Sharjah: UAE’s effort to educate and empower communities with cancer awareness has seen a positive response across the region. World Cancer Day, which is marked on February 4 every year, and the 9th Gulf Week for Cancer Awareness, which took place from February 1 to 7, 2024, have helped the Emirate communicate with the public about the life-threatening disease.
Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) have launched multiple initiatives to raise awareness and support survivors and their families. FOCP, which is a leading advocate for cancer awareness and support, has played a vital role throughout this week.
One of their initiatives, in collaboration with the Gulf Federation for Cancer Control (GFFCC), named “We Are With You,” gained a commendable positive impact.
This particular initiative reached the whole Gulf region through a powerful social media campaign that emphasized the significance of solidarity and support for those who are battling cancer.
FOCP hosted the “RideWithRixos” event on February 4, where 100 cyclists gathered at the Marina Corniche for a 20-kilometer community ride. It also organized free breast cancer screenings at Rixos Marina, Abu Dhabi. It aimed to promote early detection of cancer and empower individuals to take care of their health.
A fundraising initiative on the YallaGive platform was also launched by FCOP to encourage individuals and communities to donate.
In line with supporting the cause, FOCP partnered with various firms and governmental entities as well as made several inspirational efforts.
The organization was founded in 1999 and aims to help cancer patients and their families overcome multiple challenges.