Avia Ustanny, Gleaner WriterSONYA BINNS, the mother of Francine Dillon who was diagnosed recently with Thymic Carcinoma (Thymoma, cancer of the thymus), has received a birthday gift which perhaps only the miraculous cure of her daughter's condition could surpass.
Ms. Binns, who will celebrate her birthday tomorrow, is still feeling light headed after a mysterious donor handed over US$15,380 to assist with the medical care of her daughter. The gift made it immediately possible for the mother and daughter to arrange for travel to Montefiore Hospital in New York where Francine will be treated.
"God has been truly wonderful," Ms. Binns told The Gleaner, explaining that "this lady called and organised to have a friend donate the US$15,380."
This sum, added to US$7,000 taken from the bank account opened for Francine and to which Jamaicans have been making contributions, enabled her doctors at the University Hospital of the West Indies to dispatch a letter of introduction to Montefiore where specialists are now awaiting the arrival of mother and daughter.
The helpful woman, a lawyer who wishes not to be named, told The Gleaner that she had heard Francine's story and
wanted to do something to help.
"I made one strategic phone call to the hospital to do due diligence," she said. "I also got the number of her doctor. Then I called a corporate friend who in turn contacted several others in his private capacity."
The lawyer, who also accompanied Francine to the United States Embassy for her visa, said the donors do not want to be named.
AMAZING GENEROSITY
"The generosity of people who do not know her and who do not want anything for it is amazing," she said.
As soon as a total of US$22,000 (J$1.4 million) was raised, arrangements were made for Francine and her mother to travel to New York. Tickets were donated by Air Jamaica.
Francine, now 19, was diagnosed in 2004 with cancer of the thymus. The cancer manifests itself in the form of a "large extra pulmonary mass" that bulges from her chest and makes breathing extremely difficult. She began feeling unwell in February 2004, complaining of severe chest and back pain.
After seven months of visiting a total of six doctors, her condition was diagnosed in October.
Although Francine's mother has been told that the required surgery is "difficult and near impossible" she is extremely optimistic.
She said Francine will receive six to eight weeks of chemotherapy to be followed by surgery, "if it is possible."
The family's mysterious benefactor said: "I think all will be well."
