The Sanad group is the first support group for cancer patients in Jordan. Established in 2003 at the King Hussein Cancer Center by an enthusiastic and dedicated group of cancer survivors, Sanad – literally meaning “support” in Arabic – provides psycho social support to cancer patients and their families. Sanad focuses their work on helping cancer patients in general and specifically breast cancer patients cope with and work through both the physical and emotional trials of the disease, under the motto that ‘No one should have to go though a cancer experience alone.’

The women of Sanad, who have all completed treatment and are survivors for at least one year, are coached to give support and up-to-date cancer information, while working closely with trained professionals who facilitate their interaction with new patients and their families based on the ‘Reach to Recovery’ model.

Among the group’s activities are educational clinics, in which survivors can share their stories of beating breast cancer that are hopefully an inspiration to new patients combating the disease. The group also has a counselor available daily at the King Hussein Cancer Center to offer advice and answer questions patients may have regarding chemotherapy sessions, medical options, and other concerns.

The Sanad group provide cancer patients with the opportunity to express their feelings and talk about concerns and fears they may have, all the while offering support and hope, as they have survived breast cancer and have moved on to live normal and productive lives. Raja Al Salhi, a member of Sanad and an avid believer that going through cancer with the support of a group of ladies that have been there and beaten it is a moral booster and actually helps in the healing process. Al Salhi affirms; “We give patients hope…and these cancer survivors are living proof that it can be beaten.”