Cassandra Rigg of Linstead, St Catherine, who suffered extensive burns as a child, shows the disfiguring effect fire has had on her hands. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

The most painful challenge of sustaining burn injuries is the loss of support of friends and family while coping on the tough, cold streets of Jamaica, some victims have said.

Carol Myerswas jolted by the reaction of friends after she lost her right hand, which was burnt to bits and rendered useless after a machine default, causing her to slump into reclusion. Only a few relatives and friends have stood by her side throughout the tragedy, she said. Despite the hovering clouds of loneliness, a ray of optimism beams through.

"I don't have any friends now, but I don't mind because today I may be down, but tomorrow I will rise," stated Myers, tears streaming down her face.

Even Myers' 14-year relationship with her current partner has been strained. The union, which has produced two children, is shaky, she said. "The relationship is on and off because I can't work now so everything mash up," said Myers.

The 50-year-old, who lives in rural St Catherine, said that the incident has helped to strengthen the bonds with her five children, some of whom help her financially as well.

"My children are very supportive of me whenever I am in need. They are always there to respond to my call," Myers added.

Fabian Letman, who bears scars from a freak accident with caustic soda which also caused internal damage, said he feels deserted.

Over the 14 weeks of his illness, Letman told The Gleaner, he received significant assistance from family, friends and church members, but that initial outpouring of compassion has since waned.

Now a loner

"I am now a loner where support is concerned. I can't even work on my farm, as I once used to, because (rigorous work) has significant physical bearing on the wound," said the 28-year-old security guard who works at Hampton School in St Elizabeth.

But the future is not gloomy for all the burn victims featured in The Gleaner's Beneath the Scars feature.

Rayon Robinson, whose face was disfigured in an explosion in 2007, said he has met the woman of his dreams and is planning to get married.

The 42-year-old, who was blinded by the accident, said that while previous attempts at striking up relationships failed, his current heart-throb is a fellow Christian and perfect match.

"I am praying about this relationship and I am holding on to faith that it will work," said Robinson.

He said that even though distance prevents them from seeing each other often, he is convinced that his physical appearance has not dampened the closeness and genuineness of the relationship.

"If I don't call her one night, she call and curse and say I am deserting her now," stated Robinson, smiling.

He further said he has been blessed with good friends who have been a pillar of strength during his ordeal and in the aftermath.

"I get a lot of support from my friends who can't come to look for me, but call to find out how I am doing," Robinson told The Gleaner. "All my family rally around me from I was in the hospital up to this time, they don't leave me."

Positive attitude

Oliver Robinson said though he is sometimes saddened by his brother's condition, he is heartened by Rayon's positive attitude.

Cassandra Rigg also enjoys the company of dedicated friends and families.

"I am blessed with good friends and family who always stand up by me, no matter the circumstances," said Rigg, who survived an arson attack when she was only two years old.

She lives her life on a daily basis surrounded by friends and family, who are always there for her when she is faced with discrimination.

"Sometimes them argue with persons on the street when they make their crude remarks, even when I am not paying it any mind," the 24-year-old said.

Ridicule and discrimination

For Oshane, two, and Vincent Richards, four, infants who are still adjusting to burn wounds they sustained last month, family members have showered support on them through direct visits, as well as phone calls with encouragement to their parents.

Their father, while concerned about the ridicule and discrimination they might face growing up, said he was not worried about their ability to win friends now.

"They are jovial as they are always talking and laughing with others, so this won't affect their friendship with anyone," said Dad, who asked that his name not be published.

"Even when I am coming from the hospital, the amount of persons asking for them (is overwhelming)."

Names changed on request

nadisha.hunter@gleanerjm.com

Rayon Robinson, blinded in an explosion, reveals the scars to his torso and arm. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer