The number of ladies coming through our doors, since the start of the year, all three chemotherapy units on Island have been very busy many patients choosing to ‘cold cap’ (aim to retain their hair during chemotherapy treatments – we have a great success rate). Whilst George Town Hospital can manage their own cold capping patients due to BCF purchasing them two electronic Paxman machines, Health City and Doctors Hospitals prefer to use the manual method, this is very labour intensive, with the caps being changed every 15-25 minutes, we have a great team of volunteers that support the patients.
We are always looking for new volunteers, this is an extremely rewarding role and involves an afternoon or morning every week or two, volunteers can sign up by contacting us. (full training is given) .
Recent Fundraising
On the 16th June 2021 we were thrilled that William Santor (Producer) organized a screening of Ron Perlman’s 2015 Moonwalkers, which had never actually made it to Cayman back then, it was a great movie and we were all then treated to a Q&A with Ron and our very own Patron Vicki Wheaton. All proceeds for the night are to be split between BCF and Meals on Wheels
Mr. Cruz called in recently with his regular monthly donation – we are so grateful to him.
A fantastic night was had by over 110 guests who attended at Agua for a thrilling night of entertainment, fantastic food and a fantastic wine selection. Organized by Vicki Wheaton (BCF Patron) we thank Agua, the Sommeliers, Jacques Scott and everyone else who made this night great.
Bingo Night at Cayman Islands Rugby Club
Tracey Goldie, who is currently in the middle of her breast cancer treatments, very kindly organized a Bingo night with the help of Caroline Deegan and her fab team at the CI Rugby Club on Saturday, 3rd July 2021, the house was full!! A fabulous total of just under CI$5K was raised for the Foundation. We thank all who donated prizes and took part, what a fun evening it was.
Breast Cancer Gala Dinner
The Breast Cancer Gala Dinner will be on the 27th November at the Ritz-Carlton, this unusual variance from our first Saturday in October is due to the Ritz-Carlton’s refurbishments and we look forward to seeing how beautiful the hotel looks in November, we are almost sold out, although sponsors are still very much welcome, this year our speaker will be Vinnie Jones. Details of tables/cost/sponsorships can be found on our website or by calling the Foundation. This event is our main fundraiser for the year, individual tickets are CI$375 which includes all entertainment, a three-course dinner and wine. We have a very exciting live auction and extensive silent auctions, as well as our raffle which is always a huge hit with our guests, this gala is acknowledged as the number one gala in Cayman and we strive hard to keep to this standard and each year many of our guests book for the year after the minute the current one is over!
Wellness Program
The BCF Wellness Program grows each day, the Breast Cancer Centre in Grand Harbour is constantly busy, we usually see 2-4 newly diagnosed patients each week, this number has risen recently and the amount of persons registered with us has risen to over 280. We are glad we can offer all breast cancer patients and survivors individual and group counselling counseling (which includes their families). Also offering holistic services such as massage, acupuncture, hypnotherapy along with nutritional advice and support all helps the individual to get through the grueling treatments. We are also here to advocate and support anyone on their breast cancer journey. Our aim is to help the patient (and their family) get through their medical treatments and beyond.
Our Centre has a dedicated bra measuring and prosthetic fitting room (which is the only facility like this in the Caribbean), we keep this room well stocked and this includes pressure vests needed for after surgery. We also offer, wigs, scarfs, and bathing suits. All these products are available free to those who need them we are so busy that we are now running an appointment system in order to give each woman the privacy and one on one attention she needs and deserves. Appointments are usually Tuesdays and Thursday, #’s to call are 936 1136 or 938 1135.
The Support Groups – there are several groups held each month, a general meeting, usually with a guest speaker, topics of survival, side effects, gene testing, diet, staying healthy etc., are discussed, these are held alongside our much smaller more intimate groups, newly diagnosed, in treatment, how families cope etc., our Art Therapy Group has also been able to start back up.
The Lymphatic Training Grant for medical professionals continues with 6 practitioners being the recipient of this CI$5K grant which covers all training, flights, accommodation, and a daily allowance. We have one practitioner based in Cayman Brac and this fills a void that was there previously. We also supply pressure sleeves where needed.
Anyone wishing to have a mammogram/and or ultra sound can get one from us, we work alongside Ocean Med, H.S.A. and Doctors/CTMH, for those not covered by their insurance – they can count on us.
We continue to campaign and advocate for all breast cancer patients here in the Cayman Islands and buy vital medical equipment for the hospitals, such at the Digi Cold Cap machine recently purchased for George Town Hospital and the pending purchase of a Sentinel Node Detector. All three hospitals have the facility to offer cold caps courtesy of BCF.
Our Awareness Program continues island-wide; you can book our team for either two hours, one to one consultations with your staff, or a full video presentation to a group of your employees, men and women. We will attend schools with our targeted young person’s program, communities, organizations, sporting events etc., getting the word out there regarding early detection, signs of breast cancer, how to look after yourself, is our main aim to cut down the alarmingly high rates of breast cancer diagnosis’s here in Cayman by advocating healthier lifestyles and also for those diagnosed, to take away the fear of seeking assistance and getting that early detection, as that s what will save your life. This program is year-round, e-mail for more information and scheduling. If you are worried about signs of possible breast cancer, call us, we are here to help.
If you are a breast cancer patient or survivor, registering with the Foundation is easy and confidential. Call us the numbers given here or e-mail