The Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon (CCCL) is a leading national organization dedicated to the treatment and support of kids and adolescents with cancer, in addition to being a national advocate of childhood cancer control and leading NGO in Lebanon and the region.

Inaugurated in 2002, CCCL supports almost 50% of children with cancer in Lebanon (including non-Lebanese coming from the Arab region and refugees), with ages ranging between a few months old up to 18 years.

CCCL works in partnership with hospitals and medical centers across the country, and covers all treatment costs of patients without any discrimination, even costs beyond those covered by third-party payers. CCCL also ensures quality service to patients in accordance with global standards, leading to an 80% average cure rate, similar to that of developed countries.

As a national advocate of childhood cancer control, CCCL promotes awareness and education about childhood cancer.

CCCL is only dependent on donations with a yearly need exceeding 15 million USD to fulfill its mission.

History

As Danny Thomas believed that “no child should die in the dawn of life,” the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, USA opened its doors in 1962, making his dream as founder come true. In Lebanon, in 1997, Dr. Nasser Chammaa’s son, Basile got cancer when he was only 3 years old.

Back then, there was no complete access to childhood cancer treatment and care in Lebanon, so Dr. Chammaa took Basile and headed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to give Basile the treatment and care he needed.

Impressed by the service given to Basile and having met Danny Thomas and St. Jude co-founder Richard Shadyac Sr., who were both of Lebanese descent, Dr. Chammaa was determined to have a similar center that would take care and offer the needed treatment for children with cancer in Lebanon.

This center would also provide hope to many children in Lebanon, in memory of young Basile Chammaa, and make Dr. Chammaa's dream come true. Indeed, that was his aim and that is what has been happening since 2002, turning grief into renewed hope with each child and family passing through the same challenge. So, the Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon was established in 1998 and finally inaugurated in 2002 with a mission to save children’s lives.

The CCCL founding members are: Dr. Nasser Chammaa, Joseph Asseily, the late Nabil Harfouche, the late Pierre Bou Khater, and the late Me. Naoum Khattar. On April 12, 2002, the late Prime Minister of Lebanon, Rafic Hariri, and several members of the Lebanese cabinet and parliament as well as AUB leadership, joined a delegation from ALSAC/St. Jude and the board of CCCL for the inauguration ceremony of the center.

More than 300 people, including parents and families of Lebanese children battling cancer, witnessed this remarkable event, which has proven to be the beginning of a long journey of hope and life.