From my mailing list~~ Posted by Adey Tsega~

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Hope Begins for Ethiopian Cancer Survivor and her Dream of a Cancer Centre in Ethiopia
Laguna Beach, OC. (February 22, 2006) – Ethiopian Americans and fellow Laguna residents came out in droves to attend The Life’s Second Chance Foundation’s ‘Art that Heals’ art Exhibition and Auction to raise funds in support of a cause that has received no attention in poor communities- Cancer in Ethiopia. The event was attended by our supporters, Art lovers and alike and raised the urgently needed seed money to support the construction of a Cancer Care Centre in Ethiopia.
The evening was the first of its kind raising money and awareness in support of those affected by cancer in Ethiopia. A cancer survivor herself, founder Wossene Bowler reminded everyone that urgent funds are needed to cater for the hundreds of thousands of cancer victims and that the promotion of a wide scale public education and awareness programs to prevent future occurrences must begin now.
With the upbeat sound of Ethiopian Instrumental music in the background, guests were greeted at the doors of beautiful and atmospheric Neighborhood Congressional Church with light refreshments and Ethiopian delicacies. Present at the event were the Artist themselves allowing for a meet & greet opportunity with guests. Following a viewing session, the evening’s activities culminated in a Live Auction, entitled “Art that Heals”, featuring the work of prominent Ethiopian artists as well as limited singed print work, etching and litho work of Chagall, Picasso, Miro and Salvatore Dali.
The event was successful in raising resources as well as introducing itself to the wider community. The night was a great achievement in bringing Ethiopian Artist in front of a new audience while allowing both to participate in this worthy cause.
As well as the many generous donors and sponsors, this year’s Auction Committee deserves our thanks for their hours of time in making these events possible.
The Life’s Second Chance Foundation (LSCF), launched in 2005, is a not-for-profit organization exclusively run by volunteers was founded by an Ethiopian Cancer survivor with a vision of creating a world where people suffering from Cancer are treated with dignity, and get the best medical help and attention. By establishing the first hospitals and Cancer research centers in Ethiopia, members of the Foundation can achieve this goal.
In Ethiopia like many other developing countries, cancer is not treated with the same gravity as other diseases and epidemics, contrary to what the figures may illustrate. Right now in Ethiopia there are an estimated 250,000(+) people living with cancer (WHO) where 73% are women. Currently there are NO programs to deal with Cancer in Ethiopia. Even if Ethiopians are fortunate enough to have access to hospitals, they have to wait at least 6 months to see a doctor. With 1 doctor for every 40,000 people and 1 nurse for every 8,000 people, for
many this everyday reality . Even though cancer can be treated if detected early, it is a death sentence in Ethiopia.
The foundations primary tasks are to mobilize financial, material and human resources to lay the foundation to begin its work in:
· Researching current epidemiological trends of cancer in Ethiopia
· In partnership with Addis Ababa University housing the only Oncologist in Ethiopia, provide medical and material support to the department to deal with cancer cases right now
· Coordinate Training and Educational visits of US doctors to Ethiopia in order to increase the capacity of local medical and support professionals
· Conduct a study visit to determine breast cancer awareness amongst Ethiopian women as well as identification of appropriate educational intervention.
Our long-term mission is to construct a Cancer Care and Treatment and Research Centre consisting of a Training and Research Centre; Women Rehabilitation Centre, Orphanage and a Mobile Clinic.
To that affect the foundation to date has conduct various consultation visits to Ethiopia and has established solid working relations with key stakeholders in Ethiopia (e.g. Addis Ababa University, Ye Ethiopia Cancer Association) and International community to jumpstart on achieving its mission. Preliminary Hospital architectural design and building plans are completed.
In order to secure the necessary funds to begin work, the foundation is committed to heavy fundraising mission for 2006. By hosting various fundraising events fusing Ethiopian Art, Culture and Music hosted here in the US as well as internationally (Thailand, Australia and England), it hopes to mobilize both financial and human resources. In addition major grants and funding will be solicited from major donors such as international organizations as well as corporate sponsorship. But there is still more to be done. This is a big dream, one that can be realized with your encouragement, support, and enthusiasm.
We are currently working on hosting future fundraising activities and require support from those willing to support our cause by volunteering with us in materializing our events. We are currently looking for people to join our Events Committee in various positions. If you can spare a few hours a week and want to help please contact Wossene on 949-295-9937or e-mail wtbowler@thelifessecondchancefoundation.org <mailto:wtbowler@thelifessecondchancefoundation.org>