The Dubai Opera , once again hosted the Annual Gala Dinner of CCCL last Saturday, 05th November 2022, in commemorating their journey for 20 years of Saving Lives and Celebrating Hope, The Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon (CCCL) . The UAE’s Lebanese Community was out full force on having this Fundraising Event. It is a celebration to raise awareness and funding for the treatment of our beloved cancer patients. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance was the first to make a donation of the evening of 1M AED (one million dirhams).
A Night to Remember : A Star Studded Red Carpet Gala attended by an Arab and International Celebrities with the presence of CCCL’s Ambassador Mrs. Rima Fakih Slaiby.
“My hope tonight is that we raise so much more than we did last year, to help and bring more treatment to the children.” She quoted
A former Miss USA herself, Fakih Slaiby underscored that the global communication of such a cause serves the true essence of the crown.
The Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon (CCCL) is a leading national organization dedicated to the treatment and support of kids and adolescents with cancer, in addition to being a national advocate of childhood cancer control and leading NGO in Lebanon and the region. Inaugurated in 2002, CCCL supports almost 50% of children with cancer in Lebanon (including non-Lebanese coming from the Arab region and refugees), with ages ranging between a few months old up to 18 years.
CCCL works in partnership with hospitals and medical centers across the country, and covers all treatment costs of patients without any discrimination, even costs beyond those covered by third-party payers. CCCL also ensures quality service to patients in accordance with global standards, leading to an 80% average cure rate, similar to that of developed countries. As a national advocate of childhood cancer control, CCCL promotes awareness and education about childhood cancer. CCCL is only dependent on donations with a yearly need exceeding 15 million USD to fulfill its mission.
“no child should die in the dawn of life,”
Danny Thomas believed that -No Child Should die in the Dawn of Life, he was the founder of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, USA a leading center in pediatric medicine with a focus on pediatric cancer opened its door in 1962. He was an American actor, singer, nightclub comedian, producer, and philanthropist
Looking back, The CCCL, was born when one of its founding member – Dr. Nasser Chammaa’s son, Basile got cancer when he was only 3 years old. Back then, there was no complete access to childhood cancer treatment and care in Lebanon, so Dr. Chammaa took Basile and headed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to give Basile the treatment and care he needed.
Impressed by the service given to Basile and having met Danny Thomas and St. Jude co-founder Richard Shadyac Sr., who were both of Lebanese descent, Dr. Chammaa was determined to have a similar center that would take care and offer the needed treatment for children with cancer in Lebanon.
This center would also provide hope to many children in Lebanon, in memory of young Basile Chammaa, and make Dr. Chammaa’s dream come true. Indeed, that was his aim and that is what has been happening since 2002, turning grief into renewed hope with each child and family passing through the same challenge. So, the Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon was established in 1998 and finally inaugurated in 2002 with a mission to save children’s lives.
The CCCL founding members are: Dr. Nasser Chammaa, Joseph Asseily, the late Nabil Harfouche, the late Pierre Bou Khater, and the late Me. Naoum Khattar. On April 12, 2002, the late Prime Minister of Lebanon, Rafic Hariri, and several members of the Lebanese cabinet and parliament as well as AUB leadership, joined a delegation from ALSAC/St. Jude and the board of CCCL for the inauguration ceremony of the center.
More than 300 people, including parents and families of Lebanese children battling cancer, witnessed this remarkable event, which has proven to be the beginning of a long journey of hope and life.
Among the distinguish guest on that evening are echoed singer Massari of Universal Arabic Music. Artists Nancy Ajram, Luis Fonsi, Hiba Tawaji, CKay, Rahma Riad, Issa Alnajjar, Balti, Elyanna, and a special DJ set from DJ Rodge to the delight of guests that included Vogue Arabia Fashion Director Amine Jreissati who was seated at the table of Fahd Hariri, along with singer Dana Hourani and designer Mrs Keepa. Nicolas Jebran was also at the gala along with chairperson Dr Cesar Bassim, general manager Mrs Han Chaar Choueib, Joelle Mardinian, Wissam Braidy, Karen Wazen, and Miss Universe Lebanon 2022 Yasmina Zaytoun.
Throughout its two decades, CCCL has had visits from both the region’s government leaders and international stars. HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned, actress Angelina Jolie, Bryan Adams, and Salma Hayek, among many others have visited the center and spent time with the children, their parents, and the center’s doctors.
For more information on how to support the Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon, visit www.cccl.org.lb.