We write to you today to announce the launching of MADRE's two-year, intensive Share Hope Campaign. The Share Hope Campaign brings critical breast cancer screening equipment, preventative medicines, and treatment to the women of Cuba.
Breast cancer is terrifying for all women, on matter where they live. But in Cuba the tragedy of breast cancer is made even more drastic by the fact that Cuban doctors could save more lives if not for the public heath crisis caused by the U.S. embargo. Consider these facts: Early detection: According to a report from the American Association for World Health, Cuba has less than two dozen mammogram units for the entire country. The embargo prevents U.S. companies or their subsidiaries from selling more mammogram units or the x-ray film required for the machines. As a result, mammograms are no longer employed as a routine preventative procedure in Cuba, but are provided only to women considered to be at high risk. Treatment: Treatment for breast cancer has also been severely compromised because of the embargo. Due to lack of surgical supplies, hundreds of women are on waiting lists to receive surgical interventions which could rid them of their cancer. U.S. Denies Medicines: Because 80% of all medical drugs on the world market are produced by U.S. companies, Cuban women are denies access to medicines which could save their lives. MADRE's Share Hope campaign will address the critical need that these obstacles have created through the following efforts. 1) We will obtain and ship thousands of dollars worth of mammogram film, Tamoxifen, and other vital medical supplies to the Cuban Red Cross for Use in neighborhood clinics throughout the country. 2) We will publicize our opposition to the embargo by holding a major press push to announce our first shipment of breast cancer medicines. 3) We will mobilize US citizens to speak out against the US embargo and to ask Congress to normalize relations with Cuba. How you can help: 1) Join MADRE as a Co-Sponsor of the Share Hope campaign with a donation. Your name will be added to a sponsors scroll which will accompany our first shipment to Cuba as a symbol of solidarity at the Red Cross offices in Havana. 2) Publicize through your own channels: tell your friends, doctors, and colleagues about the Share Hope campaign. 3) Contact MADRE to learn more about the campaign and other ways you can support women in Cuba, and visit our website to read about our Cuba program at www.madre.org.Vivian Stromberg, Executive Director MADRE
121 West 27th Street, Room 301
New York, NY 10001
phone (212) 627-0444;
fax (212) 675-3704;
email: madr-@igc.org
MADRE has a strong track record of helping women and families in Cuba. Since 1993, MADRE, along with the US + Cuba Medical Project, has shipped more than $11 million worth of urgently-needed medicines and supplies to Cuban hospitals and clinics. In addition to the Share Hope Campaign, MADRE focuses on sending AIDS medications to Cuba, as well as toys and other critical pediatric supplies such as vaccination ingredients and neonatal respirators. If you are interested in traveling to Cuba with the MADRE Delegation in January 2000 to witness the effects of the embargo for yourself, contact us for more information.
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