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Three years ago, Natoya Julius had difficulty walking and standing for long periods and was given various painkillers and ointments to relieve her ailments.

Further tests revealed that she had low-grade, non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops when lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) become out of control.

They divide in an abnormal way or do not die when they should. The 38-year-old Portland resident has started chemotherapy but is unable to fund the cost for the six doses of medication called Rituximab that go along with the treatment.

She stated that she is seeking the public's assistance to raise the J$1.6 million needed to purchase the medication.

Julius said her illness has got so bad that she is unable to work, and had no other choice except to let her four smaller children become a part of the PATH programme.

"I can walk now but I get tired very easily, and sometimes I will fall. I have shortness of breath, and my tummy is really big because some of my organs are swollen. I have tried everything to raise the necessary funds but I am unable to do so. I just want to get back on my feet again, so I am very appreciative of whatever assistance I can receive," she said.

She stated that the genesis of her illness dates back to 2016, but didn't think the diagnosis would be this serious.

"I found myself not being able to walk. It gradually happened over time where my feet would feel numb. I would visit the doctor and they would give me different sets of medication, none of which would help for long. I then visited another doctor who referred me to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) to have an MRI done. However, I didn't act on it quickly and then I realised that I couldn't get out of bed myself," she said.

Julius admitted she then ignored her doctor's advice, which led to her being admitted again, this time for months at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH).

"My sister was graduating from the Police Academy and being stubborn that I am, I went, but I didn't return home. I ended up at KPH. My legs just gave way and I couldn't get up back. I was admitted for more than two months. They didn't know what they were really treating me for, but they just wanted me to be able to walk on my own again. It got so bad I didn't have any feelings in my leg or waistline. If I wanted to pee, it would come without me knowing," she said.

Julius is hoping that very soon, with financial assistance, her health will become normal again.

Persons wishing to assist Natoya Julius may contact her at 876 377- 1242. Persons can also make donations through her Jamaica National account #11166281.