Singapore-based Jamaican funds $1.15m hip surgery for…

A Jamaican woman based abroad has contributed more than $1 million to help Mishcah Hamilton, a special-needs mother who is living with avascular necrosis, or AVN, caused by sickle cell disease.

The donor, Ka-el Geewax, is also a special-needs mother and resides in Singapore. Her contribution is intended to pay for Hamilton's hip operation, which is set for late June.

AVN, a serious complication sometimes associated with sickle cell disease, occurs when poor blood flow causes bone tissue to die. The condition can weaken bone and lead to collapse, often affecting joints such as the hip, knee, shoulder or ankle.

Geewax agreed to cover the full $1.15-million cost of the procedure after reading about Hamilton's situation in The Gleaner.

She said her own experience as a parent in the autism community helped her understand why Hamilton needed support.

"In this particular case, as a parent within the autism community I know so many families carry an invisible weight only we fully understand," said Geewax.

"Trying to stay strong for your child while dealing with health issues must take an emotional and physical toll. I know [that] in situations like these, it can feel incredibly lonely and overwhelming, so I wanted to remind her she's not alone. Supporting her also means supporting the child," she added.

Geewax said she wants her charitable work to continue beyond one case, as Jamaicans and people in underserved communities need sustained assistance. She hopes to create a foundation that can provide ongoing help.

"I think kindness has a ripple effect; when people come together to help someone through a difficult season, it restores faith, community and humanity," she said.

Hamilton, 32, has stage-five AVN brought on by sickle cell disease. Her left hip has suffered total joint collapse, leaving her mobility badly affected and taking a toll on her mental health.

She previously underwent a right-hip replacement in 2022. In January, she told The Gleaner that she has depended on a crutch for balance and that the illness pushed her out of full-time work in 2020.

Hamilton said the unrelenting pain and lack of sleep have also made it much harder for her to care daily for her six-year-old autistic son, Micah.

She had launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking US$25,000, or J$3.5 million, to pay for surgery, a hip prosthesis, hospitalisation, rehabilitation after the operation, physical therapy and medication. The fundraiser had collected US$4,188.

"Literal tears came to my eyes, because Ka-el doesn't know me and I don't know her, but she heard my story and didn't hesitate to help like all the other persons who have been helping," said Hamilton.

"I am overwhelmed in a positive way. I'm elated and I can't explain how grateful I am. It's my desire that when I'm able in other ways to pay it forward I will. I will pay it forward in whatever little way I can. I might not be rich and can't do certain things, but just making a difference in the lives of others, or people hearing my story of resilience that will help them to fight," she said.

People who wish to assist with Hamilton's recovery after surgery and future medical care may donate through her GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-mishcah-get-her-critical-hip-replacement or through NCB Cross Roads branch, savings account number 474934314, in the name Mishcah Hamilton.