On 25 March 2013 Mark Whorms lost his battle with cystic fibrosis. He left behind a very strong, supportive group of family and friends who loved him very much and wanted more than anything to memorialize his life by helping others with similar problems.

At Mark’s memorial service, a collection was made and the funds were given to the Cayman Islands Cystic Fibrosis Trust (the “Trust”).

At around the same time, the high school students at Cayman Prep had a ‘Jeans for Genes’ day where all students wore jeans to school and made donations to the Trust for this privilege. The students had been studying genetics in science and the role genetics plays in conditions such as cystic fibrosis.

The Trust put the funds together and in consultation with Mark Whorm’s long time physiotherapist at George Town Hospital, Melissa Shaw, recommended the purchase of a Respironics Cough Assist machine in memory of Mark. The Trust was delighted to hand over payment for the machine to Lizzette Yearwood, CEO of the Health Services Authority recently.

Melissa Shaw said, “It’s great that the Trust were able to buy the Respironics Cough Assist for the respiratory therapy department at the hospital. The machine is designed to remove secretions from the airways of the lungs in patients who have weak or ineffective coughs due to neurological, neuromuscular and bronchopulmonary diseases. This ultimately allows them to breathe more easily once the airways are cleared and decrease the likelihood of infections or worsening lung infections.

We are very thankful to Ms Jennifer Whorms, Mark’s mom, who has driven the purchase of this machine forward and to the Trust who have helped in its funding and purchase. Mark was a fighter and I know that he would be glad to see a machine like this purchased in his memory to help others.”