The U.S. nonprofit organization Susan G. Komen for the Cure® , which pioneered the use of public footraces to break the taboo on discussing breast cancer and has become the world’s largest breast cancer advocacy organization and source of private funding for breast cancer research and care.
The initial idea to partner in organizing several large-scale events promoting breast cancer awareness in Egypt came to fruition during a meeting between H.E. Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak and Ambassador Nancy Brinker, the brainchild of the association in 2006, at the Middle East World Economic Forum in Sharm El Sheikh.
Upon their arrival to Egypt, Mrs. Mubarak congratulated Ambassador Brinker and her team for their “unwavering determination to eradicate Breast Cancer through partnerships, scientific research and advocacy, education and awareness”. Mrs. Mubarak also said that she was pleased to see the Women’s International Peace Movement join efforts in the fight against breast cancer because “enhancing the health and well being of our societies lie at the heart of our vision for peace. It is pre-requisite to building safer communities; for achieving our developmental goals”.
As part of the activities being held this month, leaders of the partner organizations attended together a public ceremony called “Breaking the Silence in Egypt: A Celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness” hosted at the Suzanne Mubarak Regional Center in Alexandria on October 21st, 2009.
Featured speakers included Egypt Minister of Health Dr. Hatem El Gabaly, U.S. Ambassador to Cairo Margaret Scobey, Mrs. Nagwa Shoeb, director-general of the Movement; Komen for the Cure President and CEO Hala Moddelmog, along with Dr. Mohamed Shaalan, chairman of the Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt (BCFE); Dr. Dorreya Salem, director of Egypt’s National Breast Cancer Screening Program; and Dr. Hassan Sallam, director of the Suzanne Mubarak Regional Center for Women’s Health and Development (SMC), as well as Egyptian Breast Cancer Survivors.
Remarks Breast Cancer Oct 21, 2009.pdf