The Global Initiative network has grown to include over 1,000 Course for the Cure graduates across ten countries and many more participants reached through community grant projects. The network is made up of non-governmental organization (NGO) staff, community leaders, health educators, medical professionals, students, academics, religious leaders, breast cancer survivors, as well as business and government officials.
The breast cancer situation is unique in each Global Initiative country. Stories from network participants have been collected throughout the Initiative since 2007 and their insights offer a unique perspective on the reality and future of breast cancer.
Egypt
Nabila Allam
Alexandria, Egypt
Survivor, CFTC Graduate, Steering Committee Member
Collectively we are just beginning to break the silence of breast cancer in Egypt, but I broke the silence for myself a long time ago”
Nabila has been dedicated to the early detection of breast cancer since she discovered her own lump 25 years ago. She has now broken the silence of breast cancer in Egypt an published her story, My Personal Experience with Breast Cancer in both English and Arabic. Read More.
Mexico
Maria de Lourdes Ruedas Hernandez
Mexico City, Mexico
Survivor, CFTC Graduate
step by step we are raising awareness about self-care”
Maria de Lourdes Ruedas Hernandez, or Lulu, is a “full-time leader.” A resident of Mexico City, Lulu is a support group coordinator and is hopeful about breast cancer in her community. She believes that Mexico is making a difference through incremental progress, “step by step we are raising awareness about self-care.” Read More.
Romania
Luminita Lupascu
Survivor, CFTC Graduate, Community Grant Project Leader, Steering Committee Member
Leadership is an overrated word. I prefer friendship or facilitator. I am trying to help with my experience, and to make a difference in the lives of others”
Luminita and Ady Lupascu are pioneers. In 2006 they started the first support groups for breast cancer survivors and co-survivors in Constanta. Together, as husband and wife, they have faced Luminita’s breast cancer diagnosis at age 38, sought training through Course for the Cure™, and have dedicated their time to building a community of support for breast cancer survivors. Read More.