Praying for a miracle Family appeals for help as mother of six battles stage four cancer

Just months ago, Petrina ‘Simone’ Clayton was working and supporting her family.

On Wednesday, the 39-year-old mother of six was fighting for her life at Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James after being diagnosed with renal failure and Stage Four cervical cancer. According to her cousin, Dawn Burcher Williams, who spoke on behalf of the family, doctors delivered devastating news last Friday, informing them that the cancer had spread to Clayton’s stomach and that her kidneys were barely functioning.

The family was told to prepare for the worst, but Clayton has continued to hold on despite the grim prognosis.

“She is alive because a lot of prayers have been going up, and she is fighting really hard,” Burcher Williams said.

Relatives say the uncertainty surrounding her condition has taken an immense emotional toll on the family.

“They said the dialysis that they are giving her is what is keeping her alive. Thanks be to God she is still with us from last week. It is very difficult in ways people can’t even imagine. Her mother is sick and blind as well. Every time we see the phone ring, we keep wondering if it’s going to be bad news,” Burcher Williams said.

She described Clayton as a devoted mother, a hardworking woman and the pillar of her family. Less than a year ago, she was employed at a hotel in The Bahamas and appeared to be in good health.

However, in June, Clayton contacted relatives after suddenly experiencing weakness in her legs and finding herself unable to stand.

“She eventually returned to Jamaica and her legs were still weak, so she was taken to the hospital and the doctors said she had a lot of fluid around the navel,” Burcher Williams said.

Further medical testing revealed the shocking diagnosis of Stage Four cervical cancer and kidney failure.

“She was shocked and saying that she don’t know where this sickness come from because she wasn’t in any pain,” she added.

Clayton was placed on dialysis, but the treatment soon became a financial burden for the family. She spent more than a month in hospital, and after being discharged several months ago, the family was advised that she would need dialysis twice weekly at a private facility, with each session costing $15,000.

“She kept on doing it but, for the past four weeks, we can’t find any money for her to do it. Last Wednesday, her condition got really bad, so we took her back to the hospital. She got dialysis last Thursday at the hospital, but her condition has worsened regardless,” Burcher Williams said.

According to the Ministry of Health and Wellness, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer affecting women in Jamaica, with roughly 376 to 386 new cases diagnosed each year and more than 230 deaths annually. Health officials say the disease, which is primarily caused by the Human Papillomavirus, is largely preventable through vaccination, regular screening and early treatment.

Burcher Williams said Clayton’s greatest concern has been the future of her children, particularly her two youngest, ages 11 and 16. Despite her deteriorating condition, she remains determined to keep fighting and hopes to recover so she can continue being a mother to them.

“We are really praying for a miracle,” Burcher Williams said.

With the family struggling to meet daily expenses, Burcher Williams is appealing for assistance to help provide necessities including toiletries, diapers and ointments.

Persons wishing to assist Petrina Clayton may contact Dawn Burcher Williams at (876-820-0933.