Breast cancer survivors inspire masses

Ajman - The mobile clinics conducted tests on a large number of women and men

The Pink Caravan Ride continues, spreading its message of hope and breast cancer detection awareness, as it arrived to Ajman Kempinski on Monday at 9 am.
The mobile clinics conducted tests on a large number of women and men, who were also educated on the importance of early detection of the disease to prevent its spread. The fixed clinics at Ajman Corniche saw a turnout of people of different nationalities for the screenings, who also engaged in discussions and queried about the cancer.
The riders, who started at Ajman Corniche, moved to Sharjah Corniche where they were received by Sharjah Police and residents from various nationalities. The Caravan then moved on to the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, before proceeding to the heart of Sharjah to make their last stop at the Al Majaz waterfront.
Liela Al Shamsi, a 58-year-old breast cancer survivor, said that the cancer resulted in the removal of one of her breasts last year. She snapped up the opportunity to get herself checked up again, to ensure that her other breast is free of cancer. "I share my experience with women to help them stay free from such a deadly disease. Pink Caravan is really a great initiative, for an important cause that affects so many women in our society," Al Shamsi said.
Hamid Mohammed Al Hamid, chief of the volunteer team, said that his team consisted of 100 to 150 volunteers from various nationalities, who were excited to participate in the noble awareness campaign. The volunteers have been handed different tasks, including medical, logistics, organising, and first aid duties. "Each rider is also responsible for feeding and caring for his or her own own horse and preparing it for the next day's ride," Al Hamid said.
He has been volunteering for 7 years now, for the cause of breast cancer awareness, but this year the turnout is impressive, he says. "People in remote areas receive us in the streets and welcome us with flowers; it's an amazing feeling when you get respected for doing something for others. The police in each emirate escorts the caravan and opens the traffic for smooth movement; the community and local authorities show impressive support."
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com
Ajman varsity students get a crash course in breast cancer awareness
As the Pink Caravan riders trotted into the Ajman University of Science and Technology campus, they were greeted by hundreds of students and staff members eager to know what was going on. As the horses took their water break and cooled off for the journey that remained, the Pink Caravan Ride committee and volunteers spoke to students, telling them about the purpose of their visit.
Dr. Karim Seghir, Ajman University Chancellor, said: "This is a great initiative, especially because breast cancer is becoming more and frequent these days. It is important for women to be aware so it can be diagnosed as early as possible. It is one of the most curable cancers if detected early.
"What the Pink Caravan Ride is doing is of crucial importance for the health of the nation, and Ajman University is supportive of any initiative aims at educating and senstitising young women and men. We are especially committed to health studies, and most of the University's programmes revolve around health, because it is crucial for the country's economic development and sustainability," he added.
On her part, Reem BinKaram, Chairperson of the Higher Organising Committee of the Pink Caravan Ride, said: "Pink Caravan's mission is to help eradicate breast cancer by exposing young people to methods of prevention, early detection and support. Through this Ride and other educational programmes, we seek to increase breast cancer awareness among young people so they are better equipped to make choices and develop habits that will benefit their long-term health and well-being."
Themed 'Seven Years for Seven Emirates', the 10-day ride is travelling across the seven emirates from March 7 to 17, offering free breast cancer screenings, and raising awareness about the disease by emphasising on the significance of early detection.
A number of awareness activities and fund raising events will be showcased across the seven emirates through the duration of the ride. To stay updated and participate in these activities, visit http://www.pinkcaravan.ae/events-listing.php.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com