JEDDAH, 23 January 2003 — The National Home Health Care Foundation in the Western Region organized a fund-raising event on Tuesday evening for the Dar Al-Diafa Hospice, which gives support to young cancer patients. Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed attended the event and personally donated SR1 million to the cause.
“This event brings to mind Crown Prince Abdullah’s visit to the poverty-stricken areas of our capital,” Prince Abdul Majeed said. “There are those who say that we are not aware of important issues such as poverty and disease, but that is simply not true. We are one nation, and we should follow the crown prince’s example in recognizing and remedying these important challenges.” The ceremony commenced with a reading from the Holy Qur’an by one of the young cancer patients, and this was followed by a speech from Majid Qaroub, legal adviser and the representative of the National Home Health Care Foundation.
He outlined the foundation’s goals and highlighted some of its activities.
Dr. Sami Flemban, consultant pediatric oncologist at King Abdul Aziz Medical City, gave a speech on the latest medical services provided by the center.
The event also witnessed a touching speech by the parent of one child who spent his final days in the care of the foundation. He pointed out the many difficulties, physical and emotional, which young children who have cancer must deal with and demonstrated the enormous significance of a project like Dar Al-Diafa.
Prince Abdul Majeed expressed his gratitude to all the schools which have participated in the collection of donations for the project. He presented a special plaque to Dar Al-Fikr Girls Schools in recognition of the fact that it raised the largest amount.
Princess Adelah bint Abdullah, president of the National Home Health Care Foundation in the Western Region, commented on the crucial role that the foundation plays in looking after its patients.
“The Dar Al-Diafa Hospice will be geared toward making available suitable housing units for young cancer patients who need long-term chemotherapy, with an undoubtedly large cost to the respective families. In lieu of this, the foundation will be committed to sustaining the donation drive to complete the project and continue with any development plans concerning the proper medical treatment of children while lessening the financial burden placed on the guardians of patients.”
