Please read this and share. Time is running out for Alicia.
Four years ago, Alicia Robinson made a desperate plea to save her eyesight. Today, at just 35 years old, this Spanish Town health worker is still fighting the same devastating battle—and she’s running out of time.
Alicia suffers from idiopathic intracranial hypertension, an extremely rare neurological disorder that causes dangerously high pressure around the brain. The symptoms are unbearable: blinding headaches, swelling of the optic nerve, constant nausea, and worst of all—progressive vision loss that could become permanent at any moment.
There is no cure. Only management. And right now, Alicia cannot afford the treatment that could save her sight.
In 2024, she underwent surgery that gave her a few precious months of relief. But the symptoms have returned with a vengeance. Now, she faces another critical operation—a revision of her lumbo-peritoneal shunt, a delicate procedure to repair the tube in her lower back that drains excess fluid from her brain.
The surgery could cost up to $6 million. Even with insurance, she needs between $2 million and $3 million out of pocket.
“I am nowhere,” Alicia told THE STAR, her voice breaking. “I really don’t have any money.”
Despite working full-time as a clerk at a medical center, Alicia’s monthly medication costs exceed $200,000. Some months, she simply cannot afford it and has to “tough it out.”
“My symptoms come out of nowhere. I can be talking to you and a few seconds later I end up in the emergency room,” she explained.
To survive, Alicia has hosted cake sales and jerk sales. The funds help, but they barely scratch the surface of her mounting medical bills. Sometimes, she admits, shame and exhaustion creep in.
“Sometimes I feel like people are tired of me asking for help. But I have to put pride aside because I need help. I really do,” she said, tears in her eyes.
Yet even while fighting for her own life, Alicia continues to help others.
In 2022, she created a support group for people living with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Today, it has grown to over 10,000 followers across social media platforms—a lifeline for people suffering in silence from this invisible illness.
“A lot of people with this condition get depressed easily. It plays on your mental health, especially when you don’t have support. I just want them to feel that they’re not alone,” she said.
Alicia describes her condition as “an invisible illness” that many people, even medical professionals, struggle to understand.
“You look fine on the outside, but inside you are tearing apart,” she said quietly. “The fear of losing your vision is scary. That’s my biggest fear right now.”
Her optic nerve has already been damaged. She has a blockage in her vision. Her intracranial pressure remains dangerously high. Without this surgery, she could lose her sight completely.
“Sometimes I’m saying, God, how am I helping people when I can’t even help myself?” she whispered. “It’s really not an easy journey. It’s hard.”
Alicia has dedicated her life to caring for others. Now, she needs us to care for her.
Any contribution—big or small—can make a life-changing difference. Please, if you can, help Alicia hold on to her sight. Share this story. Donate if you’re able. Time is running out.
How You Can Help:
Scotiabank (BNS): Name: Alicia Robinson Branch: Spanish Town Account Number: 000858918 Branch Code: 80275
National Commercial Bank (NCB): Name: Alicia Robinson Branch: Half-Way Tree Account Number: 305014990 Branch Code: 000300771
Please share this everywhere. Alicia needs us now.
Source – https://jamaica-star.com/article/news/20260217/health-worker-needs-help-battle-rare-brain-condition
