Ancient Treasures and New Toys

Susan Carter Johns, Vice President, presenting Dr. Hawaas with a pink tie after his presentation

Linda getting her book signed!

Christina with a new friend at the Children's Cancer Hospital

We were privileged to start our morning off with a breakfast presentation by Dr. Zahi Hawaas, Secretary General of Supreme Council of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. Many of you may have seen him on the History and Discovery Channels discovering treasures from the ancient Egyptian past, but perhaps he is most famous for his extravagant hats! At the Eve of the Race Gala Friday night, Ambassador Brinker presented Zahi with a bright pink cowboy hat in appreciation of him allowing us to light the Pyramids PINK! Dr. Hawaas spoke of the most exciting discoveries he has made and the opening of the secret door in the Pyramids happening in December, which will be featured on national television. After the presentation Dr. Hawaas signed his book, “Women in Ancient Egypt” for all of the Delegation.

After breakfast, we prepared for a long and emotional day visiting various cancer institutions in Cairo. The Delegation had been preparing heart-shaped pillows during our down time for women suffering through cancer treatments. The heart shape provides comfort for those with Lymphedema if placed under one's arm. We also filled goody bags with pink stuffed animals and various toys for the children. Our first stop was 57357, the Children’s Cancer Hospital of Egypt. This incredible state of the art hospital, built completely by donation, cost over $200 million! We had heard that Egyptians had a strong sense of charity, but this was proof! The childhood cancer survival rate in Egypt is estimated at 40% compared to the Western rate of 75-80%. The hospital opened on July 7, 2007, and offers services FREE OF CHARGE for all patients from newborn to 18 years. We were able to walk through the hospital, touring the facilities and spending time with the children. As we handed out simple toys to these kids, their eyes lit up like Christmas morning. Let me clarify what kind of toys: stress balls, toothbrushes, stickers, and small stuffed animals. Not Guitar Hero or the latest Hannah Montana junk. I’d like to think these simple toys brought some relief to the pain as the children sat in chairs receiving their dosage of chemotherapy. In the education rooms are computers; most families and staff have never even seen one! When family comes to visit the children, some are so dirty that the hospital provides clean clothing for visitors. Hospital 57357 is doing some powerful work in the lives of these children and their families, we were so lucky to see first-hand the fight against cancer throughout the Egyptian children.