The Maria Bugeja Cancer Support Foundation established in April 1994 years, has been one of the leading local philanthropic organisations who took up the initiative to campaign and work in favour of cancer awareness.

In fact over these years close to Lm1,000,000 in donations have been made by the Foundation to various cancer related philanthropic institutions and even to state health departments. Amongst the various types of assistance the Foundation also offered free-of-charge cancer counselling and information services, as well as national cancer awareness campaigns.

To mark the 11th Anniversary from its founding, the Maria Bugeja Cancer Support Foundation recently held a special gathering which brought together all local cancer related state and philanthropic organisations. The highlight of this occasion was the presentation of a number of donations amounting to Lm92, 000. In a short welcome speech Maria Bugeja referred to the various initiatives and achievements taken by the Foundation. The most significant fulfilment of the Foundation was the culture change in the local perspective and attitude towards cancer and its innovative approach to charity marketing in Malta including the conception of

L-Istrina,

Special thanks was addressed to Dr Stephen Brincat, Chairman Oncology Department Boffa Hospital, for “saving my life, making it possible to start the Cash for Cancer 1 & 2 Campaigns leading to the Maria Bugeja Cancer Foundation and the Maria Bugeja Cancer Support Foundation.”, noted Maria Bugeja.

Finally Maria Bugeja, in the presence of the Foundation’s Trustee Chris Grech presented the donations to representatives of the benefitting entities. These were Dr Noel Fenech (Boffa Oncology Department – Lm40,000), Dr Stephen Brincat (Malta Cancer Foundation – Lm10,000), Dr Anthony Livori (Gozo General Hospital – Lm5,000 and a tail-lift vehicle), Mr Albert Rutter (Malta Community Chest Fund – Lm10,000), Dr Victor Calvagna (Puttinu Cares Lm5,000, Ms Daniela Ladjevac (Malta Hospice Movement – Lm5,000), Mrs Jackie Vassallo (Breast Care Support Group – Lm2,000), and Mrs Joyce Rapa (Gozo Cancer Club – Lm2,000).

Also present for the presentation were Maria Bugeja Cancer

Support Foundation Council Members, Mr John Vassallo, Vice- President, Mr Joseph Galea, Financial Director, and Mr Wilfred Sultana, Marketing Director.