Pink Caravan gets past 10,000 screenings mark
Public should be made aware about all diseases. The caravan is a great way to do that, especially on horses which reflect the culture of the UAE.”
Haniya Roshan, 17-year-old rider
I met a survivor two days back. We helped detect her cancer, did treatment and she is cancer-free now. She was so happy. I can’t forget that sight.”
Hind Al Janahi, Emirati rider
ABU DHABI — The 10th edition of the Pink Caravan Ride (PCR) has so far conducted more than 10,000 breast cancer screenings but riders said ‘plenty is not enough’.
Hind Al Janahi, Dubai-based Emirati rider who’s with the cavalry for nine years, said time had come to spread the reach of the Caravan across the region.
“My dream is to spread the Caravan to the entire GCC. Let us travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.”
Al Janahi said the PCR has travelled across all seven emirates raising awareness about importance of screenings, early detection and treatment.
“The community has responded well. We have reached 10,000 screenings but aiming for more. There is need for more awareness.”
Recalling the smile on the face of a cancer survivor, she reiterated the importance of early detection of the disease. “I met a survivor two days back. We helped detect her cancer, did treatment and she is cancer-free now. She was so happy. I can’t forget that sight. The caravan covers treatment of Dh200,000Dh250,000,” she said.
“Even men should screen. We had cases of men testing positive in earlier editions.”
Carina Schaefer, another rider, noted: “The Pink Caravan helps communities who otherwise will never go to hospital for screening.”
Among the veterans is 17-yearold Haniya Roshan, who just finished her first day as a rider. Merryland
International School Abu Dhabi student is the youngest rider in the cavalry in Abu Dhabi.
“Public should be made aware about all diseases. The caravan is a great way to do that, especially on horses which reflect the culture of the UAE.” Haniya joined the ride after reading about the initiative on Khaleej Times.
On Thursday, the ride traversed 14km in Abu Dhabi, covering the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Corniche, Marina Mall, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre and Healthpoint. Free clinics were held at Khalidiyah Mall, Dalma Mall, Marina Mall and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Organised by Friends of Cancer Patients, a Sharjah-based nonprofit organisation, the PCR will wind up its journey with mobile clinic at Al Hudayriat Island from 10am to 6pm on Friday.