The Malta Cancer Foundation has made an appeal to raise funds for Sir Paul Boffa Hospital to offer the best technology and care for its patients.
This was stated by Dr Stephen Brincat, Consultant Oncologist and chairman of the Oncology Department during a Women's Day Business Breakfast held at the Palm Court, Hotel Le Meridien Phoenicia.
"Think life, give generously" is the theme of this fund-raising campaign from which the Malta Cancer Foundation is aiming to raise Lm500,000.
In his address, Dr Brincat welcomed the guests and said that the foundation is planning to create a cancer centre that will set new standards in services combining state-of-the art technology and the best environment. "New medicines and technology are constantly coming out and we have to keep abreast and keep offering the best service to our patients," he said.
Simonds Farsons Cisk plc chief executive Louis A. Farrugia presented a cheque for Lm2,500 to Dr Stephen Brincat on behalf of the Malta Cancer Foundation. The money will go towards this fund for the embellishment of the hospital and to assist patients in their treatment to combat cancer, the world's leading cause of death.
Mr Farrugia said: "Farsons is always ready to contribute towards the welfare of the Maltese community. We are confident that the Malta Cancer Foundation will succeed in this worthy cause for the benefit of our society and future generations."
Following this presentation, Dr Brincat also received a cheque for Lm5,000 from Mrs Violet de Marco on behalf of the Community Chest Fund.
"More than 19,000 patients receive chemotherapy treatment at Sir Paul Boffa Hospital each year. The generosity of our donors is vital as we continue our efforts to help cancer patients in their treatment and invest in hospital facilities," Dr Brincat added.
Corporate companies are encouraged to support this pioneering project, which would give them an opportunity to be proud to be associated with Sir Paul Boffa Hospital and a centre of excellence. The proceeds from the Women's Day Breakfast meeting will go towards the fund.
Among the distinguished guests were Dolores Cristina, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Social Policy; Catherine Gonzi, wife of the new Leader of the Nationalist Party; Helena Dalli and Marie Louise Coleiro, both Labour Party's spokespersons for Public Function and Women's Rights and for Social Issues, respectively.
Also present were Dr Janet Mifsud, Commissioner for the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality for Men and Women; Sina Bugeja, executive director of the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality for Men and Women; Donna Gioia, the US ambassador's wife and co-founder of Roswell Park Alliance, which, like the Malta Cancer Foundation helped a cancer hospital in the US to raise money; as well as other female entrepreneurs and representatives from organisations.
Committee members of the Malta Cancer Foundation were also present: Lilian Miceli-Farrugia, Claudia Taylor-East and Mary Camilleri, together with consultants and medical administrators from Sir Paul Boffa Hospital, including Dr Victor Muscat, Consultant Oncology, Dr Maria Sciberras, medical administrator, and Dr Maria Deguara, mayor of Naxxar, who encouraged and applauded volunteer weork in the health sector.
Individual donations can be made by phoning 5004-9445 for a Lm5 donation or 5004-9442 for a Lm2 donation. Further information may be obtained from the Malta Cancer Foundation, Sir Paul Boffa Hospital (tel: 2298-7163).
HSBC supports therapy service
HSBC Cares for Children Fund is covering the costs for the provision of a specific therapy service for children resident at St Joseph Home in St Venera who are having difficulties with their academic progress at school.
The fund's donation towards this service was presented by Josef Camilleri, a member of the HSBC Cares for Children Fund committee, to Fr Silvio Bezzina, head of the St Joseph Home.
"All the children who reside at St Joseph have had a very difficult start to life. Helping them to deal with past traumas is essential to ensure that they have the best possible opportunities to develop fully their future potential. The HSBC Cares for Children Fund has been helping these children for nearly four years and this donation is further testament to HSBC's long term commitment to children in Malta," Mr Camilleri said.
Reception on board USS Wasp
A reception was hosted last Thursday week on the US navy assault ship USS Wasp, which sailed into the Grand Harbour on March 5.
The USS Wasp, which was last here in 1998, is one of eight US Navy multi-purpose amphibious assault ships, and has a displacement of more than 40,000 tons. It has a length of 844 feet and is 106 feet wide. It can carry 42 helicopters or the equivalent in Harrier jets, and carries 3,000 sailors and Marines.
American Ambassador Anthony H. Gioia, who hosted the reception together with Mrs Gioa and the Commanding Officer of the USS Wasp Captain James E. Wise II, USN, said: "In 1942, in Malta's time of great need, the eighth USS Wasp was there to assist in this island's defense. We in the United States are exceedingly proud of this fact, and the visit of the tenth USS Wasp gives us all an opportunity to recall the bonds of affection and admiration that prompted that support and which continue to this day.
"Sixty-two years ago, the USS Wasp came to Malta during the darkest days of World War II. Happily, today she returns not to help defend Malta in war, but to offer her crew well earned liberty," he said.
The Ambassador also pay tribute to Brigadier Rupert Montanaro who retired as head of the Armed Forces of Malta "after many years of distinguished service to his country".
At the end Col. Halinski gave a medal to Ambassador Gioia, who then read the medal aloud. Col. Halinski then handed the sword to the ambassador, who remarked about the over 200-year history of the sword.
Choosing the bridal gown
The bridal gown is considered by many as the central theme in a wedding. Once the wedding dress has been chosen, everything else falls into place. Issues such as the groom's attire, brides maids' dresses, etc., should all exist for one purpose, which is enhancing the beauty of the bride's appearance.
The bride is, on this day, the centre of everyone's attention. Her dress should reflect her personality more than anything else. A woman's wedding day is her day to shine, to be in the spotlight. The variety of wedding gown styles available on the market today is more than one can imagine. There is the perfect dress for any person, one that creates the right amount of drama and effect for any particular type of character, body and taste.
The importance of choosing the right dress style warrants that searches commence at least around 12 months before the wedding. Although it is nice to involve family members and friends in the search, it is important to make sure that you make your choice based solely on your own tastes and comfort zone.
Stick to what you know and feel is right, rather than pay too much attention to external forces telling you about this, that and the other. This said, it is perfectly natural to value the opinion of our loved ones. However, always keep in mind that you are the one to be wearing the dress for the most part of your wedding day, so it is extremely important that you feel great in it.
Before setting out on a physical search for your ideal dress, take some time to look through several magazines and collect clippings of the styles you favour. This would help tremendously when you go to the bridal shop and communicate your tastes to the person assisting you.
Even if you are not sure on one particular style or other, it would be a great idea to keep pictures just to have a general idea of what style/s you are inclined most towards. It would be very hard to get to any type of understanding if you have absolutely no idea what you want.
With a clear concept in mind, the bridal shop assistant would be able to adapt your tastes to a style that is most suited for you and help you come to a final decision. In today's world, there are many resources a bride-to-be could use to get ideas: magazines, the Internet on leafing through the catalogues at the bridal shop are all perfectly acceptable. There is lots of help out there, so don't be discouraged! If you are not sure where to look, ask an expert, who will be most happy to direct you to the right resources.
When choosing the perfect bridal gown, one must consider certain factors and pay attention to specific details, such as the complexion of your skin and your body shape. These criteria apply to everybody - whatever the height or weight - tall and slim model types included. There is, undoubtedly, the 'ideal' gown for any body shape, bar none. The following are points to ponder:
1) If you have a small bust, go for a dress with a high neckline and more elaborate beadwork/decoration around the bust area for added elegance.
2) A fuller bust line may allow for low cut styles showing cleavage and simpler lines. How low cut depends on one's shape and size, and it is important to try on different dresses before making a decision.
3) Statuesque, tall and thin figures look gorgeous in fuller skirts, such as tulle, which accentuate the smallness of the waist and pull attention away from the extra height. It is important to note, with reference to the Maltese situation, that one should be careful about emphasising height - the reason being that Maltese men tend to be on the shorter, stockier side.
Every situation is different, of course, and once again you must see what works for you in your world. However, if you wish to avoid looking too tall, look past the sleek shift dresses. By the same standards, if you do not wish to seem too slim - try to stay away from dresses with thin straps and a very low cleavage.
4) Figures with fuller hips are a treat to look at in A-line skirts or traditional cuts (which pretty much suit any figure). Straight skirts and full chiffon or tulle skirts tend to be inappropriate in this case. Except for stockier builds with fuller waists and hips, which should avoid cuts at the waistline, elaborate beading on an A- line skirt would be a plus! Otherwise, the phrase "keep it simple" applies as much to your dress as to life itself!
It is appropriate at this point to pay particular attention to the Maltese body shape, which is really the focus of this article. Maltese people tend to be petite with voluptuous hips, derriere and bust, accompanied by a small waist. This is also universally known as the - hey men, watch out! - much drooled after sexy hourglass figure à la Marilyn Monroe and J. Lo.
For all these reasons, a typically gorgeous Maltese bride-to-be may want to look at dresses with A-line skirts and beautifully tailored corseted tops - which in turn slim and lengthen the figure, and accentuate the bust and waist lines.
One cannot stress often enough the importance of trying on different styles, even ones that you wouldn't think may be a good fit for you - you might be extremely surprised at the outcome! A wedding dress is a structured item, and in today's age of lycra and other synthetic stretch comfy clothing, this is something we're not used to looking at.
It is hard to imagine how we would feel in one. However, believe it or not, a wedding gown, when carefully chosen, is possibly the most flattering outfit you will ever wear, bringing out the very best in you! This is, after all, its job, isn't it?
Please do not think that the traditional colours of ivory or white will make you look unappealing. This familiar and much abused cliché does not apply here. A beautifully tailored gown, in fact, can turn any figure into a veritable bombshell!
Along with the dress and almost as important is choosing the right accessories, which must complement both the dress and the body shape/height. Consider this: would it make sense for a five foot bride to wear a very large tiara? It is all about careful thought and consideration and really basic common sense.
And now a few words about an extremely important item of clothing that goes with your gown - underwear. The perfect underwear in any case is that which gives us the shape we want and straightens out all the tiny messes we always complain about (such as extra unwanted bulges). For example, if you want a bit of cleavage because it's something you always dreamed about, there's no need to sign up for surgery! All you have to do is get yourself a nice alternate corset with push up capabilities, and voilà, a miracle happens! Contrarily, a very slim girl, who prefers to accentuate her petite figure, may forgo heavy underwear and opt for bra-cups instead. The latter are attached to the gown and come in handy especially in times when the hot Maltese climate is about to drive all of us up the wall!
Shoes are also important. The single word we should always remember in this case is one and one alone: comfort! Comfort, comfort, comfort... can one repeat this enough? Your wedding will last hours - please don't let a pair of painfully uncomfortable shoes spoil the fun. Also, if you go for a pair that you can wear after the wedding, wouldn't that be a major plus?
Finally, do consider the theme, formality and date of your wedding. Your wedding gown may be the most expensive dress you'll ever buy. The character of the dress and its compatibility with your personality goes beyond fashion trends. Once you've found the dress of your dreams, ask your salesperson to help you pick your veil and accessories, and watch in wonder as they all come together. Last but not least, please do not forget to follow doctor's orders on this most important day of your life - have loads of fun!
This article has been compiled by www.TheWeddingSite.com in collaboration with Wedding Bells, Coliseum Arcades, Zachary Street, Valletta. Visit www.TheWedding Site.com for more information on how to plan a wedding in Malta.
President and Mrs de Marco's engagements
Tomorrow
10.30 a.m. The President arrives at Malta International Airport from Kuwait.
4.30 p.m. The President receives Professor Antonio Martino, Minister for Defence of Italy, at the Palace, Valletta.
Tuesday
11 a.m. The President receives the president and committee of the Ghaqda Muzikali Immakulata Kuncizzjoni at the Palace, Valletta.
Noon The President is presented with a copy of the publication entitled L-Arcipierku, niesu u madwaru by Alfred Debattista.
6.30 p.m. The President hosts a reception in honour of the delegates of the Judicial Conference on Cross-Frontier Family Law Issues.
8 The President and Mrs de Marco attend a dinner in their honour hosted by the president and members of Din l-Art Helwa at Torri Mamo, St Thomas Bay.
Wednesday
12.30 p.m. The President receives Günther Verheugen, Commissioner of the EU responsible for Enlargement, at the Palace, Valletta.
1 The President confers the Xirka Gieh ir-Repubblika on Mr Verheugen.
5.15 The President and Mrs de Marco depart Malta to Valencia.
Thursday
11 a.m. The President and Mrs de Marco meet Francisco Camps Ortiz, president of the Generalitat of Valencia at the Palau de la Generalitat.
Noon The President and Mrs de Marco meet Fernando Giner Giner, president of the Diputacion of Valencia at the Palau de Batlia.
1 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco meet Mrs Rita Barbera Nolla, mayor of Valencia.
6.30 The President is conferred with the Membership of Honour and Insigna of the Valencian Association of Graduates and Doctors in Journalism at the Museo de San Pio V and delivers a speech.
Friday
Noon The President and Mrs de Marco attend Mass at the Real Colegio del Corpus Christi on the occasion of the Feast of St Joseph.
Saturday
11.30 a.m. The President and Mrs de Marco visit the town of Navarres and meets P. Salvador Ros, mayor of Navarres.
12.15 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco attend Holy Mass celebrated by the the Auxiliary Bishop of Valencia, the parish priest of Navarres and the parish priest of Ghaxaq, dedicated to the Beato Vicente Scicluna Harnandez.
1.30 The President and Mrs de Marco visit the town of Xativa and meet Alfonso Rus, mayor of Xativa.
5 The President and Mrs de Marco visit the town of Tavernes de Valldigna and meet Eugino Perez Mifsud, mayor of Tavernes de Valldigna and a community of Maltese descent.
7 The President and Mrs de Marco visit the town of Gandia and meet Mr Josè Manoel Orengo Pastor, mayor of Gandia.
8.30 The President and Mrs de Marco attend a dinner in their honour hosted by the president of the Diputacion of Valencia.
Sunday
9 a.m. The President and Mrs de Marco depart Valencia to Malta.
8.15 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco host a dinner in honour of the Prime Minister and Mrs Fenech Adami at the Palace, Valletta.