12 breast cancer cases detected during Pink Caravan Ride 2017
dubai — Twelve cases of malignancy were detected during this year’s edition of the pan-UAE Pink Caravan Ride — the highest in its history. Almost 7,500 residents and citizens got tested for cancer as a result of the Friends of Cancer Patients’ (FoCP) 10-day breast cancer awareness campaign held in March.
The relatively higher number of cancer cases detected is partly due to the “large visitor turnout this year; something that is attributed to the campaign’s growing outreach in every edition”, the FoCP said in a Press statement.
“Through its four-pronged strategy or the four routes — equine, medical, events and fundraising — the Pink Caravan Ride has spread hope and cancer awareness in the country for seven years. This year, the ride was made possible by 92 equines who covered more than 200 kilometres across the seven emirates; by 150 plus volunteers who worked selflessly for the campaign’s success; 123 volunteering clinics that offered free examinations
Our hard work is truly rewarded when we see husbands bring their wives in for check-ups; when students ask how they can volunteer .... ” Reem BinKaram, head of Pink caravan steering committee
and mammograms; and many others who have supported us,” said Reem BinKaram, head of Pink Caravan steering committee.
The final numbers, results and achievements of seventh campaign were discussed at Pink Caravan Ride’s higher organising committee annual evaluation meeting.
For the first time in the campaign’s history, the pink caravan provided a fixed clinic in each emirate alongside their mobile clinic as well as check-ups at partner hospitals across the nation.
From City Walk Dubai to Abu Dhabi Corniche and Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah, these fixed clinics operating until late hours out of popular public destinations added 2,969 free screenings to 2017’s final tally. “Our hard work is truly rewarded when we see husbands bring their wives in for check-ups and vice-versa; when young college students ask how they can volunteer; when society’s elite make big donations that are used for research and improving healthcare. The fight against cancer of any kind is stronger when entire communities are involved.
“Under the directives and support of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, and founder and royal patron of the FoCP, I am pleased to report that Pink Caravan Ride has travelled a long way to bring the nation together for an important cause.” The meeting also saw preliminary discussions for Pink Caravan Ride 2018, due to be held in the first quarter next year.
Suggestions, proposals and recommendations from this year’s participants were analysed, and the importance of launching new innovative activities that will expand the campaign’s outreach and increase community engagement were highlighted.
According to the FoCP, by promoting the aspects of social responsibility, volunteering and serving the country, the pink caravan has also furthered the objectives of the Year of Giving.