The HSA’s youngest patients can thank the Ashley Shillingford Foundation for Positive Living and Cayman Academy for an added dose of holiday cheer this Christmas. The Paediatric Ward received several special gifts, including a new toybox and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit was gifted a new sterilizer to benefit preemie patients.
The Shillingford family has given gifts annually to the HSA Paediatric Ward as a part of their holiday traditions. Ashley, the eldest of two daughters, passed away in March and this year’s donation was given in her memory. “This year, on the passing of Ashley, the family decided to collaborate with the Foundation and the girls’ school in this endeavour”, said Angeline Shillingford, chair of the Ashley Shillingford Foundation for Positive Living. “The Foundation, Cayman Academy and the Shillingford family wanted to acknowledge the paediatric patients and their families, who are showing extreme resilience and strength of character, during this festive season. We also wanted to recognize the healthcare workers who have sacrificed so much for their fellow countrymen, during the pandemic.”
The ties to the HSA run deep for the Shillingford family, with both parents being employed at the Cayman Islands Hospital. Angeline works as a pharmacist for inpatients and her husband Wilmoth is a physician in the General Practice Department. “As employees of the HSA, my husband and I have seen first-hand, how hard the entire organisation works to provide the highest quality care for the patients and the community”, said Angeline.
The Ashley Shillingford Foundation for Positive Living promotes life skills for pre-teens and teenagers and provides support to their educators and caregivers. The Foundation plans to continue to partner with the HSA on adolescent mental health initiatives and promote access to mental health resources for teenagers.