I was connected to the UK Association of Medical Aid to Pakistan (MA2P) by dr. Penelope Brock whom I met in Mumbai during the annual meeting of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) at the end of October 2007. We knew each other from the times we were both involved in the European Group for Neuroblastoma. When I updated her on my professional developments and how I was involved in a project to support pediatric hematology-oncology in Pakistan she explained to me that she was also associated with a similar initiative in the UK. One month later I was in London, at dr. Kaukab Rajput's house were I presented our project in support of a Pakistani network for the cure of thalassemia major to the MA2P board of trustees in a very worm and constructive environment. I accepted very gladly the offer to present our project during an event that MA2P was organizing in London in April.

Saturday April 26^th I arrived at the Brantford Holyday Inn, the meeting hall was beautiful and very quickly filled with approximately 300 people, more than expected, including the MA2P board of trustees, business man, journalists, physicians, and many other people interested to do something for their home country. My old friends Zilla Huma and her husband Stephen MacKinnon were also present, I have known them for a long time, since we spent a couple of years together in New York working/training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and New York Hospital. The last of a series of fortunate coincidences.

The first hour was dedicated to several speeches including mine, followed by a very nice dinner and very entertaining Pakistani music.

It was a wonderful experience and I had the distinct feeling of a very cohesive community united by their culture and religion, anxious to give their contribution. I met many people who offered their help, I really hope not to disappoint them.