King attends celebration marking King Hussein Cancer Centre’s 20th anniversary

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday attended a celebration marking the 20th anniversary of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Centre (KHCC), ranked sixth in the world as a specialised cancer treatment centre.

In remarks at the event, Her Royal Highness Princess Ghida Talal, the chairperson of the board of trustees of the foundation and centre, expressed appreciation for His Majesty’s ongoing support for the KHCC, which has enabled it “to embrace our patients with the best medical care possible and restore them to health,” according to a Royal Court statement.

“Your Majesty, with your support, our centre will always be the embodiment of the Jordanian humanitarian spirit, the reason for hope and tranquillity among our patients, the pride of the Arab world, from East to West,” Princess Ghida said at the celebration, attended by HRH Prince Talal Bin Muhammad, special adviser to His Majesty.

Her Royal Highness said the KHCC has treated over 65,000 cancer patients from across the Arab world over the last 20 years, and kept pace with the latest scientific and international developments in cancer research and treatment.

During the event, attended by Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, the princess thanked the KHCC’s supporters for enabling it to succeed.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Richard Shadyac — the president and CEO of the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, the fundraising and awareness organisation for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, commended the efforts of the KHCC to fight cancer, describing it as “a shining example to the world of what is possible when great people unite to solve a problem”.

 “When Syrian refugee cancer patients needed help, you were among the first to respond and partner with St. Jude. When Lebanon needed access to medications after the explosion and as a result of its economic challenges, you stepped right up,” he added.

Shadyac noted that St. Jude, which celebrates its 60th anniversary, was founded by Arab Americans, adding: “I think it is one of the greatest gifts the Arab community has given to this world.”

“The King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Centre stand alongside it. They are incredible, life-changing gifts built out of the generosity of the Arab community — built by you, the Jordanian people,” he said, expressing pride in St. Jude’s partnership with the KHCC.

The event, attended by several Royal family members, included the honouring of the KHCC’s major supporters and those who had a key role in its achievements, as well as a number of cancer survivors.