Charity lifts spirits of cancer-fighting kids
Our aim is to ease the challenges young cancer patients face in their journey with cancer, bring a smile to their faces, and restore hope.”
Khawla Rashid, director for beneficiary support services, FoCP
sharjah — Charity volunteers and cancer survivors recently visited the children of the Dubai Hospital’s paediatric cancer section, bringing along their ‘cart’ of joy and gifts.
Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP) took their monthly ‘Joy Cart’ tradition back to the Dubai Hospital and lifted the spirits of the young cancer fighters with a host of interactive activities and fun entertainment.
Barney, the popular purple dinosaur, was the star of the show, instantly capturing the hearts of the kids.
The volunteers also brought them gifts that were thoughtfully designed to offer them emotional support and boost their self-esteem.
Khawla Rashid, director for beneficiary support services at FoCP, said: “Through the Joy Cart and similar initiatives, our aim is to ease the challenges young cancer patients face in their journey with cancer, bring a smile to their faces, and restore hope, which plays a crucial role in ensuring their long-term wellness.”
“Through Joy Cart, we have also been engaging with families who are unable to bear the high cost of cancer treatment for their children, and bringing as many as we can under the FoCP’s financial support programme. Last year, we offered the same to seven families who were unable to afford treatment for their children,” she added.
Alongside its mission to support young cancer patients financially and emotionally, the Joy Cart initiative is committed to promoting volunteerism and community service in the UAE.
Cancer survivor and volunteer Paula Nasrallah said: “I started volunteering for FoCP a few years ago, and I am proud to be doing what I can to help them achieve their noble goals of spreading joy among young children dealing with cancer, and their families.”
The FoCP not only seeks to encourage people’s participation in community initiatives, but also heighten awareness of cancer, including its risks, symptoms, and treatment.