Features

Holding on for dear life

By WANDEKA GAYLE, Staff Reporter

Camille and Cameka Pinnock - Wandeka Gayle

IDENTICAL TWINS ARE usually as thick as theives and share a unique, unbreakable bond. For 20-year-old Cameka and her sister, Camille who is battling congenical heart disease, their bond seems to be weakening.

Aside from similar features, facial expressions and mannerisms, the twins used to share the same active spirit before Pulmonary Atresia, a condition where one valve in the heart is obstructed, sapped Camille's energy and could shorten her life.

"She used to be so active but now she's so quiet," her sister, Cameka had reflected in a previous interview referring to her sister's bowling and batting skills in cricket.

Outspoken and humourous

It appears that the two may have switched roles since the ordeal, Cameka becoming the more outspoken and humourous and Camille the more reserved and melancholy one.

Where once Camille used to be the active one in church by teaching Sunday School, Cameka, who does not hold any position at Bethlehem Reform Church of God, Tavern Avenue, sometimes prods her to get out of bed and face the world.

"It seems we have grown apart," Cameka said of their relationship, "She does not talk to me that much anymore, ever since she came back."

She told THE WEEKEND STAR that ever since she returned from Houston, Texas, where she was told heart surgery would be risky at this stage, Camille had grown a tough exterior that kept out the world and locks herself in. Cameka stated she often evaded conversation about her illness.

However, Camille is adamant to complete her education and present a happy picture to everyone around her.

"Even though I want to be a doctor, I really enjoy keyboarding, English and entrepreneurship," Camille said of her secretarial training.

Unlike Camille, Cameka nurtures dreams of becoming a police officer. "I feel like I can change certain things out there and counsel persons who commit murder and things like that." she said. "I really want to lower the rate on killings."

Certain things remain the same about the two such as reading, listening to music and watching television. However, Cameka has become the one to socialise more with friends.

She recounted a time when Camille had been a ball of energy as a child.

"She used to love to play when we were growing up," she said with a giggle, "She loved to run."

Then her voice became heavy as she explained how things had changed and she caved under the pressure of trying to complete her O'Level subjects at St. Mary's College and provide moral support for her family.

"I was so stressed that I did not pass any of my subjects," she said, "My grandmother and grandfather had just died and Camille was in the hospital."

Camille only passed three of her seven subjects since she was in and out of the Bustamante Children's Hospital.

Despite the challenges, the alienation and the disappointments, the little family in Salisbury Plain, rural St. Andrew is determined to stand by Camille, giving her as much support as is needed to place a permanent smile back on her face and a spark of hope in her heart.