Roula Farah, Professor of Clinical Medicine at Lebanese American University, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“On the occasion of the International Childhood Cancer Day celebrated on February 15 of each year, and in my position of president of the Chance Association, I was pleased to pay an official visit to the Minister of Health, Dr. Rakan Nassereddine Ministry of Public Health – Lebanon accompanied by Dr. Leila Akoury Dirani, the past president of the Lebanese Psychological Association, CHANCE board member Mr. Rachid Moussallem, psychologists, and most importantly children fighting cancer at LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital and their parents.
The meeting provided an important space to reflect on the realities faced by children undergoing cancer treatment and their families. We thanked the minister for his tireless efforts in securing essential medications and highlighted the gaps still existant, especially in immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
I was proud to present CHANCE’s ongoing projects, highlighting the critical role of psychosocial support, family-centered care, and sustained advocacy to improve access to comprehensive treatment services. Discussions also explored opportunities for deeper collaboration with the Ministry to strengthen mental health support within hospitals and ensure that care addresses not only medical needs, but emotional and social well-being as well.
The minister was touched by hearing directly from families and children their needs and struggles and the big role that CHANCE has played in their cancer journey to cure. A drawing made by the heroes fighting cancer was offered to the minister to mark this unique encounter where children voices are directly heard.
This encounter underscored that every child deserves quality treatment delivered with dignity and compassion, and that strong partnerships between civil society and public institutions are essential to creating lasting impact. Together, the shared commitment remains clear: no child and no family should face cancer alone.”
Other articles featuring Roula Farah on OncoDaily.
