The Malta Cancer Foundation has made an appeal to raise funds for Sir Paul Boffa Hospital to offer the best technology and care for its patients.  This was stated by Dr Stephen Brincat, Consultant Oncologist and Chairman of the Oncology Department during a Women’s Day Business Breakfast held at the Palm Court, Hotel Le Meridien Phoenicia.

“Think life, give generously” is the theme of this fund raising campaign and the Malta Cancer Foundation is aiming to raise Lm500,000. 

In his address, Dr Brincat welcomed the guests and said that the foundation is planning to create a cancer centre that will set new standards in services combining state-of-the art technology and the best environment.  “New medicines and technology are constantly coming out and we have to keep abreast and keep offering the best service to our patients,” he said.

Chief Executive of Simonds Farsons Cisk plc, Mr Louis A. Farrugia, presented a cheque of Lm2,500 to Dr Stephen Brincat on behalf of The Malta Cancer Foundation.  The money will go towards this fund for the embellishment of the hospital and to assist patients in their treatment to combat cancer, the world’s leading cause of death.

Mr Louis A. Farrugia, said: “Farsons is always ready to contribute towards the welfare of the Maltese community.  We are confident that the Malta Cancer Foundation will succeed in this worthy cause for the benefit of our society and future generations.”

Following this presentation, Dr Stephen Brincat also received a cheque of Lm5,000 from Mrs Violet de Marco on behalf of the Community Chest Fund.

“More than 19,000 patients receive chemotherapy treatment at Sir Paul Boffa Hospital each year.  The generosity of our donors is vital as we continue our efforts to help cancer patients in their treatment and invest in hospital facilities,” added Dr Brincat.

Corporate companies are encouraged to support this pioneering project which would give them an opportunity to be proud to be associated with Sir Paul Boffa Hospital and a centre of excellence. The proceeds from the Women’s Day Breakfast meeting will go towards the fund. 

Among the distinguished guests were Ms Dolores Cristina, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Social Policy, Mrs Catherine Gonzi, wife of the new Leader of the Nationalist Party, Ms Helena Dalli and Ms Marie Louise Coleiro, both Labour Party’s spokespersons for Public Function and Women’s Rights and for Social Issues respectively, Dr Janet Mifsud, Commissioner for the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality for Men and Women, Ms Sina Bugeja, Executive Director for the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality for Men and Women, Mrs Donna Gioia, the US ambassador’s wife and co-founder of Roswell Park Alliance, which, like the Malta Cancer Foundation helped a cancer hospital in the US to raise money, as well as other female entrepreneurs  and representatives from organisations.

Also present were committee members of The Malta Cancer Foundation namely Mrs Lilian Miceli-Farrugia, Ms Claudia Taylor-East and Mrs Mary Camilleri, Consultants and medical administrators from Sir Paul Boffa Hospital, including Dr Victor Muscat, Consultant Oncology, Dr Maria Sciberras, Medical Adminstrator and Dr Maria Deguara, Mayor of Naxxar who encouraged and applauded volunteerism in the Health sector.

Individual donations can be made by phoning 5004 9445 for a Lm5 donation or 5004 9442 for a Lm2 donation. Further information may be obtained from the Malta Cancer Foundation, Sir Paul Boffa Hospital, telephone number 2298 7163.