Family affair at TVJ’s ‘End of Summer Sizzler’

The overcast skies and intermittent rain could not dampen the spirits of Waterhouse resident Shushanna Thomas and her family from having a grand time at the TVJ 'End of Summer Sizzler'.

Sitting in her wheelchair under a tree at Emancipation Park in New Kingston, her eyes lit up as she watched her energetic three-year-old daughter Aliyahna Chambers prance on the grass, while her one-year-old baby, TaDainya Chambers, tried to slither from her grasp, much to her amusement. It was her first time attending the annual event and Thomas said it was a perfect way to bring down the curtain on the summer holidays, especially for her three-year-old.

"I wanted the children to have the experience of just coming out and enjoying themselves and have fun, and I wanted the experience myself, so I am just here to observe, enjoy and participate where I can. My three-year-old is going back to basic school in a few days, so this is her end of summer fun activity and one that we get to do as a family," she said.

Thomas' partner, Odaion Chambers, is the less talkative of the two, but smiled and nodded his head in agreement. The couple, who have been together for four years, met on a beach trip and the rest, they say, is history.

"We don't have any immediate plans to get married yet, but if marriage is in the cards, then it will certainly happen. We are just being honest," Thomas said. She said that she became a wheelchair user when she was a teenager, following a dispute with a sibling.

"Mi brother drop mi on my head and it damaged from my neck down to my spine. I am 33 years old now and it happened when I was 19. I didn't let it stop me and I won't let it stop me from being a good person. I had my two children after the accident and they are my greatest blessings," she said.

Thomas' wheelchair has done its time and began to malfunction at the Summer Sizzler, but the bubbly mother was unbothered. She stated that she would be extremely appreciative to fold up her old chair in exchange for a new one, but said she is unable to purchase a new one.

"If I could get a wheelchair I would be happy, because as you can see, this one is falling apart and I have the children to take care of. My partner is a taxi operator and he is the one with the major responsibility now, so I would be happy if I could get a job as well," she said.

Placing both children in her lap, Thomas then wheeled herself to several booths to partake in the offerings and activities. The TVJ End of Summer Sizzler attracted dozens of persons who turned out to meet their favourite radio and television personalities. In addition to the live entertainment, persons were also treated with goody bags, along with other prizes and surprises.