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"If I don't get my treatments I'm going to die," said Verna-Naomi Harrison, who is dreading her possible demise because she is not able to cover the hefty cost that comes with getting her dialysis treatment.

Harrison was diagnosed with kidney (renal) failure in September 2017. After noticing rapid blood loss several times during her menses, she then collapsed and was rushed to the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH).

"I get weak out and I couldn't help myself so that's when my private doctor sent me to the hospital, and I was in there for about two weeks," she said.

Life has not been the same for the 44-year-old since. The resident of Queensborough said that each dialysis treatment costs $11,500 per session, twice per week.

"I used to go there but I had to stop because I don't have the money," she said. "I owe them over $50,000 already, and they give me a limit since I owe the money, and I pass the limit. So I just have to try and go one time per week," she told THE STAR.

Since she has exhausted her credit limit, she is now forced to risk missing her treatment, which has dangerous repercussions.

"If I miss two days, it is very serious. I remember some time in 2018, I missed two days, and when I went back, I got a seizure. I'm worried about the same thing right now if it a go get me sick, because me never miss a day this week," she added.

Harrison, who works at a restaurant, said that since COVID-19 surfaced in Jamaica, it is even more difficult for her to get treatment.

"I used to get work five days a week but since the virus lock down the place, I'm only working two days. Me still have other bills to pay and the money I'm making can't even pay my bills, and worse to get my dialysis," she said.

Paying for her dialysis treatment is not the only strain for Harrison, as she has to traverse to and from Portmore for treatment.

"I used to go Castaid on Hope Road but it close down. I try to do it at KPH in 2018, but they said the list was too long and they were still at 2015 on the list," she said. "Now I have to go Liam Dialysis in Portmore Pines and it's hard to find the fare because I have to take three vehicles."

As she recalled an incident where one dialysis patient missed a treatment and died, Harrison is now pleading for help to save her life.

"Up to the other day a younger girl than me miss her dialysis and she just get sick and died. I'm a fighter and I just need to some help to keep going," said.

Verna-Naomi Harrison may be contacted at (876) 874-8208.