Hospital 57357 recently hosted “Research Day” with the American Board Certified Doctors for Egypt (ABCDE) and 256 attendees participated, mostly medical students, and recent graduates. Attendees connected with role-models, hospital staff and speakers such as Dr. Mona Mostafa and Dr. El Shinawy.
One of the students, summed up the event best by saying “The most interesting thing regarding the whole day, at least from my point of view, is that it gave people role-models to measure up against . Presenters like Dr. Mona Mostafa or Dr. El Shinawy, two of our speakers here in Egypt doing collaborative research with institutions in the US, came from our very own universities, and were subjected to the very same environment that we want to escape from. This was the main message I went home with: I don’t have to go to the States or elsewhere and wait to be a big shot before I return back to Egypt and then help building it. I can, and I should, start today… “
Potential collaboration between 57357 and Alexandria’s Faculty of Medicine to Benefit a Larger Number of Children with Cancer
The initiative was launched with the visit of Dr. Sherif Abou El Naga, VP for research, academic affairs, and outreach, last week followed by a reciprocal visit by a delegation of pediatric oncology physicians, surgeons and clinical pharmacist from the University of Alexandria, one of most reputable Universities in Egypt. The delegation which comprised of specialists in urology, ophthalmology, radiotherapy, pediatric oncology and clinical pharmacy was taken on a tour of the premises and met with the heads of departments for these specialties. At the end of their tour, they met with Dr. Abou El Naga to draw a road map on how to go about for this collaboration to materialize through exchanging expertise and unifying research and treatment methods with the ultimate goal of meeting the demands of increasing number of patients seeking free comprehensive quality care to maximize their chances of cure.
The materialization of this collaboration will be equally beneficial for both parties. On one hand, Alexandria’s pediatric oncologists who are embarking on establishing a new pediatric oncology facility will have the advantage of cooperating with a leading successful model for the delivery of quality care making use of 57357’s past experience and expertise. On the other hand, the CCHE will be easing the load on its Cairo premises, as this facility could be serving Alexandria and some four governorates around it. This collaboration falls within the CCHE’s vision of diffusing and sharing knowledge acquired from practice and research through a satellite system which implements international standards of pediatric oncology healthcare and treatment protocols all across Egypt.
We are honored and pleased to announce the visit of twenty-three Ambassadors of Africa to Hospital 57357 this March. It is inspiring to see all the African Nations unite for a common cause: to provide treatment to children with cancer.
The twenty-three African Ambassadors, headed by Ambassador Mona Omar met with children at Hospital 57357 along with the hospital’s Vice President, Academic Affairs, Research and Outreach and Fundraising teams. The teams presented the mission and vision of Hospital 57357, including and how it operates and provides treatment to children through donations exclusively.
Africa’s Ambassadors to Egypt Visit Hospital 57357
The distinguished guests toured the various hospital departments, sections, services and had opportunities to speak with the staff and children. The visitors were impressed by the quality of health services, the fact that children continue school studies during their hospital stay, and the overall atmosphere of the hospital, to which extent one ambassador stated, ‘… I do not feel I’m in a hospital, this place looks more like a children’s club, the natural light, the waiting areas, and the play rooms provide distraction and entertainment to the children…. It looks rather a cheerful place than a hospital in the conventional sense…”
Today Hospital 57357 is approaching a 5 anniversary landmark of dedication on the part of all to curing children with cancer. The cooperation between Hospital 57357 and the African Nations can improve health care services for young cancer patients, a priority, by leveraging the unique and leading experience and knowledge of Hospital 57357 in Africa.
Our thoughts and prayers are with our Christian brethren’s during this time of sorrow for Egypt’s beloved Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria and the Patriarch of All Africa on the Holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark the Evangelist of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria.
We remember his generous giving to the patients at Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357 when he recently donated his peace prize awarded by the city of Augsburg, Germany, which he received for his commitment to ecumenism and leadership in inter-denominational dialogue, including relations between Muslims and Christians in Egypt. This was the last of his many contributions to the hospital including a person visit to the hospital shortly after it opened.
The Board of Egypt Cancer Network sends our heartfelt condolences and thoughts of peace and courage for the people of Egypt.
Sherif Abouelnaga, MD
Co-Founder, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357
Hisham Seify, MD
President of the Board, Egypt Cancer Network 57357
Just recently, this past January, Dr. Essam Sharaf, former Prime Minister, Dr. Ali El Selmi, former Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Ibrahim Badran, President of the Science Academy and Ambassador Mohamed Rabi’a, Head of the Economic Union of the Arab League visited children in Hospital 57357. The children in Hospital 57357 and their families welcomed the delegation with applause and small flower bouquets.
Dr. Sharaf lectured on “Science, the Dream, and the New Egypt” in the auditorium stating that the future of Egypt must be based on science and culture, and that science must be rooted in ethics. Dr. Sharaf mentioned the success of Hospital 57357 is measured by the quality of care it is providing free of charge, which contributes to fulfilling one basic human right, that is the right of sick children to medical care which is offered freely, qualitatively and without discrimination.
Dr. Sherif Abou El Naga, Vice President of the Hospital for Research and Outreach, accompanied by Dr. Sharaf, explained that the main purpose for establishing Hospital 57357 was to raise cure rates for pediatric cancer in Egypt, towards reaching those achieved in the developed world estimated at 80% to 85%. He added that presently, the hospital’s statistical records indicate that over-all pediatric cancer cure rates are between 65% and 70%. When looking at the different types of cancer, cure rates record 80% in Lymphomas, 77.6% in Leukemia, and 59% in brain tumors.
Prior to the establishment Hospital 57357, the latter type of cancer (brain tumors), cure rates were close to nil, revealed Dr. Abouel Naga. Dr. Abou El Naga was keen to inform the audience about the Hospital’s participation in various awareness campaigns with respect to smoking hazards and the importance of healthy nutrition within the framework of the WHO’s recent affirmation that 30% of cancer incidences result from smoking and another 30% from unhealthy nutrition.
Revealing the Hospital’s future expansion plans, the VP of the Hospital informed the audience of the upcoming opening of the 57357 Tanta Branch, adding an additional 60 beds to the present hospital capacity of 180 beds and the establishment of a new 240 bed building on a piece of land directly next to Hospital 57357. He concluded by thanking Dr. Essam Sharaf for his role in obtaining the required approvals to increase the height of the new building and talked about the potential involvement of Hospital 57357 in the Nile Basin Countries’ initiative. This initiative was supported by the former Prime Minister and aims at catering to patients from these African States and to contributing to the training of their physicians and nurses.
AUC President, Lisa Anderson looks forward to collaborating with 57357 in education, research and experimental learning: 57357 is the model Institution AUC wishes to work with in Healthcare Sciences and Education
AUC Trustee, Bruce Ludwig, on visit to 57357: “This is one of the proudest moments I ever had in a long time”
During her visit to the Hospital on Saturday, Jan, 21st, 2012, together with Dr. Amr Ezzat, Former Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Provost, Prof. Medhat Haroun, Lisa Anderson revealed that out of the various appeals, they have been receiving to join forces in the healthcare sciences field, “57357 stands out as the model AUC wishes to collaborate with.” Both Institutions, 57357 and AUC do things well and aspire to very high standards; collaborating together will strengthen them more”, she added during a meeting she held with Hospital and Foundation top management . The meeting, which included heads of the departments of Radiology, Clinical pharmacy, IT, Medical Engineering, Fundraising, Research , Labs, Nursing, business development and a number of pediatric oncologists, gave the AUC delegation the chance to be acquainted with their aspirations and visions as to cooperation venues with AUC.
At the end of her visit, Mrs. Anderson highlighted the fact that AUC which has been serving Egypt academically since 1919 is intending to take a step in the medical field and considers the Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357 as a model partner as the hospital is a market place for continued education and experimental learning. It is noteworthy that this visit follows an initial visit earlier this month by Dr.Amr Ezzat during which he appreciated the unique potential of the 57357 Institution in being a magnet of quality care and a platform for the pursuit of scientific research and the dissemination of Knowledge and Education.
Recently, at the request of the visiting AUC delegation, Heads of Hospital and Foundation Departments were invited to reciprocate and meet with the deans of the different schools in an attempt to form smaller focus groups which could further define and conceptualize the channels of cooperation with respect to the different interest areas. This meeting which took place on Feb. 5th at AUC’s new campus was instrumental in bringing together people with common interests from both institutions to form work teams which would start the actual process of collaboration.
In a further development, Lisa Anderson who was keen to bring this nascent relationship to a higher level, took the initiative 10 days later to invite the AUC Board of trustees who
were on their annual visit to Cairo to spend a morning at the hospital. Our distinguished guests were all “impressed by the quality of the building and facilities and the obvious commitment of the people” as expressed by Thomas Bartlett, a former AUC President who was also encouraged and excited by the fact that the hospital is already approaching world cure rates of 80 to 85% as it is recording a 70% over all survival rate after 4 years of operations. Bruce Ludwig, hopes that “there will be a collaboration between our two institutions” as he admits that he who was always proud of AUC and its action in Egypt is learning a new lesson in how to be proud after coming to Hospital 57357. William Rugh, a former diplomat in Cairo, vows to tell everybody at home in the U.S how “ the CCHE is an incredible place that deserves their support.”
Words of heartfelt gratitude are in order to Mr. Mohamed Elaadma, an Egyptian American Pharmacist and to Egypt Cancer Network, the U.S. based non- for profit 501C3 fundraising network for Egypt’s cancer patients, for their collaborative effort at securing and financing a six month supply of MERCAPTOPURINE for Hospital 57357’s Leukemia patients.
Earlier this week, Hospital 57357 was in distress due to the threat of a severe shortage of a vital drug given to its acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. (ALL) is the most common malignancy diagnosed in children, representing nearly one third of all pediatric cancers. ALL patients at Hospital 57357 number 1,000 and will spend three years during their treatment period taking a daily dose of 50 to 75mg. The first 4 -6 weeks of treatment of ALL patients consist of destroying the malignant cells in the bone marrow and in the process devastate the body’s immune system. At the start of the third week, and for a period of three years onwards, the patient is administered MERCAPTOPURINE which will slowly restore to the body a healthy bone marrow and kill any emerging malignant cells that could appear after the initial treatment period.
Needless to explain, any interruption in the intake of this drug would endanger the success of the patient’s treatment plan and his chances for cure. As Egypt is experiencing unexpected shortages in some pharmaceutical products, the hospital administration sent a distress signal last week to its friends and supporters abroad being unable to replenish its stock of the above mentioned drug from the local market to secure its patients’ needs.
Immediately, a solidarity chain linking Pharmacist Mohamad Elaadma, Egypt Cancer Network board members, Egyptian Embassy and the Consulate in New York came to the rescue sending the first batch of a supply of Mercaptopurine that would cover the Hospital needs for the coming six months as well as an additional quantity for patients of the National Cancer Institute.
In a record time, Pharmacist Elaadma was able to gather the required quantities, ECN board members driven by Dr. Abdel Dayem to take the decision to fund the required drug supply, and the Egyptian Embassy and the Consulate in N.Y to secure its transportation to Cairo.
Hospital 57357, which regards cure as its ultimate goal in the provision of quality comprehensive care to its patients, is thankful to all its partners and supporters who believe in the worthiness of going the extra mile to safeguard and sustain its mission in the face of unexpected challenges. This mission, they are convinced, is consistently upheld through its adoption of the latest technology and evidence based practices by a dedicated professional disease- focused team.
On March 17, The Evolution Film Festival will launch in Hollywood and in three additional locations: Spain, Dubai and Egypt. The goal of the Evolution Film Festival is to spread cultural awareness and enable filmmakers and festival guests to experience the intricate traditions each culture and country represents.
We are especially pleased to announce that the Film Festival will promote Hospital 57357 and the overall fundraising goal needed in order to expand so we can treat more children with cancer in Hospital 57357. The Co-founder of the festival, Mahmoud Awad, has offered to support Hospital 57357 at the festival in all four locations with opening comments to introduce Hospital 57357 and a make a call to action to donate.
Additionally, the Film Festival will provide a booth at the Los Angeles location for the Egypt Cancer Network for film guests to learn more about how they can get involved an support Hospital 57357. To learn more about the Evolution Film Festival, you can visit their website www.evolutionfilmfestival.com.
Egypt Cancer Network 57357 is a proud recipient of a $15,000 USD grant awarded by Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh and Hyatt Regency Taba Heights. This award is part of Hyatt Community Grants, a philanthropic program that encourages Hyatt hotels around the world to identify and nominate local nonprofits for funding consideration through Hyatt Hotels Foundation. Hyatt Community Grants is a key component of Hyatt Thrive, the company’s global corporate responsibility program.
The $15,000 USD grant is dedicated to expanding the Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357 in order to provide treatment to more children with cancer in Hospital 57357. The grant furthers our mission to provide resources to Egyptian hospitals and non-profit organizations focused on cancer in the areas of patient care, scientific advancement and education.
Despite being the largest free standing pediatric cancer hospital in the world, Hospital 57357 has been at 99% capacity since beginning operation. With 187 beds, the hospital only meets the needs of 1 out of every 4 Egyptian children newly diagnosed with cancer.
The hospital’s vision is to give the opportunity for cure and the highest quality of life to all Egyptian cancer patients. This grant will assist us in a key activity for the hospital’s expansion so that all children with cancer can be treated in Hospital 57357 free of charge.
We are proud to accept this grant and thank Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh and Hyatt Regency Taba Heights for their support. For more information about Hyatt Community Grants, please visit www.hyattthrive/philanthropy.com.
Providing Treatment to More Children with Cancer in Hospital 57357
After the expansion, Hospital 57357 will be able to serve 75% of children newly diagnosed with cancer in Egypt. With a 5-year survival rate of 79%, compared to the Egyptian average of 40%, significantly more lives can be saved. The 250 bed expansion will be designed using the latest technology for green, solar power and waste and water management.
Hospital 57357 will add a unit for brain tumor patients which is the second most common pediatric malignancy making Hospital 57357 a regional center of excellence. This unit will have 6 highly specialized operating rooms, intensive care and patient unit.
We are grateful for this Hyatt Community Grant and for the support of our community. Please share this post with your family and friends as we work together towards our fundraising goal.
Our mission is to facilitate the most innovative global solutions for cancer treatment, research, and education to ensure that all children AROUND THE WORLD will one day be CANCER FREE.
About Us
Egypt Cancer Network 57357 and AFNCI (ECN), a U.S. based 501c3 non-profit helping to further cancer education, research, and care as well as medical infrastructure in Egypt.
The international architectural design firm Jonathan Bailey has been selected by CCHE to design the planned CCHE expansion. An American firm, Jonathan Bailey was chosen as it is renowned for its unique vision for healthcare facilities. Not only is Jonathan Bailey an expert in hospital design, but firm leaders also know current European and American benchmark standards for pediatrics, oncology and hospital design... MORE
Hospital 57357 Global Education and Training
ECN is in the process of negotiating a joint fellowship program between Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children’s Cancer Hospital. ECN has been instrumental in developing the partnership between these institutions. ECN also established a medical advisory board to support the long-term sustainability of the curriculum... MORE
Patient Care and Medical Infrastructure
Both NCI and Hospital 57357 were in distress due to the threat of a severe national shortage of a vital drug given to its acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. ALL is the most common malignancy diagnosed in children, representing nearly one third of all pediatric cancers. These patients number in the thousands and spend three years during their treatment period taking a daily dose of 50 to 75mg... MORE
Renowned global architecture firm, RTKL, to design the campus Thanks to ECN’s firm belief in the worthiness and inevitability of this important expansion, the network initially agreed to fund the architectural design of 57357’s new Health and Sciences Campus... MORE
57357’s Restructured Training Department Program to be launched end of October
With a new title, “learning and development L&D “and a new slogan” we learn …we cure”, 57357’s training department is undergoing a major... MORE
High school students came to lift up the children’s spirits…….They left hopeful and encouraged On Sunday, March 13th, 2016, the CCHE was blessed with... MORE
Last week we received an E-mail from one member of the second group of fellowship trainees, Grace Mbatia who shared her enthusiasm with the transformative... MORE
To maximize our children’s experience and to distract them while receiving radiotherapy. In collaboration with the radiotherapy department and the “For the love of... MORE
Hospital 57357 recently hosted “Research Day” with the American Board Certified Doctors for Egypt (ABCDE) and 256 attendees participated, mostly medical students, and recent graduates. Attendees connected with role-models, hospital staff and speakers such as Dr. Mona Mostafa and Dr. El Shinawy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with our Christian brethren’s during this time of sorrow for Egypt’s beloved Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria and the Patriarch of All Africa on the Holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark the Evangelist of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria.
Words of heartfelt gratitude are in order to Mr. Mohamed Elaadma, an Egyptian American Pharmacist and to Egypt Cancer Network, the U.S. based non- for profit 501C3 fundraising network for Egypt’s cancer patients, for their collaborative effort at securing and financing a six month supply of MERCAPTOPURINE for Hospital 57357’s Leukemia patients. 
