A benefit concert will be hosted by the family of Francine Dillon, as they seek to raise the US$50,000 for a life saving operation to treat the 19 year-old's cancer. The concert takes place tomorrow at VH Percy Centre, at the Kencot Seventh Day Adventist Church in Kingston.

Dillon has a thymoma tumour-cancer of the thymus and as soon as sufficient funds are raised, she will get treatment in the United States.

The thymus, located behind the sternum (breastbone) in an area called the mediastinum, is a small immune system organ. Its job is to make T-cells that help fight infections. Medical experts say, Thymoma occurs most often in people in their 30s and 40s, and therefore, Dillon's case is rare.

She was diagnosed with the illness in October 2005 after a biopsy (examination of tissue cut from the tumour) was done. She has been forced to stay away from school due to her illness. Her family also says her condition is worsening, since the cancer has begun to spread throughout the youngster's body and her left lung collapsed recently.

Francine's Mother Sonya Binns expressed her delight at the rate at which donations were being added to a Bank account opened almost a month ago to raise money for Francine's surgery. She said they have received at least $180,000 so far. However, she desperately hopes that Saturday's concert will increase this amount considerably.

Patrick Smith will host the benefit concert, which is endorsed by Miss Jamaica World 2005, Terri-Karelle Griffiths and with headline acts including Praise Circle Trio, Jeneive and Robert Bailey, AFIP, the Kencot Youth Choir, and a special appearance by Francine herself.

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