Public urged to support concerts to help cultural practitioner battling stage 3 cancer

Local charity WIFI… (What IF It…) is calling on the public to assist cultural practitioner Francine Wickham-Jacobs who has been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer.

During an emotional press conference on Monday, her cousin Cynthia Ralston disclosed that the Trinidadian-born Wickham-Jacobs needed funds to pay for urgent treatment.

That will be done through two benefit shows next month at the Frank Collymore Hall, where Wickham-Jacobs previously served as manager.

Ralston explained that the highly-regarded performer, producer, manager and artist had experienced excruciating back pain during the latter half of 2021 and after an MRI examination in October, was diagnosed with stage 3 myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer.

“Fran complained of back pains and leg pains and she just thought it was sciatica and osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, it became so bad that she could not walk very well and we gave her a wheelchair. She tried to walk at least from the wheelchair to the bathroom, not knowing that that was making it worse,” she told the media at the Frank Collymore Hall.

“Finally, when she went for the MRI, it was diagnosed as multiple myeloma. She had fractured the vertebrae and [had] lesions on the spine… so she is bedridden.”

Two benefit shows will be held at the Frank Collymore Hall. The first, entitled Dance and Jazz, is scheduled for Sunday, February 13. The second show set for Saturday, February 19 is Spouge and Calypso.

Manager of the Frank Collymore Hall Stephen Brathwaite said all COVID-19 protocols will be observed to ensure the events, which will be open to both vaccinated and unvaccinated patrons, are held safely to raise the funds for his predecessor.

Unvaccinated patrons will have to present a negative PCR test taken within 24 hours of the event.

“I would like to encourage persons who know Fran, from whatever aspect of her life as Cynthia has alluded to earlier, that they can feel safe to come to the hall and to lend their support, both in person and via their wallets, to this very worthy cause,” encouraged Brathwaite who said he and other employees were shocked on hearing the news of Wickham-Jacobs’ illness.

“WIFI… is a very apt name for this group – what if it… what if it were me, what if it were you, what if it were one of your loved ones, you would want a group of persons with whom that person has been closely associated to receive as much help as they can,” he added.

WIFI was started in 2018 to raise funds to support local actor Antoine Brudda Daddy Williams who at the time needed surgery and treatment for cancer.

Williams, who was also at Monday’s press conference, appealed to Barbadians to give generously at the upcoming events.

He noted that the former business development officer for the National Cultural Foundation, like many other artistes, had given most of her working life to the advancement of culture in Barbados.

“We give to the Barbadian community – we give our time, we give our talent, which really and truly cannot be in any way measured by dollars and cents… and when sickness does occur to any of us, it is only but necessary for this same Barbadian community to give back. It has nothing to do with whether or not that individual has money, or can afford to; it is about giving back,” said the first beneficiary of WIFI.

“I would want to offer my urgent and personal appeal to the Barbadian community to give to this worthy cause.”

For the jazz evening, patrons can expect to see artists such as Roger Gittens and his band, Mya Daniel, Allison Norville, Kellie Cadogan, among others. Dancin’ Africa, Desmond Weekes, Colin Spencer, Blood, RPB, Nikita, and more will perform on spouge and calypso night.

Patrons are encouraged to make a minimum donation of $80. A silent auction will also be held on both nights. (SB)