Charity Spotlight

Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon - Charity Spotlight

Nadine Chaar 19-Apr-24


In a world where childhood cancer poses a significant threat to young lives, the Children's Cancer Center of Lebanon (CCCL) stands as a beacon of hope, dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support to children and their families facing this challenging journey.


About:

Established in 2002, CCCL was founded with the vision of creating a specialized center that offers access to medical treatment, psychosocial support, and holistic care for children with cancer. Over the years, CCCL has become a symbol of resilience and compassion, serving as a lifeline for families in their darkest hours.

CCCL’s mission is to support all children with cancer and their families by securing funds for:

- Access to the standard treatment regardless of the parents’ financial situation.

- Excellence in psychosocial services to help fight the disease.

- Education to create better understanding and awareness of the disease.

With a vision to provide free standard treatment and care to all children with cancer in Lebanon and the region, without any discrimination.


Impacts, Achievements and Projects.

Through a comprehensive approach, CCCL tackles the multifaceted challenges these young patients face through:

• Advanced Treatment: CCCL offers cutting-edge protocols, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and bone marrow transplants. Each child receives a personalized plan from a team of highly skilled specialists.

• Holistic Care: Beyond medicine, CCCL recognizes the emotional and educational needs of children: We provide psychosocial support programs to help patients cope with the challenges of treatment. These include yoga therapy, arts and crafts, music therapy, and expressive theatre.

• Research & Advocacy: By focusing on education and advocacy, CCCL strives to continuously improve survival rates and the overall experience of cancer care for children.

The impact of CCCL is undeniable, with an impressive 80% average cure rate we currently support around 400 patients under treatment from which 75% are Lebanese, and 25% of other nationalities (including Syrians, Palestinians, Iraqis, Algerians, Jordanians...)



How YallaGive has been a part of your Charity’s Journey and Fundraising.

YallaGive has been a steadfast partner in CCCL's fundraising efforts, enabling the center to reach a wider audience and garner support for its vital programs. Through collaborative campaigns and initiatives, YallaGive has played a crucial role in raising awareness about CCCL and childhood cancer and mobilizing resources to ensure that every child receives the care they deserve.

YallaGive has supported CCCL through providing their platform and ensuring CCCL is active and engaged through it in order to reach new potential donors in the UAE and beyond.


Future Goals:

At the Children's Cancer Center of Lebanon (CCCL), our sights are set on the future of childhood cancer care. We envision a tomorrow where more children can overcome cancer and embrace the promise of a healthy future.

In order to achieve this vision, we are committed to relentless innovation. We will continue providing the best treatments, striving to elevate our already impressive cure rates and provide families with renewed hope. Expanding our facilities and services will enable us to extend our reach to even more children in need, ensuring that no child faces cancer alone.

However, our dedication doesn't end with treatment. We understand the profound emotional impact of battling cancer, which is why we will continue to advocate for better childhood cancer care policies across the region. Through our advocacy efforts, we aim to create a lasting impact that transcends the walls of our institution.

Yet, fulfilling these future goals hinges on the ongoing support of our community. Through engaging fundraising events and impactful donation programs, we aspire to secure the resources needed to amplify the voices of the children we serve and inspire continued support from our community. Together, we can make our vision for the future of childhood cancer care a reality.


       



A Short story, Quote or Memory:

"I want to go to the doctor to play!" said the three-year-old Sousou. The hospital no longer became a place of fear and pain to Salma, but a place to express and release her emotions in different ways.

Like any other kid at her young age, Salma used to love playing with other children, running, dancing, and eating her favorite food and sweets! Until one day, she started developing extreme bone pain and a high fever. Everything stopped for Salma at only two years old. Her reaction to the treatments was followed by temper, screaming, and isolation She stopped eating, engaging in activities, and living her childhood. Instead, she released her frustration on her mother, especially when she started losing her hair. "You did this to me! Bringing me to the doctor made me lose my hair."




This period was challenging for everyone involved, until the day when Salma decided to join CCCL's wellness programs and found comfort in our expressive art, music, and yoga sessions. Her entire perception of the hospital changed when she saw kids her age go through the same fight. They would sit together to color, craft, breathe and play fun instruments. Today, to Sousou, getting her treatments is no longer a threat but a time to connect with other children and be free.