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Abu Dhabi: US First Lady Laura Bush yesterday paid tribute to one courageous Emirati woman who fought and won her battle against breast cancer and said she was an example for others.
"At the Pink Majlis, I heard from doctors and nurses and the courageous women they've helped save. One of these survivors is a woman named Shareefa," said Bush who was addressing UAE academics at the Shaikh Khalifa Medical City, on the occasion of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
She said Shareefa had discovered her breast cancer and was treated at the SKMC. "Now Shareefa is an active member of the Centre's breast cancer support group. Her four daughters have joined Shareefa to help end the silence, shame and fear surrounding breast cancer," Bush said.
Programme launched
"Some men divorce their wives when breast cancer is diagnosed. But Shareefa's husband and sons shaved their heads in solidarity with her when she was in treatment."
The US First Lady was in the UAE yesterday as part of her regional tour to promote awareness of the deadly disease which she said will affect 25 million women around the world in the next quarter century.
October has been designated as breast cancer awareness month. "Breast cancer knows no boundaries, which is why people from every country must share their knowledge, resources and experience to overcome this disease," Bush said.
In Dubai, she witnessed the launch of an ambitious programme to fight breast cancer and enhance the concept of corporate social responsibility towards those who suffer from the disease.
The ‘Making it Our Business' programme, which in line with the US-UAE Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research was announced by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry during the visit yesterday of Bush.
Have your say
Do you know anyone who is suffering from breast cancer or has survived it? How did it affect that person's life? How did that person's family and friends react? Do you think there are enough breast cancer awareness campaigns? Should more be done? Tell us.
Your comments
I commend the awareness that's being created and the positive nature that the patients have. I lost my wife who was only 38 years old and I am a father of four kids, the youngest being 7. Life goes on and we have to be positive.
Abdullah
Durban,South Africa
Posted: October 23, 2007, 10:44
I congratulate Laura Bush for actively participating in the breast cancer awareness campaign in the UAE. Mrs Bush has set an example for the entire world to effectively participate in the awareness campaign of this disease in the world over. I also congratulate the UAE government for taking such a positive initiative.
Vijayan
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: October 23, 2007, 08:16
I am the founder of Essential Living for Muslim Women Inc., a non-profit organisation whose aim is to educate Muslim women on the importance of self health and breast health. Here in the US, we have many Muslims who are underinsured and uninsured and we are committed to educate, examine and provide mammography services for all Muslim women. We are very excited that the same is taking place in your country.
Safiyah
Lithonia,United States
Posted: October 23, 2007, 05:53
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