The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – A herculean effort is under way at the Jack Hayward High School to raise money for 16-year-old student Brittany Burrows, who was diagnosed with bone cancer last week.

Principal Yvonne Ward, teachers, and classmates of Brittany have formed a committee and announced the launch of a fundraising campaign to raise $50,000.

Brittany, whose left arm is significantly larger now than her right arm, does not have medical insurance and her family is unable to pay for her medical treatment.

Syran Burrows said her daughter started experiencing pain in her left arm in November.

“In January, it started swelling up,” she said.

Ms Burrows said they took Brittany to the doctor for tests. They took some tissue from her arm and last week Wednesday it came back as bone cancer.”

Principal Ward is appealing to the public for help.

“When her mother came to see me and brought it to my attention, I said, we have to do something. Her classmates also came and said they want to raise funds for their friend and I thought it was a good thing; and we decided to do it as a family.”

Mrs Ward said Brittany’s classmates and teachers quickly formed a committee, and have planned several events and functions to raise money.

“We do not know yet how much it is going to cost for treatment, but we estimate at least $50,000 and we will do what we can at the school and we are appealing to the corporate community to assist.”

We want to start fundraising immediately because Brittany has been called into Nassau, and her mother is looking at taking her at two hospitals in Miami, Florida.”

Teacher Tanya Sears-Stubbs, committee secretary, said they have held bake sales at the school and are planning to hold other activities, such as a ‘walk-a-thon’, ‘Dollar Day’, and car wash.

“The appeal is going out to corporate citizens, politicians, civic organisations, churches, and anyone who has interest in JHH to render assistance to Brittany,” she said.

Mrs Stubbs said a Facebook page, Team Brittany, has been opened and persons can get further information on Brittany and effort to raise funds.

Brittany thanked everyone at JHH for their support and the encouragement she has received since she was diagnosed with cancer.

“When I got the news, I was quite sad and disappointed, but after while I found strength and started praying and giving God thanks because only Him is able. I would like to thank all of my friends for their help and support, it means so much to me,” she said, wiping tears from eyes.

Classmate Alicia Graham said she was devastated after learning that Brittany had cancer.
“We would like the public to help us and to support Brittany,” she said.

Brandy Garland said they do all they can to help Brittany.

“We want to let her know that we love her and hope that everything goes well and that people support her,” she said.

Other committee members are Valencia Carroll, Chairperson, Catherine Wilks, Julie Johnson, Beryl Allen, Arnold Martin, Mrs McPhee, Ms Rahming, and Florine Russell.