Stephanie Coleman, Gleaner Writer
Sonya Binns (right) embraces her daughter Francine Dillon, who suffers from thymic carcinoma, a rare form of cancer. - CONTRIBUTED
MIRACLES SEEM to be of the past in today's fast-paced world, but 19-year-old cancer patient, Francine Dillon, strongly believes that her miracle is just around the corner.
Miss Dillon was diagnosed with thymic carcinoma, a rare type of cancer, in October 2005, after visiting several doctors for persistent coughs and chest pains. Young Francine was shattered and often locked herself in her room to cry. "If I think about it for long, it is depressing, but I believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel," Francine said softly, her voice reduced to a whisper by the tumour.
"The cancer shifts the lungs and the tumour is pressing against the heart with some roots lying on the heart and leaning on it. Because of the shift, her voice is gone; she has short breath and she coughs a lot," Miss Sonya Binns, her mother said. "She's trying very hard to hold up. She has great faith that she's going to be healed and that it won't take her." She described her youngest child as very humble, quiet and devoted to her Christian faith.
This is not the first time Miss Binns and her family have been confronted by cancer as she lost her mother to it 10 years ago, and her sister in August last year. "I guess it runs in the family, but she's going to break the cycle," Miss Binns said.
Thymic carcinoma is extremely rare with only 20 cases seen at the renowned Mayo Clinic in the United Sates in 75 years. It is a malignant, aggressive epithelial tumour of the thymus (a small glandular organ that is situated behind the top of the breastbone, consisting mainly of lymphatic tissue). Fifty per cent of thymic carcinoma is detected by chance with plain-film chest radiography. Most sufferers are aged 40 through 60 years old, and approximately 30 per cent are asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis.
SCOTIABANK ACCOUNT
Dr. Weinstein of the University Hospital of Columbia in New York has offered to remove the tumour free of cost. However, Miss Binns would have to source US$50,000 to cover additional hospital fees. A Scotiabank account, which has been opened for Francine, has accumulated only $100,000. Francine's school, the Queen's School Extension, has raised $20,000 so far, while her alma mater, Mona High School, has contributed $27,000. Hagley Park Preparatory School has also promised to contribute. Well known personalities, such as, Terri-Karelle Griffith, Miss Jamaica World 2005, Tommy Cowan, Carlene Davis, and Robert and Geneve Bailey, have offered their support and prayers to the ailing teen.
People and organisations wishing to assist Francine Dillon can make a contribution to Scotiabank account # 915054 at the Half-Way Tree branch.
