BCFE

The pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx were witness to the legendary take-off of the second Egyptian race for the cure, last Saturday the 23^rd of October 2010. Twelve thousand contestants from Egypt and the rest of the world participated to show their support towards breast cancer patients. The event was organized by the Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt (BCFE) headed by Dr. Mohamed Shaalan and Susan G. Komen for the Cure in partnership with Susan Mubarak's Women 's International Peace Movement and the National Council for Women, under the auspices of Egypt's first lady Mrs. Susan Mubarak

A large attending of public figures, ambassadors, and celebrities was present that Race2%20017

day. Among them was Ambassador Medhat El Meligy representative of H.E Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Abou El Gheit, and Mathew Toler American vice-ambassador, and H.E Michael Bock German Ambassador to Egypt , H.E Dominic Feirgleir the Swiss Ambassador, H.E Christine Hope Danish Ambassador, H. E Alex Geiger Chilean Ambassador, and Dr. Mohamed Shaalan Chairman of the Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt. Also, at the start line were Mr. Jonathan Blum Vice-president of Susan G. Komen, and Chief Youssef Wesal Secretary General of Giza governorate, Dr. Madiha Khattab Head of health and population committee at the National Council for Women, and Mrs. Nagwa Shoeib General Manager of Susan Mubarak's Women's International Peace Movement. Also present was Mr. Mohamed El Sawy founder of the Sawy Cultural Wheel Centre, Chief Essam Abd El Hady President of the Sound and Light company of Egypt, musician Hany Shenouda, international swimming champion Rania Elwany, renowned marimba player Nesma Abdel Aziz, and Egyptian poet Nour Abdallah.

Participants of all ages including breast cancer survivors began running in a breath-taking spectacle with the Pyramids as a backdrop . The race continued for a kilometer and a half, then a parade marched for the rest of the distance until the Sphinx and the Sound and Light stage.

On the stage the celebration began with a word from the organizers, distinguished Race2%2009

guests and celebrities, who expressed their solidarity towards breast cancer patients, and the need to increase awareness towards the disease, and the importance of fighting it. Poet Nour Abdallah was honored for dedicating her song 'Ya Donia' to the cause. The song was performed by Reham Abdel Hakim, and spread the message of hope after breast cancer diagnosis.

Awards were presented to the winners of the race, and recognition of the five-hundred breast cancer survivors who were present, all wearing pink T-shirts. Eng. Mohamed El Sawy hosted the show and among the guests was Mr. Allen Wilson, board member of Susan G. Komen who shared his own experience with breast cancer. He stated that men to should perform self-breast examination as the disease can affect males as well. He discovered the disease back in 2000. After feeling a lump in his breast, he had a mammogram, and underwent two surgeries to remove the breast.

Among the entertainers was famous musician Hany Shenouda leader of the 'Masriyeen band', who presented the band's popular songs and some new ones. Also world renowned marimba player Nesma Abdel Aziz filled the air with her delightful tunes. Songwriter Mo'men from Sada El Kheir charity society picked up the beat with a rap song 'Pink your Life' donated from the society to spread the word about unity in the face of breast cancer. Last but not least, Arabic music band "City Band" wrapped up the concert with up-beat Arabic songs.

It's worth mentioning that the Egyptian Breast Cancer Foundation organized a dinner party in the American Embassy in Cairo on October 4th, hosting the American Ambassador; Mrs Margret Scoby. The event was organized in affiliation with Suzan G Komen for Cure.

BCFE organized an event for breast cancer survivors hosted by Hard Rock Café at Grand Hyatt hotel attended by 230 survivors. Actross Leqaa El Khamesi, actor Amr Ramzy and poet Nour Abdullah expressed their support breast cancer survivor and the cause of the breast cancer awareness and early detection.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure will be partnering with us. This is the world's susanGlogo1

largest breast cancer organization and the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer with more than $1.3 billion invested to date - thanks to events like the Race for the Cure®. The organization is a network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Komen for the Cure's philosophy is to listen, learn, share and support. While Komen offers best practices and lessons learned, the organization looks to partners on the ground to guide them through the cultural differences so the work together is both appropriate and sustainable. Komen was founded in 1982 by Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker based on a promise to her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the young age of 36.

First of its kind to emanate from the Middle East, the Suzanne Mubarak Women's International Peace Movement (SMWIPM) was launched to build peace in its broadest and most holistic sense. Peace as a catalyst for development - Peace as a defender of human rights - Peace that can be translated into human security. By promoting dialogue, advocacy and awareness through our diverse initiatives, the association helps women and youth develop the skills to initiate and spread understanding, respect, and peace in their communities, their countries and around the world. The Movement's over-arching objective is to translate the process of peace building into tangible actions that can be felt and experienced in people's lives. The Movement's programs cover a wide range of interdependent themes including peace education, gender-mainstreaming, health awareness and the protection of the environment.

The National Council for Women

The importance given to women's issues is not just because they are citizens with the same rights and duties as men. Studies and research have shown that women are the most deprived segment of society in the areas of education, health, cultural services, vocational training and public participation. Yet, women are required to work ..and often work hard. One fifth of the Egyptian families are supported by women, most of whom are deprived of the rights of citizenship.

http://www.ncwegypt.com/english/index.jsp

"Samsung realizes the need for breast cancer awareness and early detection in Egypt and is honored to sponsor such a positive event at the last standing Ancient Wonders of the World, the Pyramids of Giza," commented Duke Park, General Manager of Samsung Egypt. "Samsung is a global brand with a global commitment to the communities in which it operates."