A Beacon of Hope: How One Woman’s Love and Determination Uplifted a Family in Tragedy

By Staff Writer

In July 2024, Hurricane Beryl left Jamaica grappling with devastation. By July 6, only 62% of the island had electricity restored, leaving nearly half of the population in darkness. Many families were forced to rely on kerosene lamps for light—a dangerous substitute. Kerosene, a highly flammable liquid fuel, has long been a source of house fires in Jamaica, prompting government vows to eliminate its use.

Tragedy struck in rural Jamaica in late August when a kerosene lamp ignited a fire that claimed the lives of three members of the Stillwell family as they slept. The Stillwells, a family of nine who survive through farming, were already struggling with poverty. Without a car and often unable to pay their phone bill, they found themselves grappling with homelessness and food insecurity after the fire. The cost of burying their loved ones—a staggering 280,000 Jamaican dollars (approximately $1,790 USD) per person—seemed insurmountable.

Amid their despair, hope came in the form of a distant relative by marriage, Ms. Teeka Hamilton. Though she lived far away, Teeka sprang into action as soon as she heard of their plight. Leveraging the power of community and social media, she recorded a heartfelt video explaining the Stillwells’ circumstances and shared it widely. She went live on Instagram and Facebook, reaching out to friends, family, and church communities for support.

Although Jamaica lies 710 miles from Florida, the love and compassion of Broward County residents bridged that gap. Responding to Teeka’s call for help, they came together to wrap the grieving family in support. Over three months, Teeka raised enough funds to bury each of the victims, one by one. Her efforts didn’t stop there—she also facilitated travel for family members from Haiti and the Dominican Republic to attend the funerals, ensuring the Stillwells could grieve surrounded by loved ones.

Teeka’s actions are even more remarkable given her personal challenges. Legally blind and having undergone multiple heart surgeries by the age of 39, she has still become a pillar of strength for both the elderly and youth in her community. Her impeccable reputation reassured donors that their contributions were in trustworthy hands, inspiring confidence and generosity.

At a time when trust is scarce and love often feels elusive, Teeka’s selflessness reminds us that compassion still thrives. Her story serves as a powerful testament to the boundless reach of love, showing us that even in the face of personal struggles, we can make a profound difference in the lives of others.

Thank you, Teeka, for reminding us of the beauty that exists in our world—and for proving that the arms of love can stretch far beyond our limitations.