Ramadan Message from the Editor: Egypt Cancer Network: A Bridge Between the U.S. and Egypt in the Global Fight Against Cancer

 Egypt Cancer Network: A Bridge Between the U.S. and Egypt in the Global Fight Against Cancer

 A year has so rapidly passed and we find ourselves celebrating the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan once again. This may be a suitable time to pause, reflect andrecapitulate.

 Pausing is always useful for putting things into perspective; making sure that we are advancing in alignment with the vision and mission we are committed to achieve. It is the mandate of the U.S. based non profit tax deductible 501C3 organization, Egypt Cancer Network 57357 and AFNCI, to provide resources to Egyptian hospitals and non-profit organizations focused on cancer in the areas of patient care, scientific advancement and education. In so doing, ECN is looking forward to being an active agent in giving the opportunity for cure and the highest quality of life to all Egyptian cancer patients.

As we reflect on this past year, we are grateful and blessed for the support and generosity of Egyptian and Arab Immigrants from all walks of life; Mr. Elias Debbas ,a prominent Lebanese business man,  Mr. Mohamed  El Eryan, an Eminent Egyptian American Economist & CEO of PIMCO , or  Mr. Saad Ibrahim Hegazy, a hot dog stand owner in Times Square, they all and thousand others share the love of Egypt and the earnest desire to be of help to their homeland in the MENA region. Words of gratitude are also in order for ECN’s Board members and Chapters leaders and volunteers, for their wisdom, enthusiasm, generosity and action taking promptness. Thanks to their concerted efforts, a number of fundraising events have been successfully initiated in Dallas, L.A., Chicago, New York, and North Carolina and a list of accomplishments is added to ECN’s record in support of cancer patients in Egypt.

 In recapitulation, ECN is looking to realize 4 main objectives in fundraising for Hospital 57357, the Association of Friends of the National Cancer Institute, the Fakkous Cancer Center and U.S. teaching Hospitals. These objectives include improving cancer care in Egypt and the region, providing stimulus to the Egyptian economy, advancing specialization to pediatric oncology healthcare professionals, and providing jobs to thousands of people over the short and long terms.

Along these objectives, ECN has over the past year been facilitating the financing of feasibility studies for 57357’s long term expansion projects including a health sciences campus which houses a new 300 bed tower,  proton therapy, a training academy and a research institute. Moreover, it is pursuing to play an active role in increasing the capacity of Hospita