Sunday 12 June 2011

Uzbek woman gets successful treatment for breast cancer in Israel

Zubaida Hamidova, one of the participants of "Campaign 14", a fundraising auction to support women with breast cancer held as part of "Style.Uz" Art Week last year, has returned to Uzbekistan after a successful treatment for breast cancer in Israel. 

Hamidova spent 10 days in Haifa and Jerusalem where she underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy procedures and a surgery. The project was organized by "In the Name of Life" National Breast Cancer Association and the Women's Council with support from Tashkent's Andromed&Horev Clinic and Israel's Horev Clinic. 

Zubaida Hamidova, 49, Andijan region: "Health is the most invaluable asset people have. When you are ill, everything around you looks bleak and meaningless. I had breast cancer and doctors told me I had to have a surgery to remove my breast. I couldn't even imagine that… I suffered from breast cancer for three years, but I was saved by Campaign 14, which was launched at Gulnara Karimova's initiative." 

"It is thanks to her that I had an unparalleled opportunity to go to Israel for treatment. I had chemotherapy sessions there and was operated on by high-caliber specialists. I thought my breast would be amputated. But after I regained consciousness after the surgery I saw that nothing was cut off. After the surgery my life was filled with colors. I now have new dreams, new desires, new plans and new hopes." 

"I am very fortunate that I was selected for the surgery out of hundreds of other women. Someone who is able to revive someone's love for life has a big heart. I know that Gulnara Karimova is a very kindhearted and cordial person. I am proud that I was born in this country where so many noble people live. I wish her every success in her activities." 

The idea for organizing "Campaign 14" stemmed from a series of projects to support women with breast cancer. The campaign organizers selected one woman from each of the 12 regions of Uzbekistan, the city of Tashkent and the Republic of Karakalpakstan and decided to organize a fundraising campaign to support the women. 

It is these 14 women who benefitted from the Campaign which saw women across Uzbekistan participate in breast cancer prevention and detection campaigns free of charge. In selecting women, the organizers considered the participants' medical data and financial status with the aim of helping those who could not afford treatment. 

Also, preference was given to mothers growing their children single-handedly, mothers with many children and fertile-age women. Eight lots – decorations, accessories and items by famous Uzbek designers – went under the hammer at the auction organized as part of the Campaign. 

"In the Name of Life" National Breast Cancer Association is dedicated to broadening opportunities for prevention, early detection and treatment of breast cancer and other cancerous diseases affecting the female reproductive system by bringing together specialists and the public. The Association also works to improve medico-social and psychological support of women living with breast cancer. 

Since its inception, the Association has organized a series of major events. Around 38,000 people have participated in the fundraising marathons overseen by the Association. The proceeds from the marathons have gone toward the purchase of medicine and organization of early detection campaigns. 

Through its projects the Association has provided 132 women with 778 million soums worth of costly medication, and over 8,000 women across Uzbekistan have been examined during diagnostic campaigns backed by the Association. 

Also, breast care units have been set up in clinics in the regions, where patients can consult breast care specialists and psychologists. The Association organizes master classes involving international specialists on breast care, gynecology and psychology for local professionals.


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