Family Appeals – By Azara Lavia
Family Appeals Help Lisa
The family of Lisa Kentish-Francis is appealing for public support to help meet the cost of life-saving treatment as she continues her fight against Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Kentish-Francis, 56 years old, is currently undergoing specialized medical care in Colombia, where she is scheduled to receive a second stem cell transplant after her cancer returned following her first transplant.
According to her family, the procedure costs US$96,000, a financial burden they said is beyond their means. They are now seeking donations to help cover the cost of the transplant and ongoing medical treatment.
Relatives describe Kentish-Francis as a compassionate woman whose kindness has touched many lives. Despite the challenges of her diagnosis, she remains determined and hopeful, drawing strength from the support of her son, Devontae, family members and friends.
Her story highlights the significant financial strain many cancer patients face when forced to travel overseas for specialized treatment. Beyond medical expenses, families must often contend with airfare, accommodation, transportation, and daily living costs while supporting loved ones through lengthy treatment.
The family is urging members of the public to contribute financially if they are able, while also encouraging people to share Lisa’s story and offer messages of support and prayers.
Vice President of the Antigua and Barbuda Cancer Support Community, Wilda Jno Baptiste, said the organization is mobilizing support to assist Kentish-Francis with her fundraising efforts.
“Members of the community can help and contribute to Lisa’s fundraising efforts by donating directly to her ACB Caribbean account. Her name is Lisa M. Kentish-Francis, and the account number is 103-23-2266,” Jno Baptiste said.
She noted that there are several ways members of the public can make contributions.
“She also has a GoFundMe – Lisa M. Kentish-Francis. You can donate through the GoFundMe, or you can donate to any member of the Antigua and Barbuda Cancer Support Community. We have sponsorships, and if you see someone with a sponsorship sheet, you can make a donation there as well,” she explained.
Jno Baptiste also encouraged supporters to donate through the organization’s charitable platform while expressing confidence in the generosity of the Antiguan and Barbudan public.
“You can also visit our webpage at communitycharitableministries.org and leave a donation there for Lisa Kentish-Francis. We do appreciate your support as always because we know our community always rallies around us. We thank you for giving us an ear. God bless you,” she said.
Supporters stress that every donation, no matter the amount, will help to ease the financial burden on the family and allow Kentish-Francis to focus on what matters most – her treatment and recovery. In addition, sharing her story and supporting organizations that assist cancer patients are equally meaningful ways the community can stand beside her during this difficult journey.
