Mom fighting to save only child from cancer
Melise Ellis is praying for a breakthrough that will see her only child, 13-year-old Michael Williams, healed from leukemia.
“I cry every night but I have people that call me, friends call me and try to keep my mind stable, and I have people who try to support me and call me and encourage me that everything is going to be okay. I pray and the words are comforting, but as soon as they come off the phone, I break down again. It’s hard, it’s really hard,” said Ellis. Michael is a seventh grade student at the Charlemont High School in St Catherine, and was recently diagnosed with stage four chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Ellis related that sometime in March, her son came home from school and started vomiting. The symptom continued for almost a week, which led to him being admitted to the Spanish Town Hospital, then to the University Hospital of the West Indies on April 19. Two weeks ago, their worst fears were confirmed.
“I was kind of in denial about it because there was no one in my family with cancer. I kept telling the doctors that it wasn’t cancer but each time they came and spoke to me, I researched the symptoms and I just had to accept that it was cancer,” the Bog Walk, St Catherine, resident said.
“It is something very hard and sometime I go on Google and look at some of the things about cancer and I feel depressed; I can’t help not to cry. My son even say to me, ‘Mommy, you think likkle vomiting coulda cause all a this?’,” she related to the news team.
Ellis describes Michael as a cheerful person who loves food, football and school, and has displayed reasoning abilities beyond his age.
“He fights sicknesses but to see him cry now, that’s how I know he is really in pain,” she told THE STAR. adding that she’s waiting on doctors to inform her about Michael’s long-term treatment. He started chemotherapy earlier this month and his medical bills have surpassed $1 million. Ellis is seeking the public’s assistance.
“The hospital bill is sky high and we are still here. Whatever anyone can do for us, it is appreciated. A coulda even be prayer to just say Michael ago alright. I appreciate it because prayer works,” Ellis expressed.
Those wishing to make a donation to assist Michael Williams, can contact representatives at the Charlemont High School at 876-201-7541, or make bank deposits to Melise Ellis, NCB Linstead branch, chequing account No. 681318380