FORMER Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) centre Vanessa Gidden returned to her homeland with a different kind of ‘assist’, delivering relief supplies to more than 300 residents of Trelawny and Westmoreland whose lives were upended by Hurricane Melissa.
Gidden, who hails from Trelawny, played basketball for 14 years. She is a former player with the Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA. Additionally, she played internationally in Turkey, Finland, Romania, Italy, Israel, Spain, Poland, and Angola.
According to Gidden, she wanted to use every resource available to help her country get back on its feet.
“When I saw what happened and realised how many people were suffering and how many had lost everything, I knew there was no way I could stay on the sidelines,” Gidden said, noting she has a deep connection with the island.
“No matter where I am in the world, Jamaica is in me. I was inspired to take action because Jamaica is my home. Being born here, my roots, my pride, and my identity are deeply tied to this island,” added Gidden.
Multiple communities in both parishes, such as Martha Brae, Hague, Granville and Petersfield, were positively impacted. Hot meals were provided, supplies were delivered to boys and girls’ homes, clothing items, essentials and motivational speaking sessions delivered to uplift and encourage the local youth.
From 2006 to 2016, Gidden represented Jamaica’s national team, earning gold, silver, and bronze medals. She was a part of the historic 2012 Olympic-qualifying run, where the team finished just one win short of qualification.
As part of her long-term goals, Gidden wants to help rebuild and continue supporting Jamaica in every way she can.
“I plan to return home to continue this work. This is a long-term mission, and because of this commitment, I have officially launched a non-profit organisation named the Athlete for Athletes Foundation, which is to provide sustained and meaningful support,” said Gidden, who competed in the Caribbean Championships, Pan American Games, and multiple FIBA tournaments.
Continuing, she added, “I want the next generation of Jamaicans to know that there is hope beyond the storm. When disasters pass, people often overlook the emotional and mental toll left behind. I want to ensure mental health and long-term recovery remain at the centre of this work.”
This initiative is a heartfelt reminder that the community begins with giving back, and Orlando Ennis is extremely grateful.
“Vanessa and her family did not only brought aid to the community, but also a sense of hope to the people. They spoke to people, showed a lot of love, prayed with some, and inspired some. I am glad she reached out, and, overall, it was just wonderful what they did,” said Ennis, who had an extreme encounter in the hurricane.
“My home actually turned over with seven of us inside, including my two-year-old son. I am from Pullet Lane district in Westmoreland and I was able to kick out the roof and get us out. Currently, I am living in a shelter at Petersfield High School with my wife and other members of my family,” added Ennis.