Doniecia determined to beat SVT
Published:Sunday | March 23, 2025 | 9:40 PMCarl Gilchrist/Gleaner Writer
For more than 15 years, 32-year-old Doniecia Thomas-Senior of Mile End, St Ann, has been affected by various symptoms including heart palpitations followed by chest pain, shortness of breath and fainting spells.
“I’ve been affected for 15 years to be honest, but I recently, just last month, got the diagnosis because it wasn’t as bad as how it is now. Usually it was on and off but since October of last year it started getting worse,” she told The Gleaner.
In December, Thomas-Senior spent well over J$1 million out of pocket to do a series of tests including to check for blockages or narrowing of arteries, assess blood flow in arteries and veins in areas such as the brain, legs, kidneys.
The tests failed to uncover the real reason for her health complaints.
However, follow-up examinations finally revealed that she was being affected by supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), a heart rhythm disorder that causes a very fast or erratic heartbeat, in which the heart may beat over 150 times per minute.
Now, an operation is required, this time costing J$2 million, stretching her resources to the limit. She needs help. And with the operation tentatively set for the end of April, she has started a GoFundMe page to seek that assistance.
“The GoFundMe is moving a little slow now,” Thomas-Senior shared as she appealed for help.
At the start, the response was steady but has now dropped off, with US$7,103 raised of the US$13,100 target.
Thomas-Senior is faced with a worst-case scenario which would see her being fitted with a pacemaker.
On the GoFundMe page, she shared her struggles.
“I experience episodes up to five times a month, leaving me in excruciating pain and weakness. This makes it challenging to carry out my daily tasks and care for my daughter the way I want to. Thankfully, my supportive family is always there to lend a hand.”
“My cardiologist recommends an electrophysiology study and catheter ablation. This four-hour procedure can potentially cure my SVT. However, the medical bills are adding up, and that’s where you come in! Please help. The cost of the procedure is 2 million JMD.
“Any donation will bring me closer to the treatment I need to regain my health and live a normal life with my loved ones. Your support means the world to me! Thank You!”
For those who wish to donate locally, here is her banking information:
Name: Doniecia Thomas-Senior
Bank: Scotiabank
Branch: Ocho Rios
Acc No: 000848539
Account Type: Savings
And here is the link to the GoFundMe page:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-doniecias-heart-procedure