On Sunday, October 19, 2025, the Lebanese Breast Cancer Foundation (LBCF) held a live telethon on MTV Lebanon, entitled “Because You are the Whole Story: لأنك القصة كلها," mobilizing the nation to raise funds for breast cancer patients across Lebanon. The telethon included live transmission on MTV of the lighting in pink of the main hospital building of the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) on the occasion of October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The telethon, supported by AUB and AUBMC, brought together private sector partners and individual donors to help patients who can no longer afford their treatments amid Lebanon's ongoing economic crisis. The telethon, which aired throughout the day thanks to the generous collaboration of the Sabbah Media Corporation, a platinum sponsor, and MTV Lebanon, was a great show of national solidarity. The event raised urgently needed funds to support breast cancer patients receiving treatment at AUBMC and other hospitals across the country, with contributions from platinum sponsor Tawfeer, gold sponsors MEDCO, Monty Mobile, Roche, and OMT; silver sponsors KPMG, Kassatly Chtaura, Barista, and IPT PowerTech; and more than 20 supporters.
Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Raymond Sawaya saluted the “team of experts in breast cancer at AUBMC led by Dr. Nagi El Saghir who campaigns for raising awareness and supports the fundraising initiatives to benefit patients in financial need." Sawaya went on to highlight the importance of mammography for women over age 40. “It is a 'must' for early detection. If you don't do the test and then discover by chance that you have cancer that's obviously much worse; so, I urge women, 'don't be afraid of it,'" he said.
LBCF and AUBMC have long shared a mission to ensure that no woman battling breast cancer is left untreated because of financial hardship. The foundation was founded in 2011 by Professor of Clinical Medicine at AUB Dr. Nagi S. El Saghir, along with a group of survivors, including Mirna Sabbah Hoballah, who currently serves as LBCF president. Even when she was ill, Mirna found time to sit with patients undergoing chemotherapy, offering comfort and hope.
What began as an awareness initiative soon became her life's passion. Through the foundation, Mirna helps patients throughout Lebanon access life-saving care with the support of AUBMC physicians and nurses. LBCF's mission extends beyond awareness. It provides financial assistance for treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy; supports research and clinical trials; and organizes early detection campaigns and patient support groups. Another LBCF initiative was the establishment of a dedicated fund at AUBMC in 2011 to assist cancer patients.
The need for financial support for breast cancer patients in Lebanon has grown dramatically in recent years. Following the economic crisis and collapse of the Lebanese pound, the majority of Lebanese patients who relied on the Ministry of Public Health and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) lost access to subsidized affordable care. The foundation, among other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), has stepped up to meet this need. In partnership with AUBMC, LBCF began organizing free mammography days and intensified its fundraising efforts and support of patients in need like A.K. “When I was told I had cancer, I thought it was the end," A.K. remembers. “I couldn't afford the treatment, but LBCF and AUBMC stood by me. They gave me the care, the support, and the chance to live again." Another patient, R.S., who is currently undergoing treatment says, “I was losing hope – not just because of the illness, but because I couldn't afford to continue. Then LBCF and AUBMC stepped in. Their support keeps my treatment going, and gives me the strength to believe I'll make it."
The October 19 telethon served as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity in difficult times. “This telethon was not only about raising funds, it was also about raising awareness about breast cancer, reducing fear, and encouraging screening mammography starting at age 40," noted Dr. Nagi El-Saghir. “When we started LBCF, we aimed to spread knowledge about breast health, and to get out the message that early detection saves breasts and saves lives. We wanted every woman in Lebanon to get the best treatment irrespective of her resources. Thanks to the generosity of so many, we are able to continue supporting our patients even during the most difficult times."
Associate Vice President for Development, Alumni Relations, and University Events Salma Oueida also emphasized the spirit of solidarity that made the event possible. “This remarkable collaboration between AUB, LBCF, and partners from across Lebanon shows what can be achieved when compassion guides our actions," she said. “The generosity we witnessed during this telethon reflects the commitment of our community to care for one another, especially in moments of great need."