Standing up for a cause

pink ribbonArt becomes more useful if it is associated with a cause and purpose. Previously, we have seen art conveying either a social message or providing entertainment but nowadays people are wisely using it to engage everybody in order to serve a purpose. Keeping this in mind, Friends of Pink Ribbon Karachi Chapter recently presented ‘Ladies Tailor’ an Urdu play, written and directed by Sameena Nazir in aid of the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Hospital. The committee organised the play at a local hotel in Karachi done in collaboration with corporate sponsors, donors, supporters and advertisers. Numerous women entrepreneurs especially designers, jewellers, restaurant owners and service providers had also come forth to join hands with Pink Ribbon and donated generously towards the cause. Entire proceeds of the evening had gone to the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Hospital. The breast cancer campaign was established in Pakistan in 2004, by Mr Omer Aftab, a social activist. Pakistan has the highest rate of breast cancer among all Asian countries. One out of nine women in Pakistan is likely to suffer from breast cancer. Ever year, approximately 90,000 cases are diagnosed and over 40,000 women die of this disease. Low level of female literacy, lack of awareness, cultural beliefs, taboos, myths and misconceptions hinder early diagnosis and treatment. With early detection, the chance of curing breast cancer is over 90 per cent. The Pink Ribbon campaign intends to spread this message across through such activities and initiatives.Also, the campaign’s mission is to establish Pakistan’s first dedicated breast cancer hospital in Lahore to serve all over Pakistan. The hospital project cost is estimated around Rs 500 million of which a sizeable sum has been raised. Construction of the hospital is under way; Phase 1 of the building structure is complete while Phase 2 gray structure will be completed by the end 2019. It is being planned that the OPD will be operational by first quarter of 2020. The hospital will begin operations with a Tumor Board to guide patients for treatment plan. –– Mubashir Ahmed

from The News International - You https://ift.tt/2pTspPt