Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, 30 July 2012: When Carol Hay’s domestic helper of 21 years, Josephine, was diagnosed with cancer in February this year, the roles reversed and Carol became her caretaker; accompanying her to all her doctor and testing appointments at the Cayman Islands Government Hospital. Carol noticed after many hours spent in various wait areas of the Health Services Authority (HSA) that there was no reading material and made a promise to do something about it. She called this new charitable venture ‘Waiting for Josephine’ after spending countless boring hours in waiting rooms with her beloved helper.

Carol contacted the HSA and spoke to Sharaine Chin, the Information Manager. After getting the approval of the Hospital’s CEO, Carol and Sharaine approached Books & Books and the Cancer Society for their help.

Now in her quest to supply the HSA with a constant supply of reading material, Carol is appealing to the public to donate all their old magazines to the drop off points at Books & Books in Camana Bay and the Cayman Islands Cancer Society’s office on Maple Road beside the Hospital.

Carol comments, “I feel this magazine appeal is being given wings by a higher power as everyone I’ve spoken to has been on board with this much needed project. Having Books & Books and the Cancer Society behind this project will result in a successful campaign.” CEO of the Hospital, Lizzette Yearwood adds, “we are extremely grateful to Carol for this much needed initiative, which many other families and visitors will benefit from in years to come”.

The public is encouraged to drop off their magazines in assigned bins at Books & Books and the Cancer Society. From there they will be taken to the Hospital and sorted into piles for weekly distribution. There are over 15 wait areas in the George Town Hospital alone. Add the district clinics, the dental and vision centres and it amounts to a lot of waiting areas that would benefit with a constant supply of magazines. Faith Hospital in Cayman Brac will also receive magazines on a regular basis.

Because a lot of people take the magazines in the waiting areas, it is important that they receive a constant and plentiful supply. Most of us subscribe to at least a few magazines, and we may also occasionally purchase one at the store. We read the articles, clip the recipes and file any important information – and then we’re left with a pile of old periodicals sitting in the corner. Don’t toss them out, the ‘Waiting for Josephine’ project wants them and it is also a great way to recycle. Please support this appeal by donating your magazines once you are finished with them.

Media contact:     CAROL HAY [email protected] or 526-6932

HSA [email protected] or 244-2857

BOOKS & BOOKS [email protected] or 640-2665

CANCER SOCIETY [email protected] or 949-7618