ASSAMEH Birth and Beyond, with the support of friends in France, organized a fundraising concert to assist in rebuilding the center following the August 4 blast. The live streamed concert included a lineup of 5 DJ’s from France: The Avener, Bob Sinclar, KUNGS, Polo and Pan, Martin Solveig, Mosimann et FEDER.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr.Nikos Christodoulides, accompanied by delegations from the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus head by Ambassador Panayiotis Kyriacou and UNICEF visited ASSAMEH – Birth & Beyond at the Beirut Governmental Hospital in Quarantina. Following the August 4 deadly blast, much like the entire city of Beirut, the hospital was destroyed. Amidst the face of the destruction, the Government of Cyprus were among the first to support with a one million Euro funding to support the rehabilitation work of the new Quarantina Hospital building through UNICEF.
Since establishing ASSAMEH Birth and Beyond we have stayed true to our mission and provided medical treatment to everyone without any discrimination. Not only that, but we pride ourselves in never turning down a case, no matter how complicated. Just to give some insight into the numbers, one year we received 42 babies with no legal documents. This led us to work closely with the concerned authorities to put a system in place to facilitate the process. We work collaboratively with an allocated judge to fast-track the process and provide these babies with the best care on both a medical and social level.
Additionally, we never turn down a medical case and always find the resources and medical solutions to give the child the best treatment available. We have created a network of leading specialists, whom we consult with on every case. We also consult and guide parents on the process and what to expect and do the necessary research on similar cases around the world. Every newborn or premature baby that comes through our doors receives 100% of our dedication and we do everything in our power to allow them to live their best life.
Our goal is to continue to save as many babies as possible and to ensure that no one is rejected at our doors and they remain open for everyone.
Perhaps our biggest achievement since establishing ASSAMEH Birth and Beyond and setting up the Quarantina Hospital, was rebuilding what was lost after August 4, 2020.
The explosion devastated the city and destroyed our premises, but we did not let it affect our spirit and commitment to our mission. Our perseverance and the support of our donors gave us the push we needed to get the center up and running again.
Through the generous support of the Swiss Government, we were able to redesign and build the new center and it was fully equipped by ASSAMEH Birth and Beyond through generous donations. Not only that, but in less than three weeks a temporary neonatal intensive care unit was established followed by units for pediatrics.
Through the charitable contributions we received, we were able to salvage the damaged equipment and purchase new machines and supplies that helped us advance our offerings and better service our patients.
The renovation plan began to roll out just weeks following the explosion, with every phase allowing us to open our doors and cater to a certain number of cases. The complete project was finalized by April 2021 with a new optimized design including: an admissions area, an ER with 2 beds, an operating room, an ICU with 15 incubators, a main area with 12 full-stay beds; in addition to a restring room for doctors and a facilities area. The blast shook us on many levels, but it also reassured us of the importance of our cause. We hope we are never forced to close our doors again!
The Quarantina Hospital was completely abandoned following the Lebanese Civil War. Having endured a fair share of destruction, the premises resembled anything but a hospital, and silence echoed through the empty halls.
The first mission of ASSAMEH Birth and Beyond was to take over this deserted premises and convert it into a first-class government medical center.
Within simply a few months the transformation was astonishing; an entire floor was up and running, treating newborns and premature babies.
Through the continuous dedication and perseverance of the team, the hospital is now known as The Carlos Slim Center for Children and is the only government university hospital in Central Beirut.
Fitted with the most advanced medical equipment, the center is run by a top-notch medical team made up of a team of pediatricians and specialists, pediatric nurses, and rotating residents from leading private hospitals across Lebanon.
Hope now fills the halls. Where there was darkness the cries of joy and happiness bring light to every corner.
In a project led by Dr. Sylvana Zoghbi, ASSAMEH Birth & Beyond were able to secure a bronchoscope for the Carlos Slim Pediatric Center.
Bronchoscopy allows for examination of airway anatomy and dynamics. One of the most important roles of bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of airway disease is obtaining samples from the airways.
With the support of the generous donors, the center was supplied with the latest equipment, and has become one of the leading pediatric wards in Lebanon, across both the public and private sectors.
The flexible pediatric bronchoscope has saved the lives of many children and has facilitated the diagnosis process for the doctors.
In june 2019, the third edition of our annual Bal du Cèdre took place in front of the National Museum of Beirut. We welcomed over five hundred guests, amongst which personalities from the Lebanese political, cultural and economic worlds.
Several entertainment shows were scheduled throughout the night, such as a performance from the Ballet Bejart, musical interventions from The Charbels and pianist Omar Rahbani. During this edition, a “Tribute to Women” was made and several key players in the welfare of children in Lebanon were honored: He. Mmes. Mona Hraoui, and Laila El Solh, Dr. Geneviève Begkoyian, and Mmes. Lama Salam, Mireille Girard, Viviane Debbas, Nadine Mokdessi, Tonia Chaoui, Marleine Eid and Karen Saliba.
once again we were extremely thankful for the support of the attendees and their generous donations that play a major role in the continuation of our mission,
It is worth noting that the “Bal du Cèdre” has one objective : to raise funds for the development of the Beirut Government University Hospital – Karantina’s neo-natal and pediatric section; which provides top quality service to all premature babies and sick children in need, with no discrimination whatsoever
For the second year in a row, ASSAMEH – Birth & Beyond led by Professor Robert Sacy and his team of volunteers, hosted a magnificent “Bal du Cèdre” on September 18, 2018 at the Grand Sérail in Beirut, under the high patronage of Prime Minister Mr. Saad Hariri.
This second edition was marked with touching speeches by PM Mr. Saad Hariri, Pr. Robert Sacy, and Mr. Aboud Shami as well as exceptional entertainment. After a welcome drink held at the “Thermes Romains”, Miss Tania Kassis sang again an amazing a-capella National Anthem; a Lebanese Dabké took all attendees back to their roots; “The Charbels” interpreted touching renowned songs with their lovely voices; and Mr. Alessandro Ristori and the Portofinos were the highlight of the show, mixing the 50’s American rock style and the 60’s Italian Dolce Vita melodies and making all women dance on stage ! DJ Guy was also here to play music that everyone loves.
The dinner was delicious, the sponsors were numerous and generous, and once again, there were many tombola winners.
It is worth noting that the “Bal du Cèdre” has one objective : to raise funds for the development of the Beirut Government University Hospital – Karantina’s neo-natal and pediatric section; which provides top quality service to all premature babies and sick children in need, with no discrimination whatsoever
In a magical setting of firewalls and giant balloons flying in Beiteddine’s sky, the 1st edition of the “Bal du Cèdre” took place on August 19, 2017. ASSAMEH – Birth & Beyond hosted an impeccable event under the high patronage of First Lady Mrs. Nadia Aoun, surrounded by several political figures, top business leaders, Lebanese jet setters, and generous donors and friends who supported the NGO since its creation.
Professor Robert Sacy, founder of ASSAMEH – Birth & Beyond touched many souls with his welcome speech. The night was full of rich and varied entertainment, presented by MC Mr. Ricardo Karam. The event included a lineup of successful artists who were happy to support the noble cause of saving sick children’s lives.
A band of guitarists started the show during the welcome drink, setting the mood for a warm ambiance. It was succeeded by Miss Tania Kassis who sang an emotional A Capella Lebanese National Anthem. Then it was Mr. Arthur Murray’s performers’ turn, wearing LED costumes and dancing wonderful waltzes and tangos. Mrs. Eliane Saadeh, Mr. Johnny Aouad and Mr. Teddy Nasr amazed everyone with their beautiful opera voices, and were followed by French guests Mr. Patrick Zian and Mr. Bernard Sauvat, singing from the bottom of their heart for the NGO. Throughout the evening DJ Guy made sure he was constantly entertaining the attendees with his perfect hits.
Finally, the delicious dinner ended with a generous tombola, offering prizes of significant value.
It is worth noting that the “Bal du Cèdre” has one objective : to raise funds for the development of the Beirut Government University Hospital – Karantina’s neo-natal and pediatric section; which provides top quality service to all premature babies and sick children in need, with no discrimination whatsoever.
August 13, 2024
August 9, 2024
