in January 2004, a small group of energetic and determined women joined hands to help women with breast cancer help themselves and to encourage awareness of breast health in Egypt.  Together, they formed HOPE – Egypt, a non-profit organization under the umbrella of the well-established Friends of Children with Cancer NGO (Reg. No. 231, 1992).   The members of HOPE come from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.  Some of them are breast cancer survivors themselves, while others have mothers, sisters, or close friends with whom they have gone through the breast cancer experience. Some are women who have worked with dedication with cancer organizations and community service projects in Egypt and abroad