Sioux Falls Neighbors Come Together to Support Restaurant Owner
Whenever someone is struggling in the Sioux Empire, help is never far away. Right now, Sioux Falls is coming together to help a local restaurant owner with strong ties to the community.
Owner of Sanaa's 8th Street Gourmet in Downtown Sioux Falls Sanaa Abourezk recently shared some surprising personal health news that she's hoping encourages others to put health first.
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Sanaa's 8th Street Gourmet has been known for its five star Middle Eastern cuisine. Sanaa Abourezk herself has been recognized for her culinary skills by the New York Times and Food Network Magazine. She's also been featured on 2016 season finale of Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay and has been a finalist for the "Best Chef Midwest" at the James Beard Awards in 2023 and 2024.
Sanaa's 8th Street Gourmet has been part of the Sioux Falls community for over 20 years, and Sanaa has always there to help her neighbors with different fundraisers. Now she's calling her Sioux Falls supporters for a different reason: To take care of your health.
In a candid Facebook video, Sanaa Abourezk shared that she recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
Sanaa is hoping that by sharing her story, other women will make their health a priority and to get their screenings. Sanaa tells customers and Sioux Empire supports that she's "good hands, surrounded by wonderful people, and staying positive."
Thankfully, my cancer was discovered through medical screening, and the scans showed no evidence that it had spread. For that I am very grateful. So ladies, please don’t postpone your mammograms and recommended screening. Early detection can make a tremendous difference!
Sanaa tells customers and Sioux Empire supports that she's "good hands, surrounded by wonderful people, and staying positive."
What Can I Do To Help Sanaa During This Time?
She is going to take a break from her restaurant as she recovers from surgery. But there are some people who created a Facebook event to help feed the community just like Sanaa has!
As many of you know, our dear friend and favorite local celebrity Sanaa Abourezk is taking a short hiatus from the restaurant as she addresses a recent breast cancer diagnosis. Sanaa is such a champion for our community that SO MANY PEOPLE have reached out to me in the last couple of days asking what they can do for Sanaa... but if you know Sanaa, you also know she is much better at providing help than receiving it... and that hatched an idea!Let's show our love for Sanaa by supporting Sanaa's AND her favorite cause: hunger!
You can find more information here. By the way, Sanaa is doing well after surgery. You can watch her Facebook update.
The Sioux Empire is cheering for you, Sanaa!
