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28 March 2024

4th Pink Caravan Ride to be held on Feb.15-24, 2014

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By Staff

Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al-Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Union International for Cancer Control (UICC) International Ambassador of the World Cancer Declaration and Union International for Cancer Control (UICC) International Ambassador for Childhood Cancer , Founder and royal Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients charitable society (FoCP), announced the launch of the 4th annual Pink Caravan Ride, which will take place in the period between February 15 and 25, 2014.

An initiative of Friends of Cancer Patients, Pink Caravan's first edition was launched in 2011, under the gracious patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al-Qasimi.

The initiave’s mission is to educate individuals, families and communities in the UAE about breast cancer - particularly the importance of regular self-examination and early detection - and to dispel the social stigma, inhibitions and myths around the subject, in addition to offering free screening services to all residents of the UAE.

During the eleven-day expedition, the caravan, accompanied by mobile detection clinics, will engage in a horseback ride across the seven Emirates, starting off in Sharjah, then heading towards Fujairah, RAK, Umm al-Quwain, Ajman, then via Sharjah again to Dubai, Al Ain, concluding the ride at the Capital, Abu Dhabi.

Commenting on this occasion, Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi said: “Pink Caravan continues to rid for courage and hope for the fourth year, representing FoCP in the battle against breast cancer, spreading awareness, and offering screening services, including education on the importance of monthly self-examination. In addition, the Pink Caravan Medical teams, will be providing annual mammography and medical check-ups, all in accordance with international best practices and standards. We are aware of the social stigma associated with breast cancer, and we have come a long way in breaking this social barrier, and promoting a scientifically sound approach.” Her Highness also outlined the numbers of cases detected during last year’s ride, expressing her compassion with the 14 cases diagnosed with breast cancer, including one Emarati man, all currently receiving treatment. “Pink Caravan’s mission is to encourage all segments of society  to get involved in the fight against breast cancer, through fund raising initiatives aiming at securing the sustainability of early detection activities, as well as supporting people undergoing treatment, both financially and morally.”

“We are determined to achieve successful results in 2014  which surpass what we achieved in the previous years. We plan to achieve this  by expanding our sphere of awareness, as well as  using the most advanced medical equipment for early detection during the eleven-day ride, with special focus on the volunteer aspect of the program, which has been  an instrumental aspect of our success. In this context, I would like to thank all the riders and medical professionals who volunteered in this initiative, and made it possible to screen thousands from the different parts of the UAE,” Her Highness concluded by inviting all public and private entities in the UAE, as well as all society members, to support and interact with the Pink Caravan, particularly after the great success Pink Caravan had achieved in the past few years.

Commenting on the same occasion, Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, the UAE Minister of Health, praised the great efforts and the role Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi is playing in spreading awareness about cancer, as well as supporting cancer patients all over the UAE. He said: “The UAE Ministry of Health has supported Pink Caravan since its beginning, and we consider it one of the leading and most innovative awareness initiatives in the UAE. The Pink Caravan succeeded in reaching different parts of the UAE, delivering its message about the importance of early detection regarding breast cancer, and creating engagement and interaction both officially and socially.”

Pink Caravan’s vision focuses on becoming a change driver via engaging all institutions working in fields relevant to breast cancer, and unifying awareness efforts in the whole of UAE. To achieve this vision, Pink Caravan conducts various activities and initiatives aiming at spreading awareness and raising funds at the same time.

Since its launch in 2011, Pink Caravan teams managed to screen over 500 people (men and women) per day, covering 22877 people in total, including 5450 men. This was achieved thanks to the participation of all the volunteers, members  from the Royal Families, medical professionals, diplomats, public and private sector employees, as well as media figures and artists, who toured over 900 km in  several parts of the UAE, including some remote areas, all for this noble mission.