No one thought Donohue “Nello” Nelson would make the trip to Jamaica to continue his annual back-to-school outreach in Moores, Clarendon.
It has been a rough couple of weeks for the dedicated father and husband, who lost his 33-year-old daughter, Kayla, to cancer on July 25—just 14 days after her July 11 birthday.
Kayla’s funeral took place on Monday, August 18, in New York. Two days before, Nelson flew to Jamaica to host the treat for the children, and by the end of day two, he was back on a plane to New York for his daughter’s funeral.
In an interview with Freedom Come Rain, Nelson said he knew it was what his daughter Kayla would have wanted.
“She supported me in every charity event that I do, and there were times when she contributed. She cheered and supported the effort as much as my wife, Julea, did,” Nelson shared.
It was difficult for him not to get emotional as he reflected on his daughter’s life. Describing her as a “sweet soul” who always supported and wanted the best for others, he admitted her passing has taken a heavy toll not only on him but also on her mother and her two young children—a son and a daughter.
He said he and his wife will be there for the children; however, they can only try to cushion the loss. Nelson recalled saying his final goodbye a few weeks earlier after doctors called and told the family there was nothing more they could do.
“There are times I question God. She was such a sweet person. I see so many people live their lives doing wickedness, and they are disgustingly healthy,” he said, struggling to hold back tears.
Still, Nelson regained his composure, acknowledging that whatever God does is always right. “I don’t have the answers. I have my moments when I want to scream and cry, but then on my calmer days, I know that God is still good,” he admitted.
For the past several years, Nelson—better known as “Nello”—has been giving back to the community of Moores, not only through his annual back-to-school treat but also during the festive season, when he distributes food packages and hosts activities for children.
Even while grieving, he knew he had to make room for this year’s outreach.
“A lot of children going back to school are lacking many of the bare essentials. Parents are counting on the backpacks and school supplies. After discussing it with my family, there was no resistance—we all came to the same conclusion: Kayla would have wanted me to go,” he explained.
At the event, he made a special pledge in her memory.
“I told the kids that for the rest of my life, every year, I will be giving them school supplies in Kayla’s name and memory.”
No one is more grateful for that decision than Wendy Miller McKoy, principal of Moores Primary and Infant School.
In an interview with Freedom Come Rain, she said a man’s true character is revealed in times of adversity.
“Nello having a treat for our children during a time of grief shows that despite the loss of his daughter, he has given hope and confidence to many students facing the uncertainty of the back-to-school period. His gesture is not only commendable but also worthy of emulation. In the midst of his sadness, he has brought much joy to students and parents alike. In expressing my gratitude on behalf of all the stakeholders, I must also pause to express our condolences,” she stated.
Her wish for him is that the peace of God covers him and his family during this difficult time.
“May your kindness, courage, and determination in the face of the most unfavourable circumstances serve as a means of inspiration and motivation for others,” she said.
As for Nello, he admits the pain he is feeling is indescribable. But whether he is in Jamaica or the States, the hurt is still there. Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces, however, makes it a little easier for him.
Picking up the pieces is something Nelson admits he does not yet know how to navigate, but one thing is certain: he will continue his outreach, knowing that he has her blessings.
Someday, he said, he will smile again. But for now, he continues to cherish her memory—by doing the very things he knows she would have loved.
