Inspired by UAE, Germany launches pink caravan ride

Dagmar Pauline Heinke

The UAE's Pink Caravan riders have been spreading breast cancer awareness across the country, for the last 15 years.
But their message - that of early detection being the key - now seems to be echoing around the world. Inspired by the UAE model of spreading cancer awareness, Germany launched their own Pink Caravan initiative to fight the dreaded affliction, two years ago.
"The UAE's Pink Caravan is a role model for Germany. After seeing the profound impact of this initiative, I wanted to replicate it back home and now we have pink riders in Germany too," said Dagmar Pauline Heinke, 59, a German national who flew all the way from Munich to take part in the Pink Caravan activities here.
"This is my fourth consecutive year riding with the Pink Caravan UAE. As a foreigner, I was awe struck to see the energy, passion and collective effort by the government, volunteers, police and the public to raise awareness about breast cancer," said Heinke, who is a style coach and an author of more than 15 books.
Her latest book is a handbook on the local cultural sensitivities, for Germans who want to do business with the UAE.
Pink Caravan in Germany was launched two years ago, and have more than a dozen riders who work for the cause. "It began on a small scale two years ago in Munich. We hope to reach out to as many women as possible in the coming years."
"In Germany, 75 per cent of those who ride horses are women. So that is our target audience, and combining horse riding and cancer awareness is a great formula."
For Heinke too, it was her passion for riding that got her associated with the campaign in the UAE. "I have been riding since I was four, and I also own a German breed. But riding a real Arabian horse was my dream. It was a friend who introduced me to the Pink Caravan four years ago, and since then I have been committed to the cause.
"I know women who have had breast cancer, and its psychological and physical impact is huge. It is unfortunate that many women still don't know that the key to survival is early detection. Some don't care about it and there are others who try to avoid doing a mammography, saying they 'don't want to know'."
"I believe this is a cause worth fighting for. Moreover, I love the UAE; for the love and the hospitality I receive here, I want to give something back. It is not about sitting in front of my computer and pressing a button to donate some money to charity. Participating in Pink Caravan makes me feel good that I am contributing to a good cause," said Heinke, who swore she will be back in the UAE for the ride next year as well.
anjana@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi

Anjana Sankar

anjana@khaleejtimes.com