Cop fighting cancer is back at work

After spending four months in Mexico and undergoing six rounds of immunotherapy, Detective Corporal Avarine Morris is elated to be back home.

"I am blessed to be alive and back home. God is awesome," Morris said. The 44-year-old left Jamaica in March and journeyed to the Astry Hospital in Mexico to begin treatment for sinus cancer. Since her return to the island more than a week ago, Morris, who has served in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) for more than 20 years, is already back at her desk at her Spanish Town Road office. Her dedication is a testament of her passion to serve, and confidence that she will be healed.

"I miss eating solid foods every day. I pray God show me mercy and heal me completely. I am so hungry and it's been two years now, no solid food. It's really rough but I know my God is going to show up and show off in my life," Morris said.

She was diagnosed in 2021, just a year after undergoing a root canal operation. Morris, who is assigned to the Major Investigations Branch, completed several rounds of radiation and chemotherapy sessions in Florida in 2021, but the treatment was not successful. She said she was told to start preparing for the worst. She returned to Jamaica that year, determined to seek help for her worsening condition. A friend recommended that she visit an oncology centre in Mexico, which specialises in her diagnosed cancer. With the assistance of funding from the JCF and Sanmera Foundation, the mother of one was able to get her chance at healing.

"The doctors there [in Mexico] are very assuring and positive. I am very happy I got treatment but so sorry the tumour didn't shrink more or even disappear," the Burnt Ground district, St Elizabeth native said. Morris related that the tumour's size has stabilised, for which she is grateful. But she requires another $10 million.

"Another six rounds is needed to remove the tumour completely, but, for now, I don't have any more money to do it. So it's in God's hands," she shared.

Those willing to donate to Avarine Morris' treatment can visit her GoFundMe campaign at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/immunotherapy-sponsorship-for-cancer-recovery

- T.T.