Tribune News Network
Doha
As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting and empowering cancer patients, Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), in collaboration with Houston Methodist, hosted its second ‘Ghabgat Al Amal’ event for cancer patients and their families, at the Sheraton Doha Hotel.
The event was attended by Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani, chairman of the Board; Mona Ashkanani, director-general of QCS; and representatives from Houston Methodist Global Health Care Services, including Talal Braidy, regional director of global development, and Najla AlHudaib, senior country manager in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Also in attendance were the ambassadors of Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Kuwait, along with several public and media figures.
Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani extended a warm welcome to all attendees, acknowledging the vital role of Houston Methodist Global Health Care Services in supporting QCS’s initiatives and programmes. He emphasised the importance of the ongoing partnership between the two organisations, particularly highlighting the Memorandum of Understanding signed last year, which underscores their joint commitment to serving the community and combating cancer.
He also highlighted that the agreement between the two parties provides an opportunity to build close partnerships to spread awareness and contribute to the provision of health and humanitarian services to cancer patients. "The two organizations are cooperating in affirmation of the charity’s vision to make Qatar a leader in cancer prevention and control,” he added.
Mona Ashkanani reiterated QCS’s mission to prevent cancer and alleviate its impact in Qatar through collaborative efforts with key partners. She emphasised the society’s dedication to providing comprehensive support to cancer patients and their families, including financial, psychological, and societal assistance. Ashkanani expressed her delight in hosting the event during Ramadan, emphasising its significance in raising awareness about cancer and highlighting the resilience of patients during and after treatment.
"We are keen to provide all means of support to this group, whether it be monetary, psychological, societal, or raising awareness,” she added. "QCS has launched several related programmes that shed light on bright patient models who were able to conquer and overcome the disease, and with Allah’s grace, were granted a new radiance filled with life and love.”
Ashkanani expressed her happiness to host this year’s ghabga, saying, "This event during the Holy Month of Ramadan is a great opportunity to prove to the community that cancer is curable and to raise awareness among community members about the challenges that patients face during and post-treatment.”
Talal Braidy of Houston Methodist expressed gratitude for the opportunity to partner with QCS and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing medical care in Qatar. He highlighted their shared goal of raising awareness about cancer, empowering patients, and fostering scientific research in the field.
QCS’s programmes aim to achieve a set of goals, the most important of which include: Identifying the special needs of cancer patients and survivors, as well as their families and caregivers; assisting patients in coping with the side effects of cancer treatment; and providing patients, survivors, and their families with information about the services available in Qatar.