Simone Henry's debilitating illness prevents her from moving around freely. Apart from her illness, her home, located on the banks of the Hope River, places her at an even greater risk should disaster strike.
SIMONE HENRY lays helplessly on her back in the cramped room of her family's home at an informal settlement in August Town, St Andrew.
When The Sunday Gleaner visited last Tuesday, she was being comforted by a friend and a copy of the Old Testament book of Numbers.
Because of a debilitating spinal illness, Henry, 25, has been unable to walk for the past two years. Her mother and two sisters tend to her domestic needs.
Despite her challenges, 'Chin,' as she is called, is as chirpy as the 'belle of the ball'.
"I used to cry every day when I remember things I used to do, but not again," she said. "When yuh stress out yourself, it only make things worse."
Moved from Milk River
Henry moved with her mother and siblings from Milk River, Clarendon, to the August Town area more than 15 years ago and settled on land above the Hope River.
She first experienced severe back pains at age 10. Four years ago, X-rays showed she had a tumour on the spine which required surgery.
At the time, she had earned a certificate in food and nutrition from the Holy Family Laws Street Trade Training Centre and was seeking employment in the restaurant industry.
However, that plan was put on hold as her health started deteriorating.
"I start to bleed through my nose, my eyes started to get glossy, I could hardly walk, and couldn't pass my stool properly," she recalled.
She said doctors at the University Hospital of the West Indies had even more bad news: there was only a 50-50 chance of her walking again if the tumour was removed.
Painfully prophetic
The diagnosis has been painfully prophetic. But for six months of therapy at the Mona Rehabilitation Centre, Simone has been home where she is cared for by family and brethren from the Gordon Town Seventh-day Adventist Church, where she is a member.
"They come here every Sabbath for me, pray for me, encourage me," she said.
For Henry's health to improve, she requires stringent physiotherapy but she is confident that like Moses, the hero of Numbers, she will one day be able to walk triumphantly.
"When you leave things to God, anything is possible," Henry said, smiling.
To help Simone Henry contact the East Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists at 924-1061-3.
- H. C.