Ride covers over 25km in eight hours
dubai — A total of 588 free breast cancer screenings — 516 for women and 72 for men — were carried out on the second day of the 7th Annual Pink Caravan Ride (PCR).
The total includes 111 Emiratis and 477 expatriates, who underwent 180 mammograms, 370 regular screenings and 38 ultrasounds. Of the 588 walk-ins, 169 screenings were conducted at the fixed PCR clinics across the emirates, and 419 at the daily clinics.
Starting at Fujairah Men’s College, the ride covered 25.6km in eight hours carrying the theme “Seven Years... for Seven Emirates” and making several stops throughout to promote the message of breast cancer awareness and the benefits of its early detection.
Medical clinics for free breast cancer screenings, mammograms and other relevant tests were set up in Eastern Fujairah at Khor Fakkan Hospital, and at two locations in Fujairah — Al Fujairah Hospital and Dibba Al Fujairah hospital. All units were receiving visitors through the day from 9am to 7pm.
In support of breast cancer awareness on the occasion of International Women’s Day, 10 riders from the Godolphin Flying Start, a global leadership programme specialising in the international Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry, were seen riding with Pink Caravan throughout the Fujairah leg.
“I am here because my family was personally touched by cancer. My mother just finished six months of cancer treatment, and she is okay now. She was very lucky they caught it early. It is very important to raise awareness, and for women to get screened early so they can get treated early,” said 28-year-old Michael Smith, an American from California. “Not only for their own health … but for their families as well.”
Sarah Hammoudeh, a rider who has participated in the Pink Caravan since its inception, noted that “breast cancer is not something to fear”.
“If detected early it is totally curable. If you feel something isn’t right with your body, go get it checked immediately — this is one of the main messages we at Pink Caravan Ride aims to reach out to people with. Early screening and detection symbolise hope. It is your chance for a better life,” she said. “The Pink Caravan Ride has been spreading the honourable message of health and happiness for seven years. To see all these women walk in, ask us questions, get their checkups done and empower themselves with knowledge, makes us so happy. All the exhaustion and hard work is worth it,” she added.
The 10-day ride is travelling across the seven emirates from March 7 to 17, offering free breast cancer screenings and raising awareness about the disease.
The riders have today off, to get ready for the next leg during which they will cover Ras Al Khaimah, Um Al Quwain, Ajman and Dubai, finally reaching Abu Dhabi where they will campaign for two days before the closing ceremony at Zayed Sports City on March 17.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
I am here because my family was personally touched by cancer. My mother just finished six months of cancer treatment, and she is okay now. She was very lucky they caught it early.”
Michael Smith, American volunteer
If detected early it is totally curable. If you feel something isn’t right with your body, go get it checked immediately — this is one of the main messages.”
Sarah Hammoudeh, Jordanian rider
We have so many different nationalities who have joined the Pink Caravan and we’re like one family. As a UAE national, I feel so proud that I’m doing this for the country.”
Hind Al Janahi, Emirati rider
Not only women should do the screening but men as well, because it affects men too and prevention is very important. I think we are doing a great job in spreading awareness.”
Nader Nassar, a rider