A young woman fighting cancer is putting together a fundraiser to help cover medical expenses.

Latroya Caines, 26, said she hopes the “talent concert” will not only provide support for herself and two other cancer sufferers, but serve as a celebration of life.

“I don’t want it to be depressing, about people being sick and dying. I want it to be a celebration of life, and it’s a way to give back,” she said.

Ms Caines said she was first given a diagnosis of uterine cancer last November, just months after her father learnt he had an aggressive form of cancer.

“He was in the hospital last May when they found out,” she said. “That just took us on a whirlwind because he was fine and healthy before he got sick. As it turns out he had an aggressive cancer and it was spreading really fast.

“A couple months later I got really, really sick and I was sent for an ultrasound. They found a mass in my uterus and from there it was just doctor’s visit after doctor’s visit. It’s been hard, but I have a good support system.

“My friends are awesome. They are up all hours of the morning with me when I’m crying and going through the worst of the worst.”

Not long after her diagnosis, she said she was contacted by Danita Lambe, another young cancer sufferer. Ms Lambe then put her in touch with Kevina Santucci, who had also been struggling with cancer.

Since then, she said the trio have remained in constant contact, providing each other with support.

“Danita told me once that I should just try to have a positive attitude,” she said. “Everyone I come into contact with are so shocked when I tell them because I’m so happy.

“I read a quote from a cancer patient online, and she said that every day she wakes up she is winning a battle, so we have to be happy and positive.”

She said the fundraiser, which will take place at the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium at CedarBridge Academy on June 12, is hoped to raise $5,000 to go towards the three women’s medical costs while also raising awareness and provide support for those in a similar situation. She added that any funds raised over the $5,000 would go towards the medical treatment of other young cancer sufferers.

“It puts it out there for those who are suffering but don’t want to say anything,” she said.

“People don’t want to seem like they are looking for sympathy, so it gives them an opportunity to come out.

“Afterwards, if people want to just sit down and talk, Kevina, Danita and I will be there. We will be there to talk about our own personal experiences. We’re trying to have an informative event, a happy event and a celebration of life.”

• Tickets for the event cost $25, and are available at Jamaican Grill, Jazzy’s Boutique and Seaside Grill. For more information, contact Ms Caines at latroyadiane@gmail.com.