By Staff Reporter | February 25, 2026
A Westmoreland woman who was severely burned last week has successfully undergone a medical procedure, but her family and supporters say the fight for her life is far from over.
Dacia Forrester, a 42-year-old entrepreneur, underwent surgery on Tuesday night at Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, St James, during which doctors removed damaged skin tissue from her body. While the procedure went well, she now urgently needs blood donations to aid her recovery.
“The doctor called me this morning and told me that they took her in surgery and removed all of the burned skin and it went well. It is just for her now to get blood,” said her sister, Carol Blackwood Hewitt.
A Community Rallying for Recovery
Forrester has been receiving care at the hospital following a February 19 incident at a gas station in Whithorn, Westmoreland, where she sustained severe burns. A fundraising campaign is currently underway to raise US$55,000 to cover air ambulance costs that would allow her to receive specialized burn treatment at a hospital in the United States, which has already agreed to accept her as a patient.
Blackwood Hewitt remains hopeful, expressing gratitude for the public support received so far while urging more people to contribute.
Sister Released from Custody
In a positive development for the family, a second sister of Forrester — who had been taken into police custody on February 19 — was released on Tuesday without being charged. The sister had reportedly been arrested in connection with actions taken during the original incident.
How to Help
Those wishing to support Dacia Forrester’s recovery and medical transport can donate through the following channels:
- Burn Foundation of Jamaica: Call 876-344-7028
- Online: crisissupportcharity.org
- Direct donation page: crisissupportcharity.org/donations/help-dacia-forrester-to-get-burn-care-overseas
- GoFundMe: gofund.me/ccdabce42
Every contribution brings Forrester one step closer to the specialized care she needs.
