With H.E. Ambassador Dr. Hossam Eldeen Aly, Consul General of Egypt in Los Angeles and the West Coast, in attendance alongside distinguished supporters and community leaders.
Dr. Hisham El-Seify: Honoring Commitments and Decades-Long Friendships in the Service of a Humanitarian Mission.
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA – CHARISMA NEWSPAPER:
In an inspiring evening celebrating generosity and renewing hope for children battling cancer, Egypt Cancer Network USA – California (ECN) hosted its 18th Annual Los Angeles Gala on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at The Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, Southern California, under the theme “Giving Every Child a Chance to Fight Cancer” To support hospital 57357 and the children with cancer.
The event marked 18 years since the network’s establishment, bringing together diplomatic representatives, distinguished supporters, and longtime friends of charitable causes from Southern California and beyond. The gathering conveyed a powerful message of solidarity with children facing cancer and their families, while emphasizing the importance of sustained community support for humanitarian initiatives.
Dr. Hisham El-Seify, President of Egypt Cancer Network USA and Chairman of the Scientists and Physicians Committee of the General Union of Egyptians Abroad in America, headed by businessman Mr. Raafat Salib, announced that the evening had raised a record-breaking amount in charitable donations.
He emphasized, however, that the evening’s greatest significance extended far beyond its financial achievements. Its true value, he explained, lay in promises honored, friendships nurtured over decades, and the shared commitment of individuals united by a noble humanitarian cause.
The gala was honored by the presence of H.E. Ambassador Dr. Hossam Eldeen Aly, Consul General of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Los Angeles and the West Coast, who attended as the event’s Guest of Honor.
According to the official event program, the distinguished speakers included Laila Pence and Dryden Pence of Pence Wealth Management, identified respectively as the firm’s President and Chief Investment Officer, alongside Dr. Hisham El-Seify in his capacity as President of Egypt Cancer Network.
The evening was hosted by Sarah Pence, a Business Analyst at LPL Financial, and featured a special musical performance by QurlyMa!, the multilingual Lebanese singer. The program combined inspiring remarks, meaningful personal connections, and artistic entertainment, all in support of the gala’s humanitarian mission.
Following the event, Dr. El-Seify expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the remarkable gathering of friends and supporters, extending special thanks to H.E. Ambassador Dr. Hossam Eldeen Aly, Laila and Dryden Pence, Ahmed and Ghada El-Barshawy, and the many friends whose generosity, loyalty, and continued involvement contributed to the evening’s success and the advancement of the network’s mission.
Dr. El-Seify stressed that the success of the gala could not be measured solely by the amount of money raised. More importantly, he said, it reflected the enduring strength of mutual trust, meaningful human relationships, and friendships that have stood the test of time.
He noted that honoring commitments and preserving longstanding friendships provide charitable organizations with the strength, credibility, and continuity needed to extend their humanitarian reach and support more people in need.
He concluded his reflections with a verse from the Holy Quran:
“But that which benefits people remains on the earth.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:17)
The evening demonstrated the remarkable ability of Egyptian Americans and their friends to unite around a shared humanitarian purpose, transforming bonds of friendship, compassion, and belonging into tangible support for children battling cancer.
Beyond the celebration itself, the gala’s message remains both powerful and enduring: a chance for treatment, renewed hope, and a compassionate community standing beside children and their families throughout their fight against cancer.
