR about how sick she was and the need for immediate assistance. I decided to visit and give whatever help I could," Rising Sonn, an up-and-coming entertainer, said.

Rising Sonn on Monday visited Lawrence at home in Riversdale, St Catherine, and gave her grocery items and $25,000 in cash. He told Lawrence that she was special and pledged to assist her from time to time, and advised her to pray for her recovery.

Young Lawrence was thankful for the assistance, telling Rising Sonn that "Your assistance will go a long way."

"I am now in a position to buy some of the medication that I need. I am very thankful and I am praying that the Lord will bless you in your business and multiply your growth," Lawrence said.

She said that since the article appeared last Thursday, she has been receiving encouraging words and commitments of assistance from people.

When THE STAR visited the teen at her home last week, 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.

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. She is hoping to get a laptop so that she can continue her education.

"Education is very important and one can also do distance learning, therefore, the laptop would be an asset in that pursuit," Lawrence said.