31/10/2025
This week, we were scheduled to be in Jamaica for our conference, coming together to celebrate connection, culture, and community. While the storm changed those plans, it also reminds us what true connection looks like: showing up for one another in times of need.
Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth was severely damaged, and newborns are now being transferred to Mandeville Regional Hospital, which urgently needs cribs to care for them safely.
Our friend and colleague Simeca Alexander-Williamson, MPH, IBCLC and her foundation, Cradle of Life, are in the midst of local relief efforts. Donations to her foundation go directly toward purchasing cribs from a local medical distributor.
The hospital urgently needs 10 cribs, each costing JMD $92,000 (approx. USD $575), and 4 incubators (cost TBD). Every contribution will go directly toward this purchase and make a tangible difference.
Suggested donations:
- JMD $5,000 ≈ USD $32 – contributes toward this urgent need
- JMD $10,000 ≈ USD $65 – helps provide essential support
- JMD $20,000 ≈ USD $130 – covers a portion of one crib
- JMD $92,000 ≈ USD $575 – fully funds one crib
🔗 Donate via Cradle of Life here: https://secure.ezeepayments.com/?ZnXkrxj
When donating, please enter the amount in Jamaican dollars (JMD). Approximate U.S. equivalents are shown for your convenience.
This week, instead of gathering in Jamaica, we can still honor the spirit of our conference by standing with the island that was ready to welcome us.
Thank you for your generosity, compassion, and solidarity during this time of recovery.