Victim tries to get back on track

André Williams, STAR Writer

Twenty-eight-year-old Kassandra Smith will never forget the morning of August 17, 2014, as it was a day that caused her great agony and pain, which she is likely to endure for a lifetime.

Smith, a victim of what is believed to have been an acid attack, was doused with a burning substance, which has resulted in injuries such as severe burns, speech imparity and loss of sight.

She told THE WEEKEND STAR: "I had just finished jogging by heroes circle and went home (Arnold Road), about minutes to seven. A tenant called my attention to a man that was calling me outside. When I went to check, it was a young man about 20-27 sporting a cornrow hair and wearing a black jacket. I recognised a red bottle with a white top in his hand."

She said the man kept insisting that she go and speak to a man name 'Wayne' up the road.

black substance

Smith explained what transpired next saying: "I just felt something flash in my forehead and I fell to the ground immediately, I got blind instantly. I was screaming for help and my dogs even rushed me and bite mi up. When help finally came, dem say I was covered in a black substance."

Police rushed Smith to the Kingston Public Hospital where she spent two months and did two surgeries, one for her face and the other for her chest. Smith was also referred to an eye specialist.

Discharged since October 18, Smith has mounting medical bills on top of which she is to attend clinic twice weekly.

This has become a financial burden for Smith, who worked as a cashier at a supermarket prior to the incident.

She said: "The bills for the two months is $839,000 and my mother managed to pay $70,000 and we got donations from customers and my previous employers. I also have an upcoming surgery that will cost $180,000."

forgive

Now in her time of need, the only person present around her is her mother and a family friend.

When asked about other relatives, Smith said: "I'm not hearing from them. I have a nine-year-old daughter, but since the incident she has to live with friends, I don't know when I will get back on my feet again. A doctor told me it will take months and years for me to heal."

Admitting she has an idea what led to the attack, Smith said she has found it in her heart to forgive the perpetrators. "The person I thought to be the mastermind turned himself in to the police with his lawyer, he was questioned and released," she said.

The Kingston Central police said investigations into Smith's attack is ongoing.

Anyone who wishes to assist Smith may do so via NCB, Christiana Branch account number 854135945 and/or JN account number 10465133, Christiana Branch.