Giving Hope to the Women in the Cayman Islands

This year, it’s anticipated 1.5 million people worldwide will learn they have breast cancer. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, but in the Cayman Islands, information about this treatable disease was hard to come by.

The Lions Step In

The Lions Club of Tropical Gardens decided it would take a stand. Lions brought information, awareness and resources to their community, and distributed hundreds of vouchers for mammograms.  “We’ve made it our signature project because it is an issue that is very dear to our hearts,” said Carmin Godfrey, a member of the Tropical Gardens Lions Club.

Lions also established a memorial 5K walk and hundreds of walkers and runners turn out for the event each year. In addition, they provide financial and emotional support to women undergoing treatment.

On Saturday Oct. 12, starting at 6 a.m for walkers and 6:30 a.m for runners the first location for the annual Brenda Tibbetts Lund 5K Memorial Run/Walk is at North Side from Kaibo Restaurant.

The route is from Kaibo restaurant along Water Cay Road then turn onto Rum Point Drive. Turn-around point is at Shirley’s Sandcastle back to Kaibo Restaurant).

The second location is in George Town from the Holiday Inn Grand Caymanian on Sunday Oct. 13. 6 a.m for walkers and 6:30 a.m. for runners, as at North Side.

The route is from the Holiday Inn to the Esterly Tibbetts Highway and back to the resort.

Registration fee is $20. Bags with T-shirts will be provided for participants, and there will be great spot prizes. Last year this event was held from West Bay Public Beach. It was abuzz with activities as over 650 runners and walkers turned out.

Organized in memory of Brenda Tibbetts-Lund, who lost her battle with breast cancer, the event also celebrates the survivors of breast cancer and all other types of cancer.

Hard Work Pays Off

But the Lions didn’t stop there. Because most breast cancers can be treated successfully if caught early on, the Lions began several educational efforts. Each October, Lions organize sessions in each of the seven community districts on Grand Cayman. These workshops discuss breast health, mammograms, self examinations and how to reduce risk factors.

And their efforts have paid off – a local doctor reports that advanced breast cancer has dropped significantly and they’re seeing breast cancer patients sooner, creating a higher rate of treatment success. “I just want to say thank you, you have no idea how much your support means,” said breast cancer survivor Becky Ebanks. “Everyday it’s saving a life.”

Fast Facts

Each year, Lions provide between 500 and 600 vouchers for free mammograms. And more than 5,000 women have benefitted from the educational and preventative measures Lions provide.