![Jacqui Phillips MBE Founder of MABS Cancer Support Fundación](images/jacqui-280x400px.webp)
Founder of MABS Cancer Support Fundación
Where It All Began
Our foundations were laid in 1999, when 5 ladies with breast cancer found there was no support during and after treatment. Knowing there was a clear need for greater caring and services for cancer sufferers in Spain, these determined ladies created the Marina Alta Breast Cancer Support, dropping the C from the acronym to read MABS.
From 1999 onward, this small group worked hard to attend to those diagnosed with breast cancer, providing transport, counselling & assistance attending hospital appointments. From that small group, MABS grew in size & services. As MABS expanded in size and area of presence, Hospitals and Medical personnel increasingly referred patients with all types of cancer to MABS.
As a result of this ongoing situation, the name was changed to MABS Cancer Support Group, in recognition that it was now supporting people with all types of cancer. MABS Cancer Support Group Centres and Charity Shops span from Valencia in the north down to Murcia in the south.
Becoming a 'Fundación'
In 2017, some 18 years after its small beginning, we became MABS Cancer Support Fundación. This was a significant step-up from the previous Group status and it recognises that we have become a highly important support organisation in Spain, for the benefit of each and everyone living in the country.
Although our names have changed over the years, our mission remains exactly the same:
“To counsel, care for and comfort people affected by cancer.”
Official Collaboration with Murcia Health Service (SMS)
In 2021 in recognition of the work undertaken in the Murcia we were invited to enter into an official collaboration with the Murcia Health Service.
The collaboration was reviewed and extended in 2024.