Dr Mohammed El-Adma is an Egyptian pharmacist, who is very faithful and loving to his country. He emigrated to the U.S. in 1988, but his homeland Egypt has never left his heart.  Despite the distance, Dr. El-Adma consistently follows news coming out of Egypt and he continues to donate to various Egyptian charities.

Since Hospital 57357’s launch, he has become one of its prominent supporters. For many years, he maintained his interest in following up on its news and current affairs. Although he hadn’t visited 57357 to see it for himself, his donations continued to pour in regularly.

Dr. El-Adma finally decided to visit 57357 during his last trip to Egypt. Upon his arrival, he said “Everything I saw has far exceeded my expectations. Once I entered the Hospital I felt that I was in a world-class hospital. After my long tour, I identified the secrets of its success. The main secret is that time here is so precious and everyone is doing his/her work with love, sincerity and full concentration. Undoubtedly, it is also being successfully managed.”

Recalling his feelings when he heard about 57357’s construction, while he was in the U.S. he remarked, “when I emigrated, Egypt’s hospitals were very appalling. I knew that they would remain in that condition, because the government can’t take responsibility for everything. Even in the United States, the major hospitals are not owned by the government, but by  foundations and the private sector. After hearing about building a non-governmental hospital named 57357, that treats kids for free, I felt great hope in my country’s ability to change for the better. Proudly and admiringly, I used to follow its news and devote a large amount of my donating capacity to it.”

He added, “what is most motivating about this Hospital, is that day by day, I can see the fruits of the donations represented in its continuous success and development. It is not just a hospital but a foundation, which is involved in treating, educating and in scientific research. I expect that, one day, 57357 will be a nucleus for something bigger such as a comprehensive complex for Pediatric Oncology fields  .

It is noteworthy that Dr Mohammed El-Adma has stood by 57357 during critical times. A few months ago, 57357 and the National Cancer Institute suffered a shortage of cancer medication, which threatened the treatment of the children with cancer. He rapidly facilitated supplies of this medicine to both institutions.

Reflecting on the medication shortage crisis he said,” One day, Dr. Sherif Abou el Naga, VP of Hospital 57357, phoned me to thank me for my continuous support and to tell me about the medication shortage. I asked him to give me just few hours to find a solution. Thanks be to God, I succeeded in supplying enough medicine for 6 months and I sent them to him rapidly, with the support of the Egyptian Embassy in the U.S. “

At the end of his warm visit to 57357, he said that he always encourages all Egyptians to donate to 57357, where they can see the fruits of their donations every day. Through Egypt Cancer Network, he also always calls on his friends to support 57357 .

In a recent development , a delegation from RTKL, the global architecture and urban design practice selected to plan and design Hospital 57357’s expansion, is presently in Cairo to proceed with the start of the design of the new 300 bed in-patient tower. Presenting his firm to the Hospital and Foundation staff at the auditorium this morning, RTKL’s Senior VP, Jeffrey Davenport explained that one third of the revenues of the company were generated from the provision of healthcare solutions. As such, the firm is equipped with teams of experts which are on top of the latest trends and technological advances in the field. The purpose of this visit is to synchronize the expectations and concerns of each and every department with RTKL’s design concept.

RTKL is to ensure that the patient is at the core of their design; their goal being mainly to create a healing environment. Moreover, the RTKL design is to be evidence-based, 3D dimensional, creating a hospitable environment, sustainable, providing net zero energy solutions and environmental control techniques.

Also present at the meetings between RTKL and 57357 are the Regional Manager of Shaker Electromechanical Consultancy Group, Ismail Shaker, as his firm would be responsible for the project’s electromechanical work and Solving EFESO Egypt’s VP,  Hesham Dinana who is to be its project manager.

Previously, thanks to Egypt Cancer Network’s firm belief in the worthiness and inevitability of this important expansion, the U.S. based non-profit network initially agreed to fund the architectural design of 57357?s new Health and Sciences Campus which comprise the 300 bed tower,an advanced research center, a health sciences training Academy, and the introduction of a new treatment technology, the proton therapy.

About RTKL: RTKL is a worldwide architecture, engineering, planning and creative services organization. Part of the ARCADIS global network since 2007, RTKL specializes in providing its multi-disciplinary services across the full development cycle to create places of distinction and designs of lasting value. RTKL works with commercial, workplace, public and healthcare clients on projects around the globe.  www.rtkl.com

I have been told she is a godsend angel of mercy. Dr. Reda Samuel , palliative care unit head, often spoke about her devotion and compassion for his patients. I was curious to meet her ; but at the volunteers office  they told me she was too modest  to talk about herself or her work. Finally, she came to my office as I insisted with Dr. Reda to arrange a meeting with her.

Nourhan Gamal Younes is a 24 year old psychology graduate from Ein Shams University and currently working on her Masters degree to become a clinical psychologist. It has been two years that she is a full time volunteer at 57357, coming daily from 8am till 5 or6pm. But before joining the 57357 volunteers’ team, she spent many months coming regularly to the Hospital just to sit at the entrance to observe the patients and their families as they were being admitted.  Nourhan is currently dividing her time between the palliative care patients and the rest of the in-patients. It was not difficult for Dr. Reda to convince her to spend some of her time in end of life care.

Nourhan is a frail, petite, graceful, and neat looking young woman. She carries a lovely smile and a gentle peaceful tone of voice. Her mother tells her that since a very young age, she was strikingly attentive and understanding with people.  “I am a good listener”, says Nourhan, I have patience for people’s needs and problems. Very early on, when I was still in school, I knew I would major in psychology. Inspired by my service to patients and families at 57357, my thesis subject will deal with a therapeutic program for children designed to combat depression, loneliness, seclusion and fear of death.

I asked Nourhan what was the secret of her serenity and hopefulness despite her constant interaction with the sick, the depressed, and the hopeless.  She tells me that she walks regularly and keeps close contact with all her patients and their families. Nourhan wishes to be of service to many more sick children, but her parents are complaining that they do not see much of her. “My greatest reward is to see a mother smiling at last to see me succeeding in feeding her child who was categorically refusing to eat” says Nourhan. “My husband to be has to be himself a volunteer “ she adds vehemently.

57357’s new staff learning and development program was launched on January 20, 2014. Some 2000 workers and healthcare professionals of three 57357 affiliated institutions will be receiving blended and targeted training through this program; resulting in improved delivery of healthcare services, new possibilities for career enhancement, and the birth of a new generation of healthcare professionals  positively impacting this industry as a whole. “Blended training”, is a form of knowledge acquisition which is carried out through E-learning and workshops led by facilitators.

On that day, 57357 Hospital,  Foundation, and AFNCI’s top management and staff were gathered early morning at the Hospital Auditorium to celebrate the launch of the program  in the presence of its initiator, Dr Mohamed Fahmi ,57357’s board  member and Chairman & CEO of Tatweer, a “Learning Technologies and innovative learning solutions” firm.

“It is a great honor and privilege for ECN to be sharing in the support of this program” said Dr. Hesham El Seify, ECN Board Chairman over the phone from the U.S.  “We look forward to helping Hospital 57357 to develop from a healthcare center into a world leading competitive Health and Sciences Campus.”Also present were Dr Amr Ezzat Salama , VP of the 57357 foundation board of trustees and former Minister of Higher Education and Dr. Michael Orey, Associate Professor at the University of Georgia, Department of Instructional Technology who is an authority on blended learning.

Motivating the audience to positively engage in the new program, Dr. Sherif Abou el Naga, VP of Hospital 57357 and program coordinator,  amused the audience with  scenes from an old 1958 Egyptian film Share’el Hob “the Love street” starring late beloved Egyptian Singer Abdel Halim Hafez and comedian Abdel Salam el Naboulsi. The scenes emphasize the already prevailing awareness that personal talent alone does not guarantee success; it must be coupled with learning and training.

“The Hospital Staff is 57357’s real treasure; that is why we are continuously pursuing to develop and enhance its capabilities through learning and training.” said Dr. Hani Hussein, Hospital 57357’s CEO, who is firm supporter of the training program

“ In its quest for knowledge and research, this institution is positioning itself as a world leader in its field and an example for others to follow “said Dr. Ezzat Salama. “I am privileged to be part of the 57357 team and to be contributing to this great endeavor”, he added.

“ For as long as 20 years  after college graduation, I was still involved in acquiring knowledge. But my life was completely changed with my first encounter with 57357; I realized ,then, that knowledge is worthless if it is not put into action.” shared Dr Fahmi, head of the training committee within 57357’s Board and the initiator of the program  .  “57357 is truly a success-achieving institution.” he added.  Explaining to the audience the benefits of blended training, Dr. Fahmi observed:”This training method allows us to offer at any point in time a large variety of courses at a much lesser cost and with lesser restrictions. It also enables us to better monitor and evaluate the staff’s learning process.”

Finally, a comprehensive presentation on the benefits of blended learning was given by Dr Orey.

We, the 57357’s management, staff and children with cancer extend a special message of gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Said Helmy, a great patriot who carries the love of his motherland Egypt and Egyptians in his heart.

As we rejoice over the signing of the architectural design contract for the new 350 beds Green LEED hospital expansion, we cannot but acknowledge the vital role played by Dr. Said Helmy and his firm, IDS Group, in the materialization of this important 57357 milestone. Over the last six months Dr. Helmy and his group, along with Solving Efeso Egypt, have been generous with their time, expertise, and efforts in the selection process of the best architectural firm to implement the future development of 57357

All throughout this project, Dr Helmy was motivated by his genuine concern for the advance and well-fare of his country. Although he has been living in the US for more than 30 years now, his dedication and concern for Egypt’s development has never wavered. His firms’ commitment to this project stems from its groundbreaking potential: not only does it help the hospital reach out to a greater number of cancer patients but more so, it introduces new environmental-friendly technologies which Egypt is in dire need of. Furthermore, it creates a source of employment for thousands of Egyptians and helps the advancement of research and training in health care sciences in general and cancer diagnosis and treatment in particular.

Again, we would like to thank Dr Helmy and the millions of Egyptians abroad whose continuous effort and support are instrumental in the upholding of the 57357 mission. The signing of the architectural design contract comes as a perfect gift for the festive season.

ECN Members enthusiastic about 57357’s upcoming expansion, new L&D program and 57357’s role in connecting their children to Egypt

This week, 57357 was blessed with the visit of four devoted and enthusiastic Egyptian American ECN volunteer members and their children. The group included Dr. Eng. Said Hilmy, president of IDS Group (architectural structure and design Firm) and Mrs. Dalia Hassan   members of the L.A. chapter as well as Neurosurgeon Dr. Walid El Feki, , his wife, CPA Reham El Fekki and their daughter, Salma , members of the Dallas Chapter.

For Eng. Helmi, this was the first visit to the Hospital premises. Nevertheless, over the last six months, along with members of his firm, Eng. Helmi has been generous with time, expertise, and efforts in the selection process of the best architectural firm to implement the future development of 57357 into a health Sciences Campus. As he was touring the premises and being acquainted with the different future expansion sites, heexpressed positivity and enthusiasm with respect to the imminent commitment of 57357 to the new development projects. “ It is precisely in times of recession, that the hospital  should engage in expansion projects, he affirms.”These projects will employ hundreds of people who in turn will positively impact the development of their surrounding communities” he explained. At the end of his visit, and in response to the fundraising team’s expressions of gratitude, he reveals with great modesty: “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve and support the development of both the Hospital and Egypt. Egypt is and will always remain a great country in the hearts and minds of Egyptians and foreigners around the world. This Hospital is remarkable not because of its walls, building and architecture but most importantly because of the people who are running it.”

Mrs. Dalia Hassan who is on the team of the Los Angeles Chapter, expressed how proud she was with everything she observed “ [the hospital] is no less in terms of standards and quality than any hospital in the U.S.”. “The devotion and passion of its staff motivates us to exert more effort towards its support and the support of similar endeavors in Egypt.”

The El Fekki Family who has been instrumental in the success of two Dallas fundraisers explained how 57357 is re-connecting their teenage children andother friends’ families with Egypt. For the first fundraiser in 2012,children made hats and sold them for the benefit of the 57357’s children with cancer. For the second fundraiser in 2013, they made blankets which the El Fekkis were happy to deliver this time to the patients.

Dr. Walid El Fekki and His wife Reham expressed how hopeful they feel each timethey visit the Hospital that Egypt is on the road to a brighter future. They are both honored to be on ECN’s board through which they want to continue serving the hospital. Dr. El Fekki is particularly enthusiastic about the new learning and development program supported by ECN which aims to train all of 57357’s 2000 employees in a targeted manner to ultimately achieve patient cure.

“I was only 11 years old when I first came to 57357 and much too young to understand how distressing this disease is.  However, there have also been some fun times, as I went through my treatment with the help of my physicians, and the friendly nurses and volunteers”, said Mohamed Ashraf, a 13 year old patient, who inspires you with his optimism and cheerfulness.

“My son’s leg has been saved from amputation after a successful surgery to remove a tumor located on his right thigh bone and the replacement of the diseased bone with an artificial one.  I am thankful and grateful  to 57357’s dedicated staff for their free, compassionate, and exceptional care to my son”, said Mohamed’s mom.

Hospital 57357 is also committed to cater to Mohamed’s future surgeries for elongating the manufactured thigh bone as he grows up.

When Mohamed was admitted to 57357 in October 2011,  he first underwent a comprehensive examination, which indicated that he was also suffering from lung metastasis. He therefore received chemotherapy to save both his leg and his lungs. He needs further surgery to remove the remaining lung metastasis

However, due to the hospital’s overstretched capacity, Mohamed is now on the waiting list to have his surgery, just as there are hundreds of other children with cancer on the waiting list to get 57357’s free, quality care.

Therefore, 57357 is striving to bring its expansion projects to reality.  To date, it has acquired sufficient land just next to its premises to build a 350-bed annex. With the support of 57357’s affiliate in the U.S., Egypt Cancer Network, the hospital was recently able to sign a contract with the renowned global architecture firm, RTKL, to design the 350-bed annex, health sciences academy, research institute and radiology center.

57357 still needs Egyptian and Arab expatriates to continue their support through Egypt Cancer Network to complete these projects and equip them.

As you read Mohamed’s story, don’t forget to pray for his cure and academic success, as he will be soon sitting for his exams at 57357’s in-house school.

 “In the past, being a cancer patient meant no hope – you were going to die soon. Today 70% of 57357’s children with cancer are getting cured ”  -Belal’s treating physician

With his pronounced lisp, caused by the gap in his teeth, 7 year old patient Belal attracts your attention.  Belal lives seven hundred kilometers away from Cairo, in the beautiful city of Luxor. This is why his whole family decided to move to Cairo until he finishes his treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

In April, 2011, when he was only 5 years old, he began his treatment at the Hospital with 62% of his blood cells being cancerous.

Now after 99 weeks of treatment, Belal has  0% of cancerous cells in his blood, but medically he must complete the treatment protocol, which will last another 47 weeks.

“ In the past, being a cancer patient meant no hope – you were going to die soon, just as it was portrayed in the famous Egyptian movie, ‘My love for ever’,  starring  Nour El-Sherif and actress Pussy, who was going to die because she had cancer. Praise be to God, today, thanks to advanced science, the application of evidence-basedpractices  and on-going education, 70% of our children with cancer are getting cured at 57357”, said Belal’s treating physician, Dr Eman Attya.

“I want to be a physician when I grow up. I will treat children for free as Hospital 57357 does”, announced Belal as his wish for the future.  Belal then added, “ I love my physician very much. She calls me her ‘little friend’ and always gives me a toy”. What if she didn’t give you a toy, I asked. “I will still love her because she helped me to progress to being nearly cured”, he innocently replied.

“Belal makes an impression on you with  his intelligence, endurance and receptiveness. Watching him, and many other children like him, I am given many lessons in life, said Dr Eman. Pediatric oncology is a tough specialization, as we treat children who are fighting one of  the most dreadful  diseases, cancer. All along their average 3 year treatment journey, the children teach us how to endure with a smile”,.

In contrast to the patience he always shows while going through his treatment phases, Belal now waits anxiously for the day he’ll be asked for his photograph  to be hung on the board reserved for cancer survivors at his physician’s office.