New publications by Action for Breast Cancer Foundation

Action for Breast Cancer Foundation recently presented the Minister Evarist Bartolo with copies of a new publication entitled Dar Gdida and its English version A New Home.

This new publication, aimed at Year 4 students in state, independent and church schools in Malta and Gozo, was written by Dunstan Hamilton, popular already among children with books such as L-Avventuri ta’ Xummiemu and L-Avventuri taxXadina Brikkuna, among so many others.

Hamilton is in fact one of the education officers for PSCD. The book is targeted for use during PSCD lessons and touches upon a number of learning outcomes of PSCD for Year 4 students.

The book is being distributed free to all Year 4 students in state and non-state schools. Its content does not even mention the word cancer. It is a story that speaks about facing problems and challenges in life and living a healthy lifestyle. Resilience and being positive as well as gender roles are also brought up in this family of a single mother and her young son.

What first catches the children’s eye is surely the colourful illustrations by emerging illustrator Sasha Hamilton, who, although only just turned 17, has produced visuals which are both age-appropriate and effective in passing on the message visually.

Proofreading was done by Christine Gauci EO Media (English version) and Karl Coleiro EO Guidance and Counselling (Maltese version).

Of mention also for their support are Stephen Camilleri, EO

PSCD and the primary PSCD teachers for their feedback while publication was being finalised, psychologist Marisa Giordemaina and the Directorate for Learning and Assessment Programmes.

Everyone involved did this work on a voluntary basis, with the aim of having a publication that is an investment in our youngsters in preparation for social and personal challenges as opposed to feeling vulnerable.

The investment to produce this learning resource cost Action for Breast Cancer Foundation almost €4,000 but the response by the PSCD teachers and the students is evidence that the resource has reached its aims.

On this occasion Esther Sant, chairperson of Action for Breast Cancer Foundation also presented the minister with a copy of Her way, Helen’s inspiration to life.

The book, written by Ingrid Zerafa for the Action for Breast Cancer Foundation, is now available in bookshops. Britishborn Helen Muscat came to Malta after marrying psychiatrist Dr Peter Muscat. With a very solid background in nursing, Helen made a difference in Malta’s healthcare provision when she worked with other like-minded people to introduce Hospice in Malta. Besides many other roles in her life, Helen was also in the core team that set up Zammit Clapp Hospital, where she was matron.

The book documents Helen’s approach to life through many testimonials. She was renowned for her charismatic character, integrity, mindfulness and positive and practical approach towards life.

Helen lost her battle to breast cancer in October 2013. She lived with the disease for nine years and it was during this time that Helen turned her ill-health into an opportunity to improve breast care and cancer treatment for other women in Malta. She was chairperson of Action for Breast Cancer Foundation where she lobbied for a free national breast screening programme, free Herceptin, an improved breast prosthesis and free bra for every woman who goes through a mastectomy and facilitated the first PhD research in breast cancer at the University of Malta.

The book is intended to give readers going through a challenging moment a different perspective of life. Understanding how Helen lived, the reader gets inspired how to tackle pain and suffering, the true meaning of love for those around you and human kind in general, how to carry out your work ethically and professionally, how to fight battles gently but firmly, without ever compromising what you believe in − the truth. Helen’s life examples can very well be an inspirational guide to life.

So, Action for Breast Cancer Foundation have targeted both the students and also the general public, thanks to the two publications which, in different ways, offer hope and encouragement to carry on when one comes face to face with difficult life challenges.

For more information visit www.actionforbreastcancer.com