About Us

The Breast Cancer Foundation (the “Foundation”) was established on 30th September, 2009 as an Ordinary (Non-Profit) Company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. With the advent of formal legislation governing the activities of non-profit organisations, the Foundation was formally registered as a Non-Profit Organisation on 12th June, 2018 with registration number NP-124.

The initial inspiration for the establishment of the Foundation came from Kim Lund, whose wife had a very courageous battle with breast cancer. Brenda had been very active in the Cayman Islands community promoting breast health, even well before her diagnosis. Following her death in 1998, Kim wanted to do something special to raise funds for breast cancer research and awareness. He initially sponsored the Brenda Tibbetts-Lund Walk/Run in her honour, and this even continues on an annual basis to this day. Following that successful inaugural walk/run in 1999, Kim joined forces with James Bovell and John Broadbent and held the first gala dinner in 2008 to raise additional funds for that cause. All funds raised were to be for the benefit of breast cancer patients here in Cayman, and the success of that initial gala was such that in 2009 it was decided to formally incorporate the Foundation. A highly successful second gala was then held, and it has been a tremendously successful annual event ever since. It is now one of the most anticipated and prestigious black tie (pink, actually!) events on the island.

The initial beneficiaries of funding from the Foundation were the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens to cover the Brenda Tibbetts-Lund annual walk, and The Cayman Islands Cancer Society for the financial assistance they give provide to breast cancer patients who are unable to afford their treatment. This is still the case some twelve years later, and in the intervening period, the Foundation has built up a highly successful wellness programme, which now has in excess of 300 members. This wellness programme provides a multitude of holistic and medical services to anyone going through breast cancer, together with individual face-to-face counselling from the Foundation’s permanent team and an incredible group of supportive volunteers. The Foundation also works diligently in raising awareness and providing local practitioners with training in specialised areas such as lymphatic drainage, medical equipment (such as cold caps) to help prevent hair loss during chemotherapy, and the provision of confidential advice on the fitting of wigs, bras and prosthetics for those who have undergone breast surgery.

The Foundation has grown from strength to strength and prides itself on its corporate governance and financial transparency. Timely audited financial statements are always produced and at the annual gala, a comprehensive financial summary is always provided, such that our amazing donors and supporters have a very clear picture of the Foundation’s expenses and the way that the proceeds from their kind donations are being spent.

Our Directors

Kim Lund

Kim Lund

Kim Lund was born in Canada and lived there until he moved to the Cayman Islands in 1984, becoming a citizen in 1993. He has been involved in real estate for over 30 years, opening a Remax franchise in 1991. His late wife Brenda died in 1998 from breast cancer. Since then, Kim has actively supported fund-raising efforts for breast cancer, becoming a founding member of the Foundation.
James Bovell

James Bovell

James Bovell was born in Jamaica and moved to Cayman in 1977. He studied abroad and returned permanently in 1991 when he entered the real estate sector. James, like many people, has lost family and friends to this terrible disease and is determined to do his utmost to help those who are affected by cancer. He is proud that he can support and contribute in any way possible.
John Broadbent

John Broadbent

A lawyer by profession, John Broadbent is very committed to the Foundation and assisting his colleagues Kim and James as the third Director of the Foundation.

Our Advisors

Dr. Ginny Hobday MBE

Dr. Ginny Hobday MBE

Medical Advisor

Dr. Virginia “Ginny” Hobday, originally from Zambia and raised in Ethiopia, qualified at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, UK in 1986. She worked for five years in pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology and genitourinary medicine in various London teaching hospitals. Dr. Hobday moved to Cayman in 1998 to work with Dr. Mike Hetley, a long standing G.P. on the island. She enjoyed it so much that she returned to work in the District Health Clinics for the Public Health Department, which included the prison. In addition to her strong commitment to general practice, Dr. Hobday is also an authorised CAA Medical Examiner and a part-time lecturer at St. Matthew’s Medical School.

Dr. Hobday is the Medical Director of the Cayman Islands Hospice Care (Jasmine) and has completed post graduate training in palliative care. She also sits on other Medical Committees here in Cayman as well as running her own busy clinic.

Dr. Hobday joined the Foundation in 2010 as the Medical Advisor and is invaluable to the Foundation and the work we do.

Martin Lancaster

Martin Lancaster

Finance and Programming Advisor

Kate Voss

Accountant

Our Frontline Staff

Beverly Edgington

Beverly Edgington

Chief Administrator

Beverly Edgington joins the Foundation as Chief Administrator having been a supporter and integral service provider on the Wellness Program for many years. With a degree in Complementary Medicine, and oncology specialism, Beverly previously worked with the Helen Rollanson Cancer Charity in the UK where they pioneered the use of complementary and integrative medicine, products and practices used along with standard medical care to help manage symptoms and side effects from cancer and its treatment. Beverly’s training, specialized knowledge, and experience, together with her passion for making a positive impact in the community, means she has a deep-rooted commitment to women’s health.

In moving from service provider to being an integral part of such an amazing and dedicated team means Beverly will be able to achieve her goal of making a difference in the lives of those affected by this disease. Her aim is to increase awareness, promote early detection, and provide vital support to breast cancer patients on their journey to recovery.

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Pam Laurenson

Pam Laurenson

Wellness Manager

Prior to her employment with the Foundation, Pam had been working with the Foundation as a volunteer and an ambassador for several years.

Pam is our Wellness Manager, overseeing the Wellness Program and providing support to the Chief Administrator.  As Wellness Manager Pam plays a vital role in supporting the overall well-being of individuals affected by breast cancer. This role encompasses a broad range of responsibilities focused on the physical, emotional, social, and occupational wellness of patients and survivors.

In the past few years Pam has also raised thousands of dollars by hosting an annual silent art auction event called The Cayman Pickers. She started this event as a way of giving back after her own diagnosis with breast cancer in October 2013 whilst still in her 20’s. Pam and her husband Marc are committed to continuing to support the Foundation.

As an accomplished and award-winning artist, Pam has run the Foundation’s Art Therapy sessions “Healing through Art” as part of our Wellness Program. As a breast cancer survivor, Pam is a genuinely empathetic caring person who enjoys helping others find their new normal and make balanced decisions when it comes to health and wellness.

Pam is an asset to the Foundation, as she is fully bilingual (English / Spanish) and the BCF is grateful for her assistance to those patients/survivors seeking help for whom English is not their first language.

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(se habla español)

Ari Underwood

Ari Underwood

Awareness & Wellness Coordinator

Before joining the Foundation, Ari was a teacher for 20+ years. She has passionately shaped young minds, fostering a love for learning and growth. Ari has taught children from around the world from Texas to Ghana. Her love for education makes her an essential part of our team. Ari will continue to utilize her educational skills to empower individuals with the expansion of our awareness initiative.

Ari comes with experience in working with non-profit organizations where she played a crucial role in raising funds, utilizing strategic planning and community engagement. Working with nonprofits in Houston Tx, as well as Kenya, Ghana and Haiti, she has had the privilege of making a positive impact on diverse communities. These experiences not only have broadened her perspective but also reinforce the importance of compassion, cultural understanding, and collaborative efforts in creating meaningful change.

Grand Cayman became her new home in 2018 since living here she enjoys embracing the Caymanian culture and immersing herself in the warmth of the people and the rich traditions of the islands. Ari looks forward to continuing making connections with the local community and adding meaningful contributions to the Cayman Islands.

As a breast cancer survivor herself, she embodies resilience and strength, her experience fuels her advocacy for awareness and support. She is dedicated to empowering others as they face this battle. Her aim is to promote early detection, support survivors and contribute to a future without breast cancer. As Ari embarks in her new role at the Foundation, she is excited to provide a supportive environment for breast cancer survivors to thrive.

In her free time, Ari enjoys traveling, hanging out with friends, meeting new people, dancing, reading books and listening to music. She has a love for life and lives every day to its fullest.

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Nicola Conroy

Nicola Conroy

Operations & Wellness Coordinator

Nicola Conroy brings a heartfelt passion for community service and a profound commitment to supporting those impacted by breast cancer. Having arrived in the Cayman Islands in 2017, Nicola swiftly integrated herself into the community she adores. Her initial engagement with the Breast Cancer Foundation, from her time at Green2Go, involved providing support through nutritional juices for individuals in need. Nicola desires to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing health challenges.

Nicola demonstrated a compassionate commitment to charities from an early age. She would not just raise money to bring the handicapped and sick children to Lourdes, the home of one of the most important shrines in the Catholic Faith: The Grotto of Massabielle, but she volunteered herself to accompany the children abroad for Easter.

In 2014, Nicola’s life took a significant turn when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Motivated by her personal experience, Nicola became an advocate for breast cancer awareness and support initiatives. Before moving to Cayman, she dedicated 3 years to fundraising for the Irish Breast Cancer Society, channelling her efforts into generating resources and awareness to empower individuals and families affected by the disease.

Nicola’s hands-on community involvement, personal empathy, and strong background in supporting those facing health challenges bring great assets to support the Chief Administrator with daily operations of the Foundation and the Wellness Program.

Outside of the Foundation, you will find Nicola relaxing on the beach, indulging in the local foods around the island, spending time with loved ones, and travelling the world.

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Our Patrons

Vicki Wheaton

Vicki Wheaton

On-Island Patron

Miss Victoria “Vicki” Wheaton was born in the UK and raised in the Cayman Islands. Vicki Wheaton has become known for her presence on stage, both as an entertainer and emcee for high-profile events. Over the years, she has sung with bands, performed stand-up comedy, and acted in local productions. Wheaton has garnered over $1 million for charities, thanks to her skills as an auctioneer, hosting galas with such notable famous names as Hoda Kotb; Sir Richard Branson; Sarah, Duchess of York; and Bill and Giuliana Rancic.  She hosted the BCF Gala dinner in 2012 the first time,  she has interviewed countless celebrities, including Al Pacino, Anthony Bourdain, Kelsey Grammar, Jamie Lee Curtis and Iggy Pop. Her humorous ‘Wheaton’s Way’ column is a weekly fixture in the Cayman Compass and she is the host of ‘Wheaton Connection’, a video interview programme that just completed its first season online. Vicki’s passion and dedication to the Foundation over the last 10 years has been tremendous.

Hoda Kotb

Hoda Kotb

Off-Island Patron

Ms. Kotb is a four-time Emmy nominee who began her journalism career in 1986. For the past ten years she has been with NBC in correspondent roles for Dateline, Your Total Health and currently is the Anchor of the “Today” Program.  She has covered a wide variety of international stories including the one-year anniversary of hurricane Katrina, the war in Iraq, the War on Terror in Afghanistan, and the Southeast Asia Tsunami of 2004.  Hoda was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. Her brave battle and journey to recovery were recorded by the Today Show cameras and shared with the world after announcing she was cancer-free. Now an advocate for breast cancer awareness, she hopes to provide inspiration through her positive story.   In 2009 and 2012 Hoda was the keynote speaker for the Breast Cancer Gala Dinner. She became a patron for the Breast Cancer Foundation in 2010.  Now the mother of two young children she is living proof, if proof were needed that there is life after breast cancer.