Young cancer survivor gives back to hospital
Mimi with her parents, Mechon and Tommy Ebanks
(CNS Local Life): Paediatric patients at the Cayman Islands Hospital can expect a more pleasant experience during their visit, thanks to the charity of a five-year-old brain cancer survivor and her family. On 31 May, Mechon and Tommy Ebanks, parents of cancer survivor Skylar May “Mimi” Ebanks, spread awareness of childhood cancer and gave back to the community by launching “Mimi’s Happy Cart” in celebration of their daughter’s fifth birthday and five years in remission.
Filled with art supplies, gifts, games and activities, Mimi’s Happy Cart offers a creative and fun distraction to children while they wait to be seen by the doctor or while admitted to the ward, stated a Health Services Authority press release.
In addition, the family teamed up with the Caribbean Utilities Company to repaint the paediatric clinic, decorating the walls with Dr Seuss quotes and animal decals.
“The support that we received from the community throughout these five years has been amazing and means a lot to our family,” said Mechon. Ebanks. “We consider Mimi a miracle baby and a blessing. To show our appreciation we wanted to pass that blessing on to our community by giving back to other children who are going through challenging times.”
(L-R): Mechon Ebanks, Dr Chela Lamsee-Ebanks, paediatric nurse Rebecca Rankine and Tommy Ebanks with Mimi in the newly painted clinic
At five weeks old, Mimi was diagnosed with brain cancer at the Cayman Islands Hospital and has undergone treatment including two brain surgeries and six rounds of chemotherapy at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Since then, her scans have consistently shown no evidence of disease.
“She is a miracle baby. When she was diagnosed, there was a grim prognosis for her and a lot of things were against her, even her survival,” said Tommy Ebanks. “However, today (31 May) is a happy day for Mimi and our entire family.”
The Ebanks family spent the morning delivering gifts to children at the paediatric clinic and on the ward.
“This is such a heartwarming moment for me and the paediatric staff. We want to thank the Ebanks family and their little warrior princess Mimi for their very thoughtful and generous contribution to our unit,” said Head of Paediatrics Department Dr Chela Lamsee-Ebanks. “I know Mimi’s Happy Cart will definitely bring smiles to our patients’ faces.”
Mechon Ebanks noted that the family will be replenishing Mimi’s Happy Cart monthly.
Anybody who wants to contribute to Mimi’s Happy Cart may email the Ebanks family
Category: Medical and Health
