CBN launches campaign to raise 300,000 euros for breast cancer scanner
By Roy Wickman
COSTA Blanca News is launching the biggest fund-raising campaign on the coast coinciding with World Breast Cancer Day today (Friday, October 19).
Spanish cancer association AECC has asked our newspaper group to help raise 300,000 euros for a new scanning machine.
The Siemens breast cancer scanner uses latest digital technology to detect lesions up to two years before a lump can be felt.
Very early diagnosis can result in a 97 per cent rate of cure.
The new machine is far superior to any now used by Valencia Region health authorities – though they plan to gradually replace their old scanners – and will be vital in saving lives in our area.
Its digital images are easy to store and unlike current x-ray prints can be e-mailed instantly to other specialist centres throughout the world for treatment advice.
THE BEST MACHINE
AECC’s Alicante Province president Dr Pablo Enriquez, who is also a cancer surgeon in Alicante, told us: “This is the best machine there is at the moment. It is the most sensitive and reliable and produces instant diagnosis.
“Remember, this is for women who aren’t ill… it is preventative to take action before a tumour appears. For that the extremely high definition of this machine is perfect.”
The machine will be available for screening check-ups for all women who wish in Alicante province, including those who are not officially resident here and would therefore not be included in regular health service checks.
All money raised in the campaign will be paid directly into a special account set up for AECC by Dr Enriquez at Solbank and both Costa Blanca News and The Post will regularly inform how the fund is doing.
It is a lot of money to aim for but we know expats have big hearts and when it comes to charity fund raising we’re unbeatable.
FLYING START
The fund has already got off to a flying start with the Costa Blanca Golf Society donating nearly 5,000 euros and last week the Masons of Santa Faz Lodge 48, El Campello, gave Dr Enriquez a cheque for 7,000 euros.
Other groups including Alicante Province Lions clubs and Torrevieja FC’s Torry Army supporters club (which works for charity with Fundación Cajamurcia) have already said they will organise fund raising events.
Solbank itself is also backing the campaign and we were delighted this week when both Peter Higginson of Global Cars and John Knight of Knight Insurance Brokers pledged their support. Both these companies are among the longest established on the coast and have several offices in the province.
Names of all businesses, pubs, clubs and associations who raise money for the fund will be printed in Costa Blanca News.
Pamela Dawson Tasker, president of Alfaz AECC and Jackie and Alan James, who have worked with AECC Torrevieja for 12 years, are among charity workers who have responded immediately to Dr Enriquez’s plea for help.
Jackie, who runs the cancer office for foreigners, told us this week: “We send 64 ladies a month to Alicante for early detection tests and we know just how vital this new machine will be. It is very necessary”
And Pamela – already well known to Costa Blanca News and The Post readers – has already helped to organise three future events to raise money for the fund (full details in coming weeks).
In fact Pamela will be with Dr Enriquez, women’s associations and local authorities at an event at Alfaz ‘Casa de Cultura’ to mark World Breast Cancer Day and sign agreements today from 12.00 to 13.00.
Pamela in the north Costa Blanca and Jackie in the south will be happy to represent the AECC collecting cheques for donations.
YOU CAN HELP
So if you can think of a way to help this worthy cause by organising an event, let CBN’s Eileen know and the newspaper will publicise the event beforehand and come along to take pictures and write a report.
Could your local pub raise 50 euros at a darts or quiz night? Can your local club or association organise a raffle at your next meeting? Every little bit helps.
So please look out for our posters and contact campaign coordinator Eileen at CBN on 96 585 52 86 or email social@cbnews.es for further information.
rwickman@cbnews.es
