Get Support

The CHF offers support in various forms for those affected by heart disease and stroke

Paediatric Patients

It is challenging enough when our smallest members of society find themselves battling with heart disease, and although insurance or CIG frequently support say the cost of surgery abroad, we recognise that the cost of the trip and sometimes extended stays whilst an infant is in hospital can put a considerable financial strain on parents.

The CHF offers means-tested financial support to families of children with critical congenital heart disease, enabling parents to take appropriate time off work to be with their child when receiving medical treatment both abroad and in the Cayman Islands. That support can be used towards living expenses whilst their chid is receiving medical care overseas and support with travel expenses related to their child’s care.

Please note we do not fund direct medical care but work to ensure your child can get the care their insurance allows, they can be with their parents as much as possible, and the peripheral costs don’t not cause undue financial burden to their family.

How to Access

To apply for funding please, download and complete the application form to the best of your ability.

download form

Please reach out to Ailian Evans or Sara Watkin (ailian.evans@caymanheartfoundation.ky or sara.watkin@caymanheartfoundation.ky) to discuss your child’s needs and for help in completing the form if needed.

Alternatively, please ask your paediatrician for help completing the form. The form is very detailed, a requirement for conducting adequate due diligence, but please do not be put off. Please just ask us for help.

Understanding Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD)

What is Critical Congenital Heart Disease?

Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) is a group of serious heart defects that are present at birth. These conditions affect how a baby’s heart forms and works, especially how blood flows through the heart and to the rest of the body. Babies with CCHD may have hearts that are missing parts, have holes, or have valves or vessels that are too narrow or in the wrong place.

Why is it called “critical”?

CCHD is called “critical” because it can cause serious problems if not detected and treated early. Some babies may look healthy at birth but can quickly become very sick without treatment, especially within the first days or weeks of life.

How is CCHD detected?

Hospitals and paediatricians in the Cayman Islands often screen newborns for CCHD using a simple test called pulse oximetry. This painless test measures the oxygen level in your baby’s blood. Low oxygen levels can be a sign of a heart problem. If the test suggests an issue, more tests like an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) are done to confirm the diagnosis.

Common signs of CCHD may include:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Poor feeding or low weight gain
Pale or bluish skin (especially lips or fingertips)
Sleepiness or low energy

How is CCHD treated?

Treatment depends on the type of heart defect, but may include:

Medications to help the heart and lungs work better
Surgery to repair the heart or improve blood flow
In some cases, catheter procedures, where doctors use thin tubes to fix parts of the heart without open surgery
Ongoing care with a paediatric cardiologist, a heart doctor for children

Some children may need more than one procedure or surgery as they grow, and lifelong heart care is often important.

What’s the outlook for children with CCHD?

Thanks to advances in medicine and surgery, many children with CCHD go on to live full and active lives. Early detection, timely treatment, and regular follow-up care are key to helping your child thrive.

We’re here to support you

If your baby is diagnosed with CCHD, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. You’re not alone. Our team is here to answer your questions, signpost you to care and treatment, and support your family if you find yourself under financial strain coping with travel and time off work. In the first instance, contact Dr Sara Watkin sara.watkin@caymanheartfoundation.ky

Download our Understanding Critical Congenital Heart Disease Leaflet for Parents

download leaflet

Adult Patients

The CHF works tirelessly to support people at risk of heart disease and in response to suffering from a heart disease event.

Advice

The CHF can provide general support and advice, including signposting for adults covering the range of cardiovascular diseases. When suddenly finding yourself or a loved one diagnosed with a heart complaint, it can be an emotional and incredibly worrying time. Sometimes it is difficult to know where to go and what to do.

Your first option is your GP, who will be able to coordinate ongoing care and direct you to the various support services. However, if you do not have access to a GP, or are struggling to get the advice or support you seek, reach out and we will do our best to help.

In the first instance, contact Dr Sara Watkin sara.watkin@caymanheartfoundation.ky

Screening & Early Identification

We run regular screening events to identify heart disease as early as possible, as well as to help individuals understand their numbers (a small range of biomarkers that tell us about potential heart disease e.g. blood pressure) and empower them to take action and seek appropriate care.

We do not fund medical care for patients with heart disease.

Want to organise a screening event for your church, employer or other group?

Reach out to us at screening@caymanheartfoundation.ky

Recovering from Heart Disease

Recovering from heart disease can be tough, and often requires additional rehabilitiation support. We work closely with Physio Worx to provide cardiac rehabilitation where it is not covered by an individual’s health insurance.

Please contact Dr Sara Watkin sara.watkin@caymanheartfoundation.ky to discuss further.

AED Programme

Historically the CHF ran a successful AED programme. In recent years this have been difficult to sustain because of the rules introduced by AED manufacturers in relation to export from the country of manufacturer to the Caribbean. We now work with local providers to ensure you get the support and supplies you need. Additionally, referrals made by us for an AED or parts produces a small donation for the CHF. These proceeds go towards providing AEDs to appropriate organisations in need.

If you are looking for parts or a new AED, please contact Dr Sara Watkin sara.watkin@caymanheartfoundation.ky so that she can refer you to the right supplier.