The Mariam Foundation in the City of Mariam
By: Sophia Segal/Arab America Contributing Writer
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This year has definitely been challenging, to say the least, and we all have tried our best to muster up the strength to persevere during these unprecedented times. COVID-19 has taken its toll, and many of us have been blessed with our health, but unfortunately, too many have not been as fortunate.
While everyone talks about the virus, there are also still people having to deal with illnesses that have been around even prior to COVID-19. Those illnesses will unfortunately continue to be around after this virus is long gone. Heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and many other ailments have plagued the world forever. Every day people continue to fight their battles against the diseases that have already taken so much from them. Despite the struggles, there is still hope.
There are many helpful and hopeful organizations that deserve to be recognized for their continued help with patients and research around the world. One, in particular, is the Mariam Foundation, located in Nazareth, the holy land.
“Can Anything Good Come Out of Nazareth?”
John 1:46, ESV: “Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” They were referring to Jesus.
Born in Nazareth, otherwise known as the Holy City of Miriam, the Mariam Foundation was created to support Palestinian cancer patients from their town, as well as for patients from all over the region.
With reference to the Mariam Foundation website, it is the first Arab foundation for battling cancer and is the official and sole entity for cancer patients against state ministries, health care services, and hospitals. The Mariam Foundation battles cancer with disregard to race, religion, or ethnicity, and over the years it became the main address for every cancer patient. Based on that, Mariam Foundation has initiated many projects to reach its goal, such as Daily companions for cancer patients and their families in hospitals and homes; offering financial support for buying special medications and treatments out of health insurance coverage; raising awareness for cancer; promoting the importance of early detection; and, breaking wrong preconceptions about cancer.
Who is Hamada Hamed?
Hamada Hamed is the founder of the Mariam Foundation, which greatly expanded after his sister, Mariam, lost her fight to cancer at a young age. He said that Mariam was a young and tender girl who battled cancer with acceptance and great power. Hamed further explained how medicine wasn’t available at that time, nor was there any information in his language of Arabic. There were many obstacles that not only his sister had to overcome, but the family as well. He learned very quickly that as a society the support from an independent Arab anti-cancer foundation was needed, and the primary goal was to help fight cancer.
During the early days, the word “cancer” was just as scary as the actual disease. No one wanted to talk about it, and no one wanted to hear about it. People even nicknamed cancer “the bad one” or “the vicious one.” Because of this fear, the Mariam Foundation began a campaign to raise awareness about cancer. These campaigns included activities, events honoring heroes who have won the battle against cancer, as well as recognizing those who are still fighting. Their message to everyone continues to be that no matter who you are (regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity) you will have acceptance and support through it all.
If you want to read more about Hamada Hamed, you can click here.
What Does the Mariam Foundation Do?
Throughout the year, the foundation has been hosting many activities and events for their patients, families, and communities. Although this year has been a tad bit different from the pandemic, it hasn’t stopped the Mariam Foundation. Unlike many organizations, the Mariam Foundation has persevered despite all the obstacles they have faced. They have continued to host virtual events following all safety guidelines in order to remain active in the community.
The latest Mariam Foundation event is called the Mariam Joy, which offers daily companions for child cancer patients in the hospital. There is also the Mariam Fund, which offers patients financial assistance to cover special medications that insurance will not cover. And then there are the Mariam Doctors, which are lectures presented to the public by Arab doctors to promote cancer awareness throughout the community. And if that wasn’t already a lot on their plate, they added the Pink October, which is lighting buildings in pink during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You can check out the other projects here.
The Month of December
During these challenging times approaching Christmas, we are reminded of the importance of kindness and helping those in need, as well as sharing as much joy as possible with people. Each year, the Mariam Foundation holds its annual Christmas concert in order to warm the hearts of patients and their families and make them feel the Christmas spirit.
Despite all the gathering restrictions and lockdowns, the Mariam Foundation pledges to carry on its time-honored tradition. This year, the Mariam Foundation will hold an even bigger concert and broadcast it online so everyone in the world can join to feel the Christmas spirit!
Mariam Foundation will hold an orchestral concert in Jerusalem with an orchestra of 45 players accompanied by the talented opera singers Maria Jubran and Nour Darawshi. The concert will be conducted by Nizar Al-Khater.
The Mariam Foundation will be having their special Christmas Zoom Gala on Saturday, December 19, 2020, at 12 p.m. ET. This will be for everyone to get to know one another and chat about their work as a foundation. You can register for the event here.
Click here for donations and more information on the Mariam Foundation.
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