Sarah Guirguis Without a doubt, the Baheya Foundation needs little introduction. Since 2015, it has been among the leading forces in combating breast cancer disease in Egypt. Dedicated to providing optimal healthcare for Egyptian women, Baheya does it all, from early detection units, radiotherapy and chemotherapy to psychological support and a full research department. We were honored to talk to Baheya’s granddaughter and board member, Laila Hany Salem, about the original story behind the foundation and its role right now.
“It all started when my grandmother Baheya was diagnosed with cancer in the late 90’s. Back then, the treatment was not available in Egypt and she had to travel to the US for her radiation sessions and all she could think of was all the women in Egypt who will not get a chance to fight for their life and the families who will lose the mother, wife and daughter because of this lack in the country. Her wish was to bring the TrueBeam Machine (radiation machine) to Egypt, which was the most advanced machine worldwide at the time. Years later, her sons and daughters not only got the machine she wanted but turned Baheya’s very own house into the Baheya hospital we all know today to keep the memory of their mom,” she told us.
“Over the past five years, Baheya has helped 9,000 women and their families survive cancer and 120,000 women undergo memo grams to promote early detection. In my opinion, every woman deserves to get a chance to fight cancer regardless of being rich or poor. Baheya is not only my pride as a family foundation or as a hospital but more than anything, it has been a truly inspiring journey. I’ve watched our family home turn into a bigger home with a bigger family.”
Tell us about your latest initiative. What does it stand for?
The campaign is titled ‘Baheya Got Every Egyptian Woman’s Back’ and it basically aims to reduce the women waiting lists and direct donating alms and sadaqat to Baheya Foundation, while encouraging donors to have a charitable endowment at the foundation.
What has been your focus and mission lately during this pandemic?
Lately, Baheya has been focusing on protecting its “fighters” as much as possible. We do this by delivering hormonal treatment and providing medical protection bags that include prevention kits specifically to combat the Coronavirus. Another key we’ve realized is that psychological support plays an essential role during this period. It makes such a difference when we communicate electronically with the “fighters” and continue to provide all the backing needed to reassure and relieve them.
What do you believe is the role of Egyptian women within their families right now?
Doing their best to protect themselves and their families as well as abiding by all the protection and prevention measures we have at hand right now.
Your records in receiving and helping breast cancer patients recover has been outstanding. What are your goals for the future of the foundation?
One of Baheya’s future plans is to eventually extend in Sheikh Zayed, in order to provide its services to a larger sector of women in that area.
