Boy’s passing inspires donation to Heart Fund

CNS Editor | 07/02/2018

Queensgate staff with Trisha Dilbert, Cristiano’s mother (second from right)

(CNS Local Life): A local firm has donated to the Cayman Heart Fund (CHF) in memory of a little boy who lost his fight at age 3 to congenital heart disease and in support of Heart Month. Queensgate staff chose to donate their Christmas charitable collection in honour of Cristiano McKenzie, who tragically passed away in June 2017, after a courageous fight.

Cristiano was diagnosed shortly after he was born, and in his short life had five heart surgeries before he died, stated a CHF press release. The non-profit organisation named him named a Heart Hero in 2016, in recognition of his fight. “Team Cristiano” was driven by his parents, Trisha Dilbert and Mario McKenzie, who “were incredibly strong throughout, and our thoughts are with them following their loss”, CHF said.

In making the donation, Queensgate wanted to bring attention to heart issues for Caymanians of all ages and their families, and are fully supportive of the Heart Fund in all the work they do, the press release said.

Heart Month got a good start Friday, 2 February with Wear Red Day, an initiative to help raise awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its effects. CVDs are the number one cause of death globally, stated a CHF press release.

CHF called on the community to get informed about heart issues: “Heart Month is a fantastic way to remind everyone to focus on their hearts and encourage them to get their families, friends and communities involved. The most important thing you can do is to speak to your physician about your risks and know your numbers by checking for blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar levels, weight and BMI.”