Safe and Sound annual 'Pink Walkathon' to support breast cancer awareness

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Now a premier and regular event in the UAE's calendar, BurJuman is calling upon all members of the public - men, women and children - to help support this very worthy cause, aimed at raising funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer.

The Pink Walkathon will reflect the Safe and Sound campaign as the most comprehensive breast cancer campaign in the Middle East that truly supports the cause and provides hope for its sufferers. After more than a decade of Safe & Sound, the message of preventing breast cancer and promoting early detection is stronger than ever.

The Safe and Sound campaign began in 1998 and has made significant inroads in creating widespread awareness in the UAE and the Middle East about the potentially deadly disease of breast cancer. Since its inception, the program has received overwhelming support from Western and Asian expatriates. However, in more recent years, the support from the Emirati and Arab communities has increased significantly, breaking the social taboos associated with cancer, particularly breast cancer.

One of the campaign's most powerful awareness and fundraising platforms is the Pink Walkathon, supported this year by Dubai Health Care City, Dubai Chambers, Barclay's, Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, MD Anderson, with Aquafina providing the water during the event. The partnership with these companies enables the campaign to effectively spread the message of early detection.

This year's Walkathon will include a wider range of activities to make the event a much more exciting endeavour, complete with a group drumming session, musical entertainment throughout the duration of the walk, face painting, balloon benders and other fun activities. Following the walk, all participants will be treated to a delicious breakfast accompanied by a live jazz band and a host of activities for the entire family.

Special pre-registration desks for the Pink Walkathon will be set up at BurJuman from early October, where participants can sign up and receive more details about the event.

Participants can also register on the day of the Walkathon between 7am and 8am, prior to the start of the walk.

Pink Walkathon facts:

- The Pink Walkathon is on Friday, October 17th
Registration begins at 7am.

- The walk is scheduled to start at 8am, outside the main entrance of BurJuman.

- The length is 3.6 km - Comfortable footwear and clothing are recommended.

- A jazz breakfast (at an extra cost) and family entertainment will follow the Walkathon.

- Water will be available along the route to all participants.