Ethiopian New Year Party at the Black Lion Hospital
As usual our society organized Ethiopian New Year Party on September 11, 2010 starting from 10:30 A.M to the pediatric patients and their families under treatment at the pediatric ward of the Black Lion Hospital.
Members, friends of our society and students from more than 10 high schools here in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia including students from Hayat Medical School actively participated in organizing the party to more than 100 children and their families. Mr. Samuel Derebew owner and Managing Director of Victory Restaurant and National Café both situated within the vicinity of down town Addis covered almost all costs of food and soft drinks. Students of Hayat Medical College brought soft drinks and biscuits while Mrs.Mekedes Gebeyehu, Dr.Yetenayet, and Mathiwos’s family brought cakes biscuits and big bread for the occasion. 
Dancing contest underway.
Partial view of the party
Winner of the contest, Dagim Zerihun.
In addition to well prepared delicious food and drinks served to each participant, the highlight of the party was the music contest organized jointly by our members, students and one of Ethiopian Television Idol Program judge Taddese Gebre popularly known as (Jacky). After serious selection the winners of the contest were selected and prizes were given accordingly. In addition to these various gifts were given to each participant of the party. On the previous day, pediatric cancer patients were given Birr 100 each from the Society’s account to show the sympathy and concern the Society has for the pediatric patients our society is formed to serve.
Cancer patients and their families face many challenges that may leave them feeling overwhelmed, afraid and lonely. It is difficult to cope with these challenges or to talk even to the most supportive family members and friends. Often support groups like ours can help people affected by cancer to feel less desolate and this can improve their ability to deal with the uncertainties and challenges that cancer brings. In fact, attention to the emotional burden of cancer is sometimes part of a patient's treatment plan.
Cancer is not a battle that one can fight and win in isolation and we look forward to the professional, moral and material support of willing individuals and organizations like yours in order to make a difference!