42 February 2016 www.bahrainthismonth.com interview Fareed Bader Fareed Bader, organising committee chairman, says that this year the club hopes to raise BD80,000 for a cytometer – a state-of-the-art piece of equipment that could be instrumental in treating children with cancer. “We host this tournament every year and funds raised always go to a good cause. In the past, we have raised money for sickle cell and diabetes but this year is particularly poignant,” he says. “Children are dear to our hearts and when you see them suffer with this disease it’s heartbreaking. We went to Salmaniya Medical Complex, in partnership with Bahrain Cancer Society, and looked at what we could do together for the oncology centre and found out about this equipment. “A cytometer is a laser based biophysical technology employed in cell counting, cell sorting, biomarker detection and protein engineering by suspending cells in a stream of fluid and passing them by an electronic detection apparatus. The flow cytometer delivers proven performance accuracy and high quality results. This machine is very important to help children and adults with leukemia in diagnosis and follow up and will affect their treatment as well. According to cancer research in the UK, each year globally around 14 million people learn they have cancer and eight million of them die. MAKING A DIFFERENCE THROUGH FELLOWSHIP However, the research suggests that one third of cancer deaths can be prevented but service and technologies are not widely available especially in low and middle-income countries.” The Rotary Club of Manama boasts a membership from all segments of Bahraini society. It was founded in 1965 with the purpose of raising funds and giving support to community projects in the Kingdom. With the motto ‘Service Above Self’, the club is a part of a global service organisation with more than 1.2 million members. “Through fellowship, we help the community to make it a better place to live, and changing peoples lives is what we do,” Fareed explains. “We are celebrating our 50 year anniversary this year and we are proud to say that we have executed 120 projects worth USD5 million in Bahrain and the impact has been remarkable. “What makes us unique in Rotary is not about who you are and where you come from. We don’t say mister, doctor or even your excellency; rotary is about giving to society. We are all Rotarians and have one goal service above self. You come to Rotary to help and not to do business and I must say that the spirit in our club is remarkable.” Fareed says that Rotary Club International has committed its wealth and resources to eradicate polio globally with USD200 million and he hopes that the organisation can play a CHARLIE HOLDING The Rotary Club of Manama is hosting its annual Kick For A Cause six-a-side football tournament to raise funds for charity. major part in finding a cure for cancer, a subject close to his heart. When his beloved mother was stricken with the disease she revealed to him before her passing, that she was taking care of some families and her only concern was what would happen to them after she was gone. “I told her not to worry and promised I would take care of them and, since that day, I’ve dedicated my time to help needy people in any way I can,” he says. “At her funeral, hundreds of people I didn’t know turned up – men, women and children – and when I asked who they were they said ‘we knew your mother, she was so kind and lovely and used to help us’. That day changed my life. “My mother was my hero and my second hero is my wife – who is also involved in this project as community service director. She is the one who pushes and supports me and without her I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my goals today.” Kick For A Cause sees 24 teams battle it out on the pitch at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club on February 12. After the matches there will be food and fun as well as the chance to win amazing prizes – donated by companies – in a raffle draw. Fareed adds: “Although Kick For A Cause is a football match, the real goal is to raise enough funds to change people’s lives and every dinar makes a difference.” People can donate by contacting Fareed on 17 583-121 or emailing [email protected].
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