Praying for a miracle - Detective corporal needs more help to beat sinus cancer

In a week's time, Avarine Morris should be boarding her flight to Mexico to receive life-changing treatment for sinus cancer that has ravaged her physical appearance and deteriorated her health since 2021.

Morris, a 44-year-old detective corporal attached to the Major Investigations Division, is just $4 million short of her $10-million goal to begin immunotherapy treatment at an oncology centre in Mexico.

To date, she has raised US$27,406 (approximately J$4.2 million) of her US$66,000 (approximately J$10.2-million) target on her GoFundMe campaign. She has received another $3 million donation from the Police Officers' Association (POA).

"Some of us didn't even know about it (Morris' condition), and in about a week we decided that we would put some funds together to assist Corporal Morris. It's really heart-warming that the officers came together so quickly and were able to contribute this sum," said head of the POA, Senior Superintendent Wayne Cameron.

An emotional yet jubilant Morris is eager to raise enough funds to enable her to begin her journey of transformation.

"I am grateful for everyone who contributed. I don't reach the target yet, but I am working with what I have, and should be leaving soon. Every day I cry, but I am still praying for a miracle," she said.

The Burnt Ground district, St Elizabeth native is battling a rare form of cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, or sinus cancer, which was detected in 2021, a year after Morris did a root canal operation. Since then, she has done radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments, which have not been successful in removing the cancerous cells.

The toll of the disease is evident, with doctors having to remove part of her jawbone as the tumour encroaches upon her left eye. She is adamant that "giving up is not an option".

"I made a promise to God and I have to fulfil it; and moreover, I'm the backbone for my family," she said.