L'OLJ / French text by Chantal EDDÉ, November 12, 2026

Behind every breast cancer diagnosis is a woman whose life has changed, a family holding on to hope, and a fight no one should have to face alone. At Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ), 90 students, most of them undergraduates, took part in three initiatives organized under Opération 7e jour (O7). Through the Pink Bake Sale, Pinky Promise Event, and Pink Walk, students from the Faculty of Nursing Science (FSI) raised awareness of breast cancer prevention and early detection while showing solidarity with cancer patients. For Prof. Pauline Merheb, Dean of FSI, their efforts reflected the very heart of nursing: “Nursing is more than a profession. It is a commitment to care for others with compassion, dignity, and humanity.” A patient broke down in tears when 19-year-old Josyane Nammour handed her a pink flower. The students visiting her at Hôtel-Dieu de France (HDF) reminded her of her children. For Josyane, a second-year nursing student, the encounter revealed how much a simple gesture can mean to someone facing illness. “Her reaction deeply moved me. I was glad we could bring her some comfort and see how much our visit meant to her.” Josyane was among the students who joined the FSI–HDF Pink Walk on October 23, together with Rama Jaafir, Maely Hneine, and fellow students and instructors from FSI. Organized in partnership with HDF, with support from its Nursing Department and healthcare teams, the initiative strengthened their commitment to volunteering and solidarity. At the hospital, students offered pink flowers to patients as a gesture of hope and support. For Prof. Merheb, the visit showed that compassionate care extends beyond medical treatment. Even a smile, a flower, or a moment of kindness, she said, can make a difference to someone struggling with illness.

Beyond the Diagnosis

On October 17, USJ nursing students joined the Barbara Nassar Association’s Pinky Promise Event at the Beirut Forum, raising awareness of breast cancer risk factors, early detection, prevention, and healthy habits. According to Prof. Merheb, their involvement helped make reliable health information more accessible and encouraged conversations about prevention. For Maely Hneine, a 19-year-old first-year student, one encounter stood out: a woman who appeared to have advanced breast cancer, smiling as she joined the walk with her child in a stroller. “Seeing her with her child reminded me that behind every diagnosis is a woman who is so much more than a patient. She is someone’s mother, daughter, or wife, with a life, a family, and a story that cancer can never take away.” Rama Jaafir, a 20-year-old third-year student, was equally moved by the women who shared their stories. “Every diagnosis has a human story behind it, and every story deserves to be heard,” she recalls. “Listening to these women gave our involvement even greater meaning.”

Pink Bake Sale: Solidarity in Action

On October 9, undergraduate nursing students organized the Pink Bake Sale at USJ’s Medical Sciences Campus to raise funds for wigs for breast cancer patients. From baking at home to running the sale, students managed the entire initiative. “We each contributed what we could, and together, we raised money that was donated to an association to help fund wigs for women with breast cancer,” says Maely Hneine, who also valued the teamwork and sense of connection students developed while working toward a common goal. Long committed to helping others, Rama Jaafir says the fundraiser showed how small contributions can add up to meaningful support. Second-year student Josyane Nammour shared that view: “You don’t need much to make a difference. Whether it’s raising money, sharing information, or offering a flower, everyone has something to give.” For Prof. Merheb, the initiative went beyond fundraising. It turned a student-led effort into a tangible act of solidarity, simple in nature but deeply meaningful. By helping breast cancer patients access wigs, students could help them regain their confidence and sense of dignity.

Beyond Care: A Commitment to Civic Engagement

For Prof. Merheb, the initiatives reflect FSI’s commitment to preparing nurses who bring compassion and social responsibility to clinical practice. Their role goes beyond medical care to include health education, disease prevention, and emotional support. The experience strengthened Josyane Nammour’s communication skills and understanding of nursing. Rama Jaafir recognized the importance of accessible health information, correcting misconceptions, encouraging healthy habits, and supporting patients who feel isolated. Maely Hneine valued the teamwork and the opportunity to raise awareness and improve patients’ quality of life. For Prof. Merheb, the greatest lesson was helping students recognize the difference they can make. For Maely, it was also a personal affirmation. “Carrying the USJ and FSI flags during the Pink Walk filled me with pride and emotion,” she recalls. “Nursing isn’t just my career. It’s my purpose.”