Dr Sawsan Al Madhi and Rawand Mousily during the medical route presentation
The Pink Caravan Ride (PCR), which is being held from February 26 to March 6, has been actively engaged in highlighting the importance of the early detection of breast cancer and is considered as the UAE’s leading breast cancer awareness initiative. And for its 10th edition, citizens will find around 350 doctors available for consultations at over 70 fixed and mobile clinics. Additionally 150 riders will join them in spreading awareness about breast cancer as part of the initiative by the Sharjah-based civil society organisation Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP).
Badr Al Juaidi during the equine route presentation
This Higher Steering Committee of the PCR announced details about the event that’s being held under the slogan “Plenty is Not Enough” during a recent press conference at The Flag Island in Sharjah, which was attended by important PCR supporters and partners, members of the media, as well as the medical team and equine volunteers involved.
During the conference, The Higher Steering Committee unveiled details of the ride, including an overview of the awareness and advocacy methods, specific details about the medical clinics for women and men and the free check-up days allocated to each emirate. The equine ride will commence in Sharjah on February 26 and 27, where it will stop at 10 locations, before moving to Dubai, where it will hit four locations over two days. Fujairah and Khorfakkan are on the day five schedule, while Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain are on the agenda for days six and seven. The PCR will then be stopping at Ajman on the ninth day before concluding in Abu Dhabi.
Jassem Al Blooshi’s speech
The organisers also detailed the initiative’s future plans and what they are looking forward to accomplishing in the coming years.
Addressing the media, HE Reem BinKaram touched on how the PCR has witnessed an annual growth, with the number of participating volunteers, medical professionals and responses from official and community bodies mounting, as well as increased societal and media support. “We have been able to foster a sense of togetherness that is the crux of the UAE’s culture, and enabled the creation of an environment where cancer-related issues are a part of public policy, openly and comfortably discussed, and a part of the national agenda,” the Head of PCR’s Organising Committee said.
Manager Badr Al Juaidi, said growing awareness when it comes to early examinations is one of the most important goals that have been achieved, plus other important gains that reflect on Emirati society’s spirit and culture. “It has also led to encouraging our young men and women to take up volunteering through various noble humanitarian enterprises,” he added.
Rashed Al Obaid’s speech
In addition, while speaking about the tenth edition, Dr Sawsan Al Madhi said the PCR has become a massive volunteer campaign that resonates globally within a couple of years “as it is in line with the global need to combat breast cancer.” The Director General of FOCP and Head of PCR’s Medical and Awareness Committee added, “it is also an expression of the culture of cooperation and partnership which prevails in the Emirati society, driving individuals as well as institutions.”
As well as underscoring the importance of early detection, the PCR deals with the repercussions of the disease the UAE society and economy have been facing. Since its inception in 2011, the non-profit has played a key role in dispelling misconceptions related to breast cancer and offered support to patients and their families in need. The work FOCP and PCR have done over the years has had a significant effect in reducing the spread of breast cancer and diminishing its progression to advanced stages through free medical examinations that have helped save lives of citizens and expatriates alike.
Group images of PCR’s Higher Steering Committee
In Figures:
- The ride provides the latest equipment and screening methods, contributing to the detection of 75 cases so far.
- Over the years, PCR has provided 64,012 free examinations costing over AED 30 million.
- Around 670 volunteer riders have travelled over 1,800 km at this point.
- Over the past nine years, the PCR campaign has offered free early-detection screenings to 64,000
