Marissa Nelson’s plight touched the hearts of many both locally and internationally.
When her story was first highlighted in the Trinidad Guardian last September many came forward to assist.
Her story was also aired on sister station CNC3 and reached over 295,000 readers on Facebook and was shared 1,169 times within hours after going public.
Nelson spoke of being confined to her bed for over four years because of her obesity. She had to take her baths, cooked her meals and suffered in silence in her tiny home. She described her life as a prisoner in her home.
Having lived alone, Nelson depended on the generosity of her neighbours and 68-year-old mother, Sylvia Nelson, an amputee, for everything.
Her story got the attention of Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh and Social Development and Family Services Minister Cherrie-Ann Crichlow-Cockburn who offered to give a helping hand. Also, MP for Toco/Sangre Grande Glenda Jennings-Smith gave a commitment to remodel Nelson’s bedroom. Crichlow-Cockburn provided Nelson with an aide/caregiver and counselling.
Among those who came to Nelson’s assistance was Dennis Hicks, owner of DEHIX, an international charitable body, CEO of Pillars of Harmony and members of the public.
One month after Nelson’s story was published, officials from the North Central Regional Health Authority along with regiment officers from Camp Cumuto and fire officers visited her home and to take her to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex for an intense weight loss treatment programme.
Yesterday, Sylvia said her daughter was now at peace, having suffered to the very end.
She said her daughter had a premonition that death was coming soon.
“I was in the health centre when Marissa called me on Friday before she went into the operating theatre. She told me she was tired and she couldn’t take any more of the pain she was enduring. She said she was going. God was ready for her. Instantly I started to cry. I told her to let Jesus hold her hand and to walk with him. That was the last conversation we had. Hours later, I hear my child dead. I had no idea her health was so bad. Why? Why, God,” Sylvia said, as fresh tears flowed from her eyes.
The last time Sylvia set eyes on her daughter was a week ago.
“She had lost a lot of weight but she was not her normal self. Something was bothering her. Marissa was going through severe depression. I could have seen it in her face.”
Two weeks ago, Nelson begged her mother to come home so she can see and use her remodelled bedroom, which will now remain unoccupied.
“The hospital staff told her if she goes home the weight loss programme would stop. So she had to stay there,” Sylvia said.
Asked if the family had money to bury Nelson, Sylvia said the family was scraping through and doesn’t know if the Government will offer a helping hand.
Sylvia opted not to blame anyone for Marissa’s death. “I don’t want nobody to say that I am ungrateful after all that they have done. I leaving everything in the hands of God. Whatever and whoever responsible...they have to face and answer to God one day.”
