Cancer survivor urges early screening

Pink Caravan riders set off on their journey at City Walk in Dubai on day nine of the ride on Wednesday.

There is no stopping the Pink Caravan riders, despite it being hot and sunny outside. On March 15, around 9.30 am, more than 10 riders gathered at the Dubai City Walk to head towards the Kite Beach to support the cause of breast cancer awareness.
There was more than one stop in the entire ride, starting from City Walk to Dubai Canal, to Jumeirah road and finally to Kite Beach.
Badr Al Jaaidi, logistics head for the Pink Caravan team, noted, "It's a very special year for the whole team as we have seven Emirates coming together for the first time to stand against the deadly disease that affects women and men both in large numbers. It shows that we are united and can fight against any problem together. Every year, we are noticing an increase in the support from the people in terms of volunteering and riding to raise funds for for treatment. At Pink Caravan 2017, almost 150 volunteers and riders participated. Through our medical checkups and screenings, we encourage more and more people to join and spread the word around".
He added: "We are crossing the targets for the check ups every day from 100 to more than 500. It indicates that the Pink Caravan has created a momentum for itself in the last six years".
For a breast cancer survivor Charlie Robineau, a 43-year-old British expat, this event is of great significance as it gives a chance to detect the cancer early and spreads awareness about it. "I wanted to take part in the programme last year, but could not due to my radiation therapy. It is the most well organised campaign and fun too.
"I just want to tell all women, especially the young girls out there to look at your body and listen to it. If you think something is going wrong with your body, don't delay check-ups - just go for it," Charlie said.
Despite the pricking heat, all the 10 riders were seen smiling and enjoying themselves. After reaching Kite Beach around 3 pm, they started preparing for the next activity under the theme 'Pink Regetta', which took the Pink Caravan ride into the waters, with two boats carrying 20 riders along with VIPs and team members, taking place at Palm Island.
ankita@khaleejtimes.com
From horse rider to pink ambassador
Italian resident Olimpia Tabbach, the 36-year-old daughter of a cancer survivor, joined the Pink Caravan team as a volunteer, some three years ago. After seeing her mother going through her detection and treatment, she decided to help create breast cancer awareness among as many people as possible, by participating in the rider herself.
A passionate horse rider, Olimpia also heads a perfume company, Anfasic Dokhoon, even naming one of her perfumes 'October'.
"October is the month dedicated to the disease, so I decided to name a perfume and educate people about it. Pink Caravan got my attention and I decided to get involved."
Having seen her mother's battle against cancer, Olimpia thinks every woman should go for screening and check-ups every six months. "Breast cancer is curable; all we need to do it is pay heed to early detection."
ankita@khaleejtimes.com

Ankita Chaturvedi

ankita@khaleejtimes.com