Woman begs for ticket to see Kartel - Wheelchair-bound cancer survivor spends last dollar on flight to Jamaica for Freedom Street

Ingrid Morgan, a three-time cancer survivor, refuses to let life's challenges stop her from fulfilling her dream of seeing dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel perform live at the highly anticipated Freedom Street Concert.

Despite battling a host of health issues and navigating financial struggles, the Florida-based Morgan has packed her bags--and her faith--and is en route to Jamaica today with her daughter, Oneila Morgan.

She had appealed to the dancehall star to gift her one magical night by paying for her to come and see his performance on New Year's Eve. That wish, for unknown reasons, was not granted. But the 50-year-old Morgan is not prepared to let the disappointment stand in her way.

"I know he [Kartel] is busy, so that is why he has not reached out, because Vybz Kartel is a kind-hearted person," Morgan.

For Morgan, the concert is more than just an event -- it's a lifeline. After using her disability cheque to secure plane tickets for herself and her daughter, who is recovering from a gunshot wound and battling PTSD, the pair is ready to experience the healing power of music. Yet, there's one major hurdle: they don't have concert tickets.

"This concert is the only thing that will help us right now," she said.

"I am coming to Jamaica without the tickets, as we can't afford to pay for them," Morgan revealed. "I'm praying that Kartel will see this article or that a good Samaritan will help us out. I'm leaning on every faith that I have."

Ticket prices for the event range from US$150 (approximately J$23,300) for tier 2 bleachers seats to US$2,000 (approximately J$311,000) for VVIP centre stage access.

Morgan's story is one of resilience and sacrifice. She faces cervical stenosis, fluid in her lungs, and the aftermath of surviving cervical cancer three times since 2018. Cleared by her doctors to travel, Morgan will arrive in Jamaica with her wheelchair, back brace, cane, and pain management medication.

Even with only US$122 left in her bank account, she has no regrets about spending what little she had for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"I will have to try and get copies of my book, 1974: A Survivor Story, sold in order to stay afloat," she explained. "I really just have to sacrifice this one moment in life and have it as a memory for the time I have left on earth."

Morgan said her unwavering determination has rallied her church community, the Sounds of Faith Church, behind her dream.

"Even my church community is cheering and supporting me on, and are praying that I will make it to the concert and have a marvellous time. There are persons from my church who watched an interview where he said he finally understands the power of God, so they don't judge. The Sounds of Faith Church that I attend love and respect music and the culture of music. I am also in long-term care, so they fully understand," Morgan said.

As the clock ticks down to Vybz Kartel's first live performance in 14 years, Morgan is holding onto hope, faith, and the belief that her sacrifices will pay off. Freedom Street Concert kicks off tonight at the National Stadium, promising unforgettable moments for fans like Morgan who have stopped at nothing to be there.