Stay-Focused 2012

As we close in on our ninth year this month, I am delighted to report 2011 ended on a high note and we are very much looking forward to building on our momentum this year. In December of 2011, we enjoyed several notable events: His Excellency the Governor Mr. Duncan Taylor and Mrs. Marie-Beatrice Taylor hosted a reception for Stay-Focused at their residence in Grand Cayman on December 1st. It was a wonderful evening event with about 50 guests including our three Stay-Focused divers/wheelchair athletes who were in Cayman for the upcoming marathon, Ryan Chalmers, Amanda McGrory, and Brian Siemann, and, one of our coaches, Gregg Chalmers.

At the reception, we were introduced to a young man, Trey Milgate, who had decided to support a charity for his 11th birthday by having his classmates make donations to Stay-Focused. Much to our surprise and delight, Trey handed over an envelope containing CI $1,300 in support of our upcoming programs. Many thanks to Trey and his mom, Marcia, for their unique and very charitable endorsement of Stay-Focused!

Caption: (l-r) Roger Muller, Trey Milgate, Governor Duncan Taylor.

A few days after the Governor's reception, Ryan, Amanda, and Brian competed in the Cayman Islands marathon on December 4th. Based on our efforts dating back to 2008, the Cayman Islands Marathon created an "official" wheelchair category in 2010. In December 2011, Brian, Ryan, and Amanda captured first, second, and third (in that order) as the only wheelchair athletes to complete the half marathon. We are already looking forward to the Cayman Islands Marathon this year and fielding an even larger team. Congratulations to Brian, Ryan, and Amanda for representing Stay-Focused so well!

Caption: (l-r) Brian Siemann, Amanda McGrory, Roger Muller, Ryan Chalmers

Cayman Prep

Trey Milbank, the young man who raised funds for Stay-Focused in lieu of birthday presents, invited Ryan Chalmers and me to Cayman Prep to make a presentation to about 100 students. This was a wonderful opportunity to congratulate Trey for his initiative and thank his classmates for their support. Ryan was swarmed by students upon his arrival in the school playground and the students had lots of questions for him during his presentation. Many thanks to Trey, his mom, and his classmates for inviting us to spend time with them.

Ryan Chalmers (in the middle) at Cayman Prep

Ryan Chalmers/Rescue Diver

In the week following the Cayman Islands Marathon, Ryan Chalmers completed his Rescue Diver certification. Ryan is our first diver to achieve this level of certification, which is indeed an accomplishment. Congratulations Ryan! And many thanks to Greg Caley, Jaxx (yes, she goes by one name), and Peter of Sunset Divers for their generous support in making this possible.

Caption: (l-r) Roger Muller, Greg Caley, Ryan Chalmers

All best,
Roger Muller
Founder/President
Winter 2012

Fundraising

While fundraising is an ongoing activity, much of the support for our programs comes from sponsors. A complete listing of our sponsors is provided in the Partners section of this site.
Donations of any amount are always welcome!

Stay-Focused group/July 2011

Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort

Starting in the summer of 2009, the Grand Cayman Marriott became the "home" of Stay-Focused. In the summer of 2011, we ran four programs from the Marriott thanks to the very generous support provided by Enrique Tasende, GM, and Laura Skec, Director of Sales. It would not be possible to run our programs and achieve our goals without the sponsorship we receive from the Marriott for which we are most grateful. And many thanks to all the members of the Marriott team who go out of their way to make us feel extremely welcome and ensure all our needs are met.