Woman struggles to care for her brothers

November 09, 2020
Surrage Whorms (left) and his brother Derrick.
Surrage Whorms (left) and his brother Derrick.

When her mother died in 2009, Grace Whorms, 38, was left to care for her younger brother Surrage, who is physically challenged.

Then almost a year later, she took in her elder brother, Derrick, who started to deteriorate mentally after his mother's death.

Whorms, a single mother of two, lives with her brothers in Daytona, Portmore. She told THE STAR that she has found herself drowning financially.

"When I get my salary, I have to stretch it to care for my children, plus my brothers; and I used to care for my father, who passed away only a month now," said Whorms. "All the responsibility has been on me to care for both of them and it has not been easy."

She said that she often spends plenty on clothes and diapers for Surrage, who has to use a wheelchair.

"Diapers, I have to get on a weekly basis because he is an adult and he use them fast. I have to get cleaning things for him just the same and use barrier cream, because he can get rashes just like a baby." she said.

Derrick doesn't demand much, but he is in dire need of clothing and would do well with some toiletries.

"We have other siblings, but one is deceased and the others are not in a position to help, so is just me," said Whorms. On numerous occasions, she said that she has had to provide emotional support for her brothers, especially Surrage, who is often bothered by his disability.

"My parents' death took a toll on Derrick. Is like it affect him mentally, so he just gave up on life and can't really do anything. It affect Surrage because he was very close to them and being disabled, he doesn't have a lot of friends or stuff like that, so it's hard," she said. "So I have to try my best to be there for them and help them to be happy."

A neighbour, Hyacinth Reid, told THE STAR that she tries to help the Whorms.

"Their mother and I were good friends and she was a good lady," said Reid. "Me help them out with food and try to get him diapers where I can, because it's hard on the sister."

Anyone who wishes to assist the Whorms family may contact Grace at (876) 468-2770 or (876) 317-1137.

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