Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways support Seychelles Cancer Concern Association

Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways are supporting the Seychelles Cancer Concern Association by sponsoring airfreight costs for a consignment of breast prostheses from Australia to Seychelles.

The donation was organised by Sophia Harryba, a Seychellois doctor practising in Australia, in partnership with Richard and Debby Blettner, breast cancer survivors and executive managers of The Family International Western Australia, Breast Care Western Australia and Cancer Council Western Australia.

Roy Kinnear, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles, and Elizabeth Julienne, mother of Dr Harryba, presented a consignment of 177 prostheses, worth approximately SCR 500,000, to Bishop French Chang Him, Chairman of the Cancer Concern Association at a ceremony this morning at the Air Seychelles Head Office.

Mr Kinnear said: “We felt it was important to support this donation, which will make a positive impact in the lives of many women who have undergone surgery for breast cancer.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in Seychelles, representing a significant 18 per cent of new cases, and as the national flag carrier, we are pleased to be able play a role in facilitating treatment options for patients in Seychelles.

Bishop Chang Him said: “We are grateful for this donation, which was organised by Dr Harryba and flown to Seychelles by Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways.
“Breast cancer affects many households in Seychelles, and 40 new cases were diagnosed in 2014 alone. This consignment will make a significant difference and improve the quality of life for many breast cancer survivors.”