Canada and Egypt partner for breast cancer support
Victoria McTaggart
The story of improved services for breast cancer patients and their families in Egypt is about the power of partnerships. Two years ago, Egypt had diagnostic and treatment services for breast cancer patients, through the health care system, but there were no complimentary services. What was missing was an organization to educate the public and health care professionals about the importance of early detection. The country needed a centre for information research, outreach programs and support systems for women diagnosed with breast cancer. They needed those services available for all income groups.
Through some chance meetings between Egyptians and Canadians, in January 2002, the idea of a breast health project took hold. That chance group of individuals, along with others, became the founding members of the Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt (BCFE).
Non-profit organizations need sources of funds and that sparked a group of Canadians and Egyptians to come together. Some were staff of the Canadian embassy or family members. Many had connections with CIDA - for example, families of CIDA project managers and staff at the Program Support Unit. Out of their deliberations came the first fundraising event, The Breast Cancer Gala, on March 8, 2002. That event raised the seed money needed to get the organization underway. It also cemented lasting relationships between a core group of Egyptians and Canadians that made them determined to look ahead to more fundraising the following year.
On May 30, 2003, the 2nd Annual BCFE Gala took place at the official residence of Canada's Ambassador to Egypt, Michel de Salaberry. Using lessons learned from the first event, the 2nd gala was even more successful than the first. In the words of Ambassador de Salaberry: " what made this event unique was that it came from the heart."
Two hurdles caused great challenges for organizers. The March date had to be changed when military action began in Iraq. The committee surveyed the community and determined that while the breast cancer cause was still important, they felt it would be disrespectful to hold an event while the lives of innocent people were at risk. Finally the May date was chosen, recognizing that it was in the middle of final exams for school children and at a time when many families were pre-occupied with packing for departure and summer vacation.
Just days before the event, I took a call from Lila. Lila, an Egyptian-Canadian and breast cancer survivor wanted to bring her two young adult children to the gala to show them that there is life after cancer. A quick call to coordinator Diane meant we added more tables to the seating plan so that Lila, and a few others with similar moving stories, could celebrate their triumphs with others.
The second hurdle was the downturn in the Egyptian economy. De-valuation of the currency in late January, the general business slowdown because of the Iraqi conflict and the reduction in foreign currency earnings with reduced tourism meant that the business community was tightening its belt. Fortunately, corporate sponsors, those who had generously contributed to the first event, came back in full force. And, new sponsors came forward. In total 14 corporations contributed thousands of LE in the form of direct contributions or in-kind services and nearly 200 attended the evening (along with another 175 individual ticket purchasers). Corporate support came from the large multi-nationals but small made-in-Egypt firms were right there beside the "big guys", helping to make the event a success. Equally, response from the artist community was generous, with donations of several gifts and countless hours of their time. Media coverage was excellent.
Egypt's breast cancer awareness project is truly about the power of partnerships. It is about Egyptians and Canadians pooling their knowledge, abilities and influence. It is about companies publicly demonstrating their commitment to corporate social responsibility. It is about a small group of individuals, including Canadian Ambassador, Michel de Salaberry, Oncology Surgeon, Dr. Mohamed Shalan, health educator, Mrs. Lori Goodwin, gala coordinator, Madame Diane LaFlamme-Millette and corporate sponsorship coordinator, Mrs. Manal Mahmoud, who gave generously of their time and talents. Through these partnerships, the 2nd Annual Gala for Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt raised over LE150,000!
The residence of Canada's Ambassador to Egypt is fondly referred to as "the pink palace" and the name fits. From 1948 to 1951, Farida Zulfikar, the then Queen of Egypt, lived in the residence. Canada purchased it in 1952. Presently it is painted pink. For the past two years the pink palace and its well-manicured garden have been the backdrop for Breast Cancer galas. Queen Farida would be proud!
This story has an even happier ending. Just hours before the 2nd Gala was to open its doors, the Foundation received notice that its status as a Non Governmental Organization had been approved. The all-Egyptian staff will be in place soon and begin to design programs and build public awareness, inshallah!
Victoria McTaggart is a Canadian living in Egypt and a proud member of the organizing committee of the 2nd Breast Cancer gala. Unfortunately, to acknowledge in this article the countless individuals who gave of their time and resources is not possible.