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TWENTY-NINE-YEAR-OLD Kacy-Ann Jackson is waging a courageous battle against stage four chondrosarcoma - a rare and aggressive type of bone cancer that has turned her young life upside down.

"I am really young and I don't want to die," Jackson said as she made a heartfelt plea for help in raising funds to access potentially life-saving treatment overseas.

It has been a difficult and painful journey for Jackson, who grew up in Mavis Bank, St Andrew. She first noticed troubling symptoms early last year when she began experiencing severe back pain while working at Mother's Enterprise.

"The pain grew worse and I started feeling like someone was beating me with a hammer in my back," Jackson recalled.

Initially, doctors suspected a muscle strain or scoliosis. However, further tests including a CT scan revealed multiple masses inside her body. A biopsy later confirmed the devastating diagnosis: stage four chondrosarcoma.

Determined to fight, Jackson began chemotherapy treatment. However, one day after her birthday in March, she received the crushing news that no further treatment options were available locally.

"A day after my birthday on March 28 I went back to the doctor and I was told that the cancer was still progressing and my world came tumbling down. I thought because the previous ones didn't work that this one would. I thought I was going to be cancer free and I was hopeful. My world was shattered and I remember just crying right after I reached out the hospital gate," Jackson said.

"The doctor called me the following day and told me that there was nothing more that they could do. They said they couldn't treat my case so that's when I really lost hope."

In the midst of her despair, Jackson found a glimmer of hope when she was accepted for treatment at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida. However, the cost of the treatment is overwhelming - starting at US$40,000 (approximately J$6.3 million) - and far beyond what Jackson and her family can afford.

"I am praying for a miracle and I really don't want to die. I want to live and go back to work and regain my independence. I want to start a family and live. I am unable to find such a figure. I have reached out to local charity entities that deals with medical situations but they are unable to assist at this time. I am asking anyone who can help me to please do so. I would be very appreciative," she said.

Jackson is appealing to the public for support to enable her to travel to the United States of America for treatment.

"Mi can tell yuh seh I don't know where the first cent is going to come from, but I am trusting the Lord. I really don't want to die and I am very scared," she said.

Persons wishing to assist Jackson can contact her at (876) 836-9829.