It was a hot early summer afternoon, in my sitting room when I met Helen Muscat and Esther Sant, both cancer survivors. They were swelling with enthusiasm, planning to set up a non-profit making foundation. Their efforts were targeted towards reducing cancer mortality and to contributing towards a quality assured service for breast cancer patients and their families.
The 4th May 2007 saw the launching of Action for Breast Cancer Foundation – a happy occasion for members whose eyes glistened with satisfaction and determination to advocate women’s health. They had made the first step – with baggage of care and concern, they set on a campaign of educational seminars and numerous fundraising events. Their efforts resulted in a number of informative booklets for public awareness and valuable donations of equipment to the cancer multidisciplinary team at Mater Dei hospital.
The members of the ABC Foundation, as keen supporters of early detection encourage women to make use of the National Breast Screening programme. The Foundation also aspires for a complete specialised Breast Unit at Mater Dei. In promoting their ideals and suggestions of how cancer can be managed positively, they work in close contact with the Ministry of Health and with other NGOs.
Women, their families and our society in general are grateful to the members of the ABC Foundation for their constant commitment towards greater awareness about breast cancer, for a better lifestyle and for saving women’s lives.
Photo Pippa Zammit Cutajar