When you see her infectious smile, minus a tooth, and her constantly curious eyes you will think she is as content and healthy as any seven-year-old.

Her mother knows different.

Jimika Astwood has been there through the cystic fibrosis diagnosis, the battle with pneumonia, and the collapsed lung — all before Jahquae Richardson's first birthday.

Then came the juvenile diabetes.

Jahquae's young life has been consumed with so many visits to Children's Hospital in Boston the seven-year-old could probably spell paediatrics better than most adults.

Each day Ms Astwood is massaging her daughter's chest, feeding her at least three different medicines, and injecting yet a fourth.

Its cruel and unfair treatment for someone so young, but it's what makes Jahquae comfortable enough to smile that toothy grin.

When she coughs, however, you can hear the painful breaths even if she doesn't show it on her face.

Jahquae's mother hopes the public can help improve her little girl's quality of life with the most simple act of kindness.

All it takes is five dollars and a pair of jeans.

A huge burden is lifted for Jahquae's family if they can get her a medical vest system for her chest.

"It's fairly new," explained Ms Astwood. "It's like a physical therapy, we have to do physical therapy to her chest, a couple of hand vibrations to the chest, and it's easier obviously to do if she has a vest on."

Cystic fibrosis patients suffer from a build-up of sticky mucus in their lungs and digestive system making it difficult to breathe and to digest food.

It's a genetic condition. Life expectancy is about 31 years.

But the medical technology is continuously improving, the new vest is one such example.

And of course new treatments cost big money — almost $20,000 for the vest. The insurance company is picking up part of the expense.

So that's why Ms Astwood has asked her friends and family to pitch a Denim Day at their workplaces.

With approval from the boss, employees donate five dollars for the privilege of wearing jeans to work on Friday, February 2.

It started as a small idea, but it isn't small anymore.

"I didn't expect for it to blow up as big as it did," the young mother of two said with a smile.

"I just sent it to a couple of people — my mother and her godmothers asking their jobs just to do a little something, but it went around like hotcakes and really caught people's attention. And they just want to help."

Already about a dozen offices are on board and there's still more than a week to go.

Ms Astwood's e-mail reached Craig Tyrrell at his office in the Ministry of Immigration.

"It was an immediate response to help out," he said after reading Jahquae's story, "For me it was easy, I've got two daughters."

Almost his entire office of co-workers had the same reaction.

Mr. Tyrrell said the movement at his office spread to the United States Consulate Office in Devonshire. So now that workplace is on board too.

Ms Astwood can't believe the support she's getting and had initially hoped to thank every contributor in person. Now that may prove very difficult.

"We really, really greatly appreciate everyone's help and efforts, she said, "we're just really grateful."

The money will go a long way because Jahquae has a lot more medical expenses and a little brother, who needs attention too.

Jahquae and her mother will be back at Children's Hospital in Boston on February 7. They'll have to make a least four trips this year.

If you want to help e-mail Jimika Astwood at jastwood@applebyglobal.com