Shamelia Dunkley is making a heartfelt plea to the public, urging them to assist her 14-year-old sister, Ackalia Dunkley, in her battle for survival and the pursuit of her dream to become an architect or a model. Ackalia suffered life-threatening third-degree burns during an explosion that occurred in the kitchen of her residence in Burnt Savanna, St Elizabeth on Friday morning.

Currently fighting for her life at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) in St Andrew, Ackalia urgently needs to raise US$45,000 to cover the expenses of an air ambulance that will transport her to the Joseph M Still (JMS) Burn Center in the United States of America, where she will undergo surgery and receive specialised care.

With time running out, the family is appealing to the public for support to save Ackalia’s life.

“It is incredibly difficult to see her in this condition. I’m doing my best to stay strong, but when I was at the hospital, I couldn’t stop shaking. She didn’t say much to me. On Friday, when we brought her to UHWI, she smiled at me and tried to speak, but I told her to rest. She mentioned feeling weak and experiencing intense heat in her body.

“My sister is a fun and lively person. She was baptised on March 26, 2023. She taught herself Spanish, Korean, and Chinese, and she’s a wonderful person to be around. She loves drawing. She has expressed her desire to become an architect or, if not, a model in the future. That’s her aspiration. I appeal to everyone out there to do everything they can to help my sister. She has a promising future,” pleaded Shamelia, emphasising her desperation to prevent the loss of her sibling.

Ruphema Dunkley, the father of the girl, refused to be disheartened by his daughter’s condition and made a passionate plea for assistance.

“I implore anyone who can make it possible for her to receive the necessary treatment overseas. I call upon the Prime Minister, the Minister of Health, and the Minister of Education—please, explore all avenues to help us. Give her a chance,” he earnestly expressed.

The Sanmerna Foundation in Jamaica, which maintains a special relationship with the JMS Burn Center, reported that doctors in the United States are eagerly anticipating Ackalia’s arrival. The only remaining obstacle is the fee for the air ambulance.

Robert White, Director of the Sanmerna Foundation, stated, “She has suffered severe burns. Her father and I are in anguish. Ackalia Dunkley needs help, and we beseech you to lend a hand in saving her life. She has a bright future ahead. Time is running out to save her. We implore corporate Jamaica and the Diaspora to do whatever they can to save her life and give her a second chance.”

HOW TO DONATE:

C&WJ Co-operative Credit Union – Santa Cruz branch

Name: Ruphema Dunkley

Member ID: 6517978

Account number: 0015

Alternatively, donations can be made to the Gofundme account under the name Ackalia Dunkley.

Donations can also be directly made to Trinity Air Ambulance International, LLC, via their Wells Fargo bank account.

Bank: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Bank Address: 420 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94104.

Account number: 7227789893

Account name: Trinity Air Ambulance International, LLC. ABA

Routing: 121000248

Swift Code: WFBIUS6S