FoCP hosts Iftar for 150 cancer patients, families
dubai — The UAE-based nonprofit organisation Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) organised an Iftar banquet for cancer patients and their families at the Swisotel Al Ghurair Dubai.
The annual Iftar was held as part of the moral support initiative ‘Colour my World’, a continuous FOCP programme dedicated to increasing patient-focused events, including performances, sports, games and practical workshops throughout the year. The Ramadan Iftar event had a variety of segments that made it a huge success, starting with an a FOCP introductory speech by Amel al Mazmi, FOCP beneficiary support manager, followed by Dr Naima Al Ali, who spoke about the psychological effect of helping a cancer patient and how it influences the individual on a
FOCP recognises that the families of patients are also in great need of support and we want to know that they are not alone, they are among friends who understand their own pain as well as the patients they care for.”
Sawsan Jafar, chairperson of the board of directors, FOCP
spiritual level and Dr Maryam Abdullah who conducted a meditation session for the guests, with some breathing exercises and techniques.
Sawsan Jafar, chairperson of the board of directors at FOCP, said: “Through our annual Iftar event, we want to highlight the vital importance of a positive outlook and its tangible effect on the health of cancer patients. The FoCP recognises that the families of patients are also in great need of support and we want to know that they are not alone, they are among friends who understand their own pain as well as the patients they care for.”
The Iftar coincides with FOCP’s sixth ‘I Deserve a Life’ Zakat campaign to support cancer patients who find it difficult to afford treatment. Over the past three years, donations have increased by more than 100 per cent, resulting in a total of more than Dh4 million being raised, supporting 766 patients.
The donations will be used to cover costs of vital treatment such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy and cover the expense of care from the early stages of cancer to surgical procedures, and even the provision of prosthetic limbs and medical equipment.
Donations to ‘I Deserve a Life’ can be made through a number of channels including online, bank transfers, cheques, coupons and SMS. The donation options for coupons are Dh10, Dh50 and Dh100. You can donate using coupons by visiting the Zakat kiosks that are located at Sharjah Cooperative Society’s branches in Al Sewihat, Halwan and Al Qarayen where the campaign’s teams are present from 9am to 1am throughout the holy month.
For SMS donations, contributions can be made by sending the word ‘Zakat’ to 4425 (Etisalat or Du) to donate Dh10, Zakat’ to 2307 (Etisalat or Du) to donate Dh100, or ‘Zakat’ to 2308 (Etisalat or Du) to donate Dh500.
Money also can be deposited directly into FOCP’s ‘Zakatkm Elajohm’ bank account at the main branch of Sharjah Islamic Bank: 0011-364854-002 (International Bank Account Number ‘IBAN’: AE440410000011364854002).