Left: Angela Haughton speaks to THE STAR at her home in Waterhouse. Right: Daughter Samantha. - errol crosby photos

To commemorate Mother's Day, The Gleaner/ Star will be paying tribute to and assisting selected mothers who are in desperate need of assistance.

In today's feature, THE STAR visited the home of former higgler, fifty-year-old Angela Haughton of Waterhouse, St Andrew.

Ever since she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis five years ago, things have never been the same for Haughton and her six children.

Over the years, she has also been afflicted with diabetes, high blood pressure, fibroids and was hospitalised recently after two blood clots were found to be resting on a vein in her foot, and, according to doctors, could cause heart issues and eventually be fatal.

These ailments have proven to be disastrous for Haughton and her children.

Haughton told THE STAR that prior to her diagnosis she was able to earn a living by pushing a cart in the community selling wares, but this has now become difficult as she is in constant pain and is unable to push the cart or walk for long periods.

According to Haughton, "Things have been bad, very, very bad. I don't have any money to send my kids to school, no bus fare, no money to fill prescription or to even buy food. I'm financially embarrassed in every way."

But despite all her hardships, Haughton selflessly told THE STAR that what she is seeking assistance for is to care for her children; in particular her 20-year old daughter Samantha Williams.

Samantha, who is the first person in the immediate family to attend university, is currently in her second year at the University of the West Indies, Mona, pursuing a bachelor's degree in sociology.

Haughton told THE STAR, "I want her (Samantha) to pursue her career. God will send food for us, I really wanted her to do law, but I am financially embarrassed, but when you see them ambitious, you will do anything for them, living in the ghetto you have to search very hard for children like these."

Haughton expressed with pride, how despite the obstacles, her daughter is determined to complete her studies.

"Samantha is a hardworking girl, very determined, she will go to school without food, sometimes walk or beg a ride to school and even sleep in the library at UWI to finish her assignment. If I have it I will send a pack of Lasco and biscuit for her to eat when she's up there studying."

It was revealed to THE STAR that due to poor nutrition, Samantha's blood count is very low.

Samantha, who was at home during the interview, told THE STAR about her mother.

"She's the best, she would go the extra mile to provide for us, if is even to go hungry and let us eat, even when she cannot walk and is in pain, she will go on the road and beg something or sell something to provide for us to eat," she said.

Samantha shared with THE STAR the hardship she is forced to endure in an effort to complete her degree.

"It's very difficult to get my tuition paid, sometimes I will go through the entire day without lunch money, come home no dinner." She continued, "I have to stay over at school to do assignments because I don't have Internet-access at home, when I wake up the next day my foot swell up because of the position I am in."

She went on to share how it's very stressful to know that her mother is ill, and they have no money to take her to the doctor.

She further said; "It's stressing on us when we have our schoolwork and we have to stop sometimes to help her out, and also to know that the clots in her foot could move to her heart and kill her, and that she's to do tests but can't, because we don't have enough money."

In honour of her mother, Samantha added, "I would like to say, I love you! Thank you for the sacrifices that you made."

If you would like to assist Angela Haughton and her family call THE STAR at 932-6247.

Also look out for our one-hour programme 'Tribute To Mama' that will be aired on TVJ on May 12 at 3:30 p.m. The show will feature the video footage of the mothers who were selected and any assistance received.

Along with the footage, there will be clips showing popular figures speaking of their mothers' influences on their lives.

There will also be tributes and performances from some of Jamaica's top talents, including: Romain Virgo, Tessane Chin, Tami Chynn, Omi, Richie Stephens, Ikaya, Dean Fraser, Assassin and gospel singer Carlene Davis.

On Sunday, tune in to The Gleaner's Tribute to Mom charity show on Television Jamaica at 3:30 p.m. The show will feature video tributes as well as footage of a few mothers in need of financial assistance. There will also be performances from Richie Stephens, Romain Virgo, Tessane Chin, Tami Chynn, Omi, Richie Stephens, Ikaya and Dean Fraser.

Tribute to Mama will be brought to you by The Gleaner in association with TVJ and sponsors Kia Motors, LIME, Oufah Media, and the promoters of the Mother's Day show To Mom With Love.