The Breast Cancer Foundation is incredibly honoured and grateful to have been named one of the beneficiaries of the 2026 Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge, which this year achieved a record-breaking fundraising total of CI$120,000.
At a special reception held on 2 July to recognise sponsors, volunteers and beneficiary charities, it was announced that the proceeds from the 2026 Challenge would be shared equally between the Breast Cancer Foundation, Jasmine and Special Olympics Cayman Islands, with each charity receiving CI$40,000.
For the Breast Cancer Foundation, this generous support will now be transformed into something tangible, practical and deeply meaningful for cancer patients across the Cayman Islands.
We are delighted to announce that the Foundation will use its CI$40,000 allocation to purchase a double Paxman scalp cooling machine, which will be based at the Health Services Authority in George Town and made available to all cancer patients undergoing treatment where scalp cooling is clinically appropriate – not only those diagnosed with breast cancer.
Importantly, the machine will be donated in the name of the Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge, as a fitting and lasting tribute to the extraordinary service that Deputy Governor Franz Manderson has given to the Cayman Islands community through this event and through his wider public service. Over the years, the DG’s 5K Challenge has become far more than a fundraising event; it has become a symbol of community spirit, public service and the power of people coming together to make a difference. It is especially meaningful to the Foundation that this gift to the community will stand as part of that legacy.
For many people undergoing chemotherapy, hair loss is one of the most visible and emotionally difficult side effects of treatment. While it is sometimes seen as a cosmetic issue, the reality is very different. Hair loss can be a constant public reminder of illness at a time when patients are already dealing with the physical, emotional and psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis. It can affect confidence, privacy, dignity and a person’s sense of self.
Scalp cooling can significantly reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss for many patients, allowing them to maintain a greater sense of normalcy during treatment and helping to lessen one of the most distressing side effects of cancer care. For some, that can make a meaningful difference to their emotional wellbeing, their confidence in continuing to work and socialise, and their ability to move through treatment with a little more comfort and control.
By funding a double machine, the Foundation will also help increase access for patients and expand the availability of this important supportive treatment at HSA, ensuring that more people can benefit from it.
This project is particularly special to us because it reflects what the Breast Cancer Foundation is here to do: to improve the cancer journey in practical, compassionate and lasting ways. While our core focus remains supporting those affected by breast cancer, we are proud that this investment will benefit the wider cancer community and ensure that more patients in Cayman have access to care that supports not only their treatment, but their wellbeing and quality of life.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge committee, sponsors, volunteers and every person who registered, donated, walked or ran this year. Your support will now help leave a lasting legacy in Cayman’s healthcare system and will make a very real difference to the lives of cancer patients and their families for years to come.