Guadalajara hosts the 6th President’s Centennial Dinner

The 6th President’s Centennial Dinner took place at Hospicio Cabañas, on Tuesday, 10 October. Around 150 Union supporters gathered to celebrate its 97-year history and to admire the beauty and grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Famous for its murals by renowned artist, José Clemente Orozco, Hospicio Cabañas has been a hospice, an orphanage, a school and now a museum.

Union President Dr Jeremiah Chakaya Muhwa and Executive Director José Luis Castro greeted the guests. Attendees included Members of Parliament (MPs) from around the world, doctors, nurses and researchers at the heart of the fight against tuberculosis (TB) and lung disease, and partner organisation representatives and friends of The Union. 

Guests took time to appreciate the surroundings and the atmospheric melodies of Guadalajara-based band Señor Búho. 

José Luis Castro spoke about the history of The Union and the resilience of the organisation, highlighting the people whose work now so greatly honours the intentions of the founders.

“If we can say one thing about the people who make up The Union, it’s that they are courageous,” said Mr Castro, acknowledging the struggles that the organisation faces.

“Resilience is drafted into The Union’s DNA. We have proven we have the strength to win these battles. Our resilience is why we have survived for nearly 100 years.”

Dr Chakaya thanked guests for being “part of The Union family”, saying of the challenges ahead for the TB and lung health community that “we are not close to where we want to be, but we have the opportunity to make a difference.”

“In attending this dinner, you have helped us be a step closer to there being less TB in this world.” Dr Chakaya urged guests, “Keep The Union alive. Let’s move The Union forward to be the force that helps end TB in the world.”

The President’s Centennial Dinner raises funds for The Union’s Centennial Campaign. Held each year in conjunction with the Union World Conference on Lung Health, the dinners have raised more than one million US dollars to date.

The 7th President’s Centennial Dinner will be held on Tuesday, 23 October 2018 in The Hague, The Netherlands during the 49th Union World Conference on Lung Health.

To learn more or give to the campaign, please visit our Centennial Campaign website