Beenie Man Launches ‘Pinky Initiative’ To Help DHQ Carlene’s Sister Beat Cancer: “We Need US$50,000”

‘The Doctor’ Beenie Man is using his influence to rally support for cancer patient Pinky, the sister of his former spouse Dancehall Queen Carlene Smith. 

Fresh out of bed on Tuesday morning, the veteran deejay took to his Instagram Story to share the ‘Pinky Initiative’, a campaign geared towards raising funds for the pop culture figure who is battling stage four breast cancer in the lymph nodes.

“We have a thing we a work with – the Beenie Man Foundation – called the Pinky Initiative,” he started.

“Now, Pinky is one of the first dancehall woman – one of because is Carlene’s sister because she is the first dancehall queen. Anyway, she have cancer and we need fi save her, we can save her, but we need US$50,000. So, to all my fans and well-wishers, if you have a dollar or a $5, mi a tell yuh just send it.”

As Beenie Man said, a Real Helping Hands campaign has so far brought in just over US$1,500, of which the goal is US$50,000.

The Grammy Award-winner also said he’ll go live today to share account information for those wanting to make donations.

“So, whether you waan go through Paypal or ‘Maypal’ or any pal, just me a beg unno, mi a go show unno har tomorrow enuh. Like seriously, she really, really, really sick and doctors seh we can save her, so, thank you please.”

Smith and Pinky, along with fellow trendsetters Sandra Lee and the Ouch Crew, revolutionized dancehall fashion in the 90s and, by extension, ushered in a culture that saw women being the object of the video light’s affection and attention.

Pinky approached the space as a fashion show which saw her, being eye candy for men and the envy of women. Yet, they all supported each other and championed women’s empowerment, pride in sexual identity and head-turning uniqueness.

Pinky has also appeared in several music videos for artists including Beenie Man, Tiger, and the duo Chaka Demus and Pliers. After her life in dancehall, she migrated to the US and became a full-time hairstylist, a job she’s had to forsake because of the toll of her illness. 

She’s been in Jamaica over the last several months, with Smith launching various campaigns to aid her treatment.

Beyond this, fellow artist Sizzla Kalonji, also a friend to Pinky, offered his talents at a birthday bash/fundraiser for her in February at the MECA nightclub in Kingston. 

At the time, Pinky told DancehallMag, “It’s good when you have family and friends around you to support you, that help to build up your hopes high. And please, go take your tests, do everything, cause it’s really important. It makes a difference.”

Smith, who had previously shaved her head in solidarity with her sister’s fight, opened up about seeing her reduced to 93 pounds, and trying every option from traditional to holistic medicine. 

“She did chemo, radiation, the whole shebang, but it didn’t work, so, I thought from last year to go the natural, holistic way which is where we are at now,” Smith said. “People may think holistic means bush and only bush but it’s actually way more than that and, so, it’s a very expensive venture…”

She added, “I love my sister, world without end; I don’t think I would be who I am today if it wasn’t for her… Things happen. It doesn’t matter how much money you have if you keep spending it on health without putting it back by working. She can’t work anymore so it’s really to support her treatment and to keep her vibes and health up.”

Beyond the Real Helping Hands platform, people may contact Smith on Instagram @dancehallqueencarlene or call 876-339-6749 to donate.