Collaboration with Lebanese association "Barbara Nassar"
Barbara Nassar Association is a non-governmental and non-profit organization located in Lebanon. The Association supports adult cancer patients financially and morally to continue their treatment with dignity and without discrimination all over the Lebanese territory.
Mission:
- Support cancer patients and their families financially and morally
- Raise awareness to provide the community with the necessary information regarding the importance of early detection and screening all over the Lebanese territory
- Guide patients in their long journey
- Advocate cancer patient’s towards 3rd party payers
Who is Barbara Nassar
Barbara Nassar, a young wife and mother, was diagnosed with breast cancer in the metastatic stage in 2009. She had a mastectomy and went through uncountable sessions of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
During summer 2011, Barbara challenged her fear of the disease and, along with her husband, Hani and her two children, Leonie and Leonard, went on “The Lebanese Flag Trip”. For eighty days, she travelled all over Lebanon, visiting more than 1655 villages and towns to collect signatures of mayors on a 10452 dm2 Lebanese flag that she offered to the Lebanese President. She proved that her faith and will are stronger than fear, and even stronger than death.
On 16 August 2012, cancer spread to Barbara’s brain, into the meninges. Doctors recommended to stop treatment because her remaining days were few. Two weeks later, Barbara, on a wheelchair, accompanied her family on a trip, won in a TV contest, to Bulgaria. She did not want to deprive her children from this holiday.
One year later, on 16 August 2013, Barbara again defied her illness. From the highest peak of Lebanon, Qurnet el Sawda, she sent regards to her doctors. She was accompanied by her husband and children for the climb.
On 4 February 2014, Barbara, bedridden, witnessed the legal birth of her long-awaited NGO to support adult cancer patients.
On 27 February 2014, having ensured that her mission would not fade away, Barbara bowed her head and died. Despite pain and suffering, she was always recognized for her genuine smile and inner peace.