Pink Caravan 2013 Ride is announced

The Pink Caravan is an initiative of the Friends of Cancer Patients charity organisation (FoCP), which aims to spread awareness and dispel the myths about breast cancer in accordance with the message of the world cancer day initiated by the UICC on February 4th of each year.

This follows on from the visit of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al-Qasimi, wife of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Founder and royal Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients charitable organization (FoCP), to the UICC in Geneva, Switzerland last week, where many issues were discussed such as the Pink Caravan initiative and its goals that are being applauded on local and global levels for its positive impacts on the Emirati community.

The press conference was held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al-Qasimi, wife of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Founder and royal Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients charitable organization (FoCP),and was represented by HE Ameera BinKaram, President of the Board of Trustees and a founding member of the Friends of Cancer Patients charitable organisation (FoCP) as well as HE Mohammed Abdullah, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank, the official sponsor of the Pink Caravan ever since its launch in 2011. Other attending ambassadors of the Pink Caravan were present to show their support of the launch, including Sheikh Mohamed Bin Abdullah Al Thani, Saoud Al Kaabi, Vian Shwani and Zena Habi.

The press conference presented a detailed outline of the results of its two previous rides; the initiative's aims and goals, and how it intended to progress, along with its future course of action which envisioned a long-term plan for the campaign. The 'Pink Caravan Ride' will start in Sharjah on the 2nd of February with more than 150 riders and will conclude in the capital city, Abu Dhabi, on the 12th of the month.

The ride sees volunteers, dignitaries and ambassadors trekking the seven emirates of the UAE, with a mobile mammography machine, garnering public support forand developing widespread awareness about breast cancer, which can affect both men and women in the UAE every year. The campaign focuses on two primary dynamics attached to breast cancer; awareness of self-examination and the importance of early detection, and the social stigma, inhibitions and myths that are attached to cancer.

In her speech, BinKaram said, "The Pink Caravan campaign has progressed substantially over the last two annual Rides and is much closer to achieving its goals. Perspectives about breast cancer have changed radically, people are better-informed and more ready to reach out and help change lives. Initially, the Pink Caravan was developed as a finite campaign, but as a result of its continued success, we have decided to continue the Ride initiative until breast cancer awareness and early detection becomes customary leading to early diagnosis and higher rate of cure."

"The target for this year's ride is to complete 5,000 quality screens across the UAE, adding to our current total of 16,776 men and women in the past two years alone. 11 patients who were found to be positive cases are being supported by the Friends of Cancer Patients charity (FoCP)," BinKaram added.

BinKaram went on to say, "For all our success, we are grateful to our teams, medical and awareness teams, riders and ambassadors, who spared no effort and turned the Pink Caravan Ride into an event of not just national, but also of international importance and regard." The ride can also be followed on twitter.