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'Join pink ride to convey message of hope'

Sharjah - The ride will dispense free medical screenings to all community segments

Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, founder and royal patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients, has urged the Emirati community and the media to support the Pink Caravan's mission towards establishing a global model for breast cancer awareness.
Sheikha Jawaher, who is the International Ambassador of the World Cancer Declaration for Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and International Ambassador for Childhood Cancer for UICC, called on all community media members to join forces with the Pink Caravan, saying that unifying behind it would help it achieve its humanitarian message of promoting the importance of early detection of the disease.
"Today and every day, we emphasise our solidarity. Our sense of humanity requires us to support the Pink Caravan Ride and contribute to promoting its message with all our means. If we are not able to physically accompany the Pink Caravan on its journey, we can still donate, do good deeds and convey its message of hope," said Sheikha Jawaher.
She stressed that the UAE society has become a humane model of unity, collaboration and solidarity, with its citizens standing by each other and by all those in need worldwide. She added that this humanitarian approach is clearly manifested in the magnitude of charitable and humanitarian initiatives launched by the UAE.
Sheikha Jawaher made her remarks a few days ahead of the 2017 Pink Caravan Ride, which will begin on March 7, from the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club. The ride that will dispense free medical screenings to all community segments across the seven emirates before concluding its 10-day journey in Abu Dhabi on March 17.
With its theme for 2017 'Seven Years.. for Seven Emirates,' the Pink Caravan Ride is organised under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to help spread awareness about breast cancer.
Sheikha Jawaher underscored the importance of early detection in increasing the chances of survival rates, highlighting that statistics show that 98 per cent of those who are diagnosed early make a full recovery.
"The results achieved by the Pink Caravan over the years give us hope and show that the Pink Caravan is on the right track. This is supported by the number of people examined since it started its activities. To date, the Pink Caravan has provided free medical checkups and screenings for early detection to 41,391 Emirati citizens and expatriate residents, both men and women," She added.
This year's Pink Caravan Ride will see the inauguration of seven stationed clinics in the seven emirates where medical teams will conduct medical examinations for visitors and answer their queries about breast cancer. Sheikha Jawaher highlighted that its success would be enhanced by the media supporting the Pink Caravan's message, saying that the partnership of civil society bodies helps realise the concept of the Union and gives a boost to the UAE's vision for the 'Year of Giving.'
Sheikha Jawaher expressed her profound thanks and deepest appreciation to all volunteers, ambassadors, medical teams, individuals, partners and supporters for their efforts that have contributed to promoting awareness about breast cancer and the importance of its early detection.
Since its inception in 2011, Pink Caravan has travelled more than 1,420km across the seven emirates. It has conducted a total of 11,736 mammograms and 1,802 ultrasounds. Last year, it enabled 1,119 UAE nationals and 3,940 residents to receive free breast examinations. Pink Caravan's total of 455 medical clinics offered early breast cancer detection screenings for 41,391 people, including 8,526 men.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com