BY INGRID BROWN Associate editor -- special assignment browni@jamaicaobserver.com Thursday, May 29, 2014
TWENTY-FOUR-YEAR-OLD Sasha-Gay Lewis has been given a second chance at life and one which she fully intends to make use of now that the cancer of the stomach which took her to death's door is in recession.
 |
| Cancer survivor Sasha-Gay Lewis and her mother Irene Moore are a picture of joy as they pose at their home in Port Antonio, Portland, with the certificate from the Radiation Oncology Centre of Jamaica indicating the successful completion of chemo-radiation therapy. (PHOTOS: LIONEL ROOKWOOD) |
But this charming, young woman, whose personality captivates those she comes in contact with, could not have done it without the support of well-thinking Jamaicans who contributed to the $1.7 million she spent for chemo and radiation therapy.
Lewis' plight was first highlighted by the Jamaica Observer last August after her family's effort at sourcing the money through various fund-raising events failed to yield the required amount
for her to begin radiation therapy. Following the article, individuals and organisations reached out to assist her, making it possible for her to begin treatment a few weeks later.
"Now I don't ever wake up one morning without saying 'thank you, Jesus, for one more beautiful day', because many don't get to see another day," Lewis said, explaining that her close shave with death has given her a new outlook on life. Now the ever-smiling Lewis said the happiest day was receiving the news that the cancer was gone two months after completing the therapy.
"When I went to UHWI (University Hospital of the West Indies) to collect the report, I was as nervous as ever, and so I had to ask a friend to open the envelope and read it, and then when I saw him smiling I just jumped up and screamed with joy," Lewis told the Observer when the team visited her at her Port Antonio home in Portland.
And, although she still makes monthly visits for medical check-ups, Lewis' only restriction is to manage her diet and to eat mainly fish and vegetables.
"The doctor said I must go and enjoy myself, so that is what I am doing, although I still do everything in moderation," she quipped.
Lewis had high praises for the staff at the Radiation Oncology Centre of Jamaica, who she said helped to make the experience of undergoing chemo-radiation more tolerable.
She said she is extremely grateful and happy that so many persons reached out to help her.
"I felt so happy that people reached out to help, especially seeing how the economy is now and for people to reach down in their pockets to help little old me, it's just overwhelming," she said. "I was so elated that sometimes I just lie in the dark and smile to myself." more
i have know importance of hair transplant in gurgaon really helpful thanks
ReplyDelete