Crossing Cultures to Raise Breast Cancer Awareness

By Marilyn Saks-McMillion, Assistant Director for Visitor Exchanges
November 2007

On a three-week International Visitor Leadership program, 17 breast cancer specialists from the Middle East forged friendships with American colleagues and learned critical strategies to raise awareness of breast cancer back home.

World Learning recently carried out a three-week program for 17 breast cancer specialists in the medical, non-profit and media fields in collaboration with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, partners with the State Department’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) for Breast Cancer Awareness.  This unique partnership helped in gaining the participants unusual access to key institutions and individuals involved in the campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer, from local non-profits to the Office of the First Lady.

The group arrived at the very end of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  While this limited access to large mass, public events that take place earlier in the month, it allowed us to schedule in participation in a three-day Walk for the Cure in San Diego. 

Meeting with First Lady and Member of Congress

The program started with a personal visit at the White House with First Lady Laura Bush, who had just returned from her trip to the Middle East to highlight the accomplishments of the U.S.-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research.  Mrs. Bush discussed her own family history with breast cancer (both her mother and grandmother had the disease), and that she was one of the early, early volunteers with the Komen Foundation at its start 25 years ago in Texas, with her friend, Nancy Brinker, the sister of Susan Komen.  She then graciously posed with the group and individually for photos. The group also spent time with Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC District 9), who left them touched by her presentation, remarks and personal experience as a breast cancer survivor and co-chair of the Congressional Cancer Caucus.

Three-Day Walk for the Cure in San Diego

But the highlight of the trip for everyone was observing and participating in a 3-day walk for the cure in San Diego, right after the disastrous fires that ravaged the area.  They were amazed at the size of the walk, with thousands of walkers, supporters, organizers and volunteers. "It was amazing; [there were] 3,000 – 5,000 people. "Four participants roused themselves before dawn to get to the opening ceremonies, held about 20 miles north of downtown San Diego, in the coastal town of Del Mar to observe the start of this event. These four were brought to the front of the stage and introduced to the crowd as celebrated guests by the race organizers. "We were [breast cancer] survivors among survivors," one said.  They also marveled at the sheer number and diversity of participants in the walk: people dressed as butterflies, men wearing bras, pets dressed in pink; it was a joyful and emotional time.

Participating in the actual walk along a carefully pre-selected section along the ocean gave the group great pleasure: the scenery was beautiful walking along the beach, walking alongside so many different Americans and the number of volunteers made an indelible impression on the visitors: "You made us be part of the walk for 2 ½ miles. This was great. They gave us sweatbands. People cheered and clapped for us and gave out sweets along the way. Everyone volunteers in their own way; this is not as common on our countries." Another confided, "As a conservative, religious Syrian woman, I was skeptical how I would be received and viewed; it preoccupied me. I have to say I was surprised how well I was treated. I found out that politics has no place in breast cancer: volunteers help each other; it cuts through everything. Here, everyone says 'we' and 'us.' I’ll take it back and cherish that. It was a great experience at the end of the 2nd day of the walk (in San Diego) to visit the camp with tents and have dinner at the end of the day’s walk.  It was incredible. We were welcomed and recognized. It was unique to see all these people come for three days, making a real sacrifice. When I realize the work that goes into planning such an event, it’s incredible to understand."

Changed Perspectives of America and Americans

One participant had this to say at the end of the program:  "The spirit of openness with one another affected me and I hope to do something similar when I go back. At the opening ceremony of the Susan G. Komen walk, when we took the stage and the speaker was addressing the survivors, there were no dry eyes. These were very touching moments."  Another said, "When I was chosen to go, I was scared. My daughter said, 'Don’t be scared, you’re going to learn.' I don’t regret it. We visited hospitals, the White House and Laura Bush, I saw everything. People were really welcoming, exactly the opposite of what I expected. (She starts to cry here.) Thank you all from the bottom of my heart." And finally, "I had a vision about Americans before I came:  we see America on the world stage, in Iraq and Afghanistan. But being able to interact with Americans, looking them in the eye, shaking their hands – I found they are a very lovable people, characterized as hard working, volunteers, and good citizens."

Transformational Experience

The program had such an effect on one participant, that she wished she could become a doctor: "After visiting Houston, it made me want to change my career to a doctor, which isn’t possible. After visiting the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) and the U.S., it makes me so interested in wanting to commit (to this kind of work):  how U.S. volunteers to support survivors and support cancer awareness. When I tell people I’m a survivor, people’s responses to me make me feel so proud of myself...I would suggest that we have more time to stay here, but I need to see my family and kids. This program makes me feel at home. I’m proud of myself for coming on this program.  Now I’m going to commit myself fully to cancer awareness." And from the Libyan participant: "I got the message of (the importance) of breast cancer awareness. But I also got the message speaking to the ladies, that we’ve seen the best ladies in the United States: doctors, leaders, the head of society. Women in my country are still indoors; they’re not yet outdoors as leaders. My message, my job is to change the attitude of Libyan leaders."