Pink Caravan breast cancer awareness campaign in JBR concludes today

Today, (Saturday) Pink Caravan, a pan-UAE breast cancer awareness initiative by the Friends of Cancer Patients charity (FoCP) concludes its breast cancer awareness campaign days in partnership with Dubai Properties (DP). The three days event was held at Jumeirah Beach Residence, a destination developed and managed by DP, has successfully attracted a significant number of visitors and participants, and included free breast cancer screenings, educational discussions and information sharing with the audiences on the disease, in addition to special kids’ activities. 

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Reem BinKaram, Head of the Pink Caravan Event Committee, Mohammed Bin Essa, Executive Director Retail & Commercial Properties of Dubai Properties, sponsors and supporting representatives from Channel 4 Radio Network, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Zulal Water, Elevision Media, The Nail Spa, EGMA Optics, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, and Events Security Committee. 

Dubai residents and visitors had the opportunity to take free breast cancer examinations at a dedicated clinic set up in JBR. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) contributed to the event through their ADCB sponsored mobile mammogram unit, named ADCB Wellness-on-Wheels. Moreover, a dedicated exhibit of the Golden Hands of the Pink Caravan Ambassadors was displayed, a procession of Pink Caravan Riders, in addition to a special area designated for children which included a number of activities and pony rides.

Reem BinKaram, Head of the Pink Caravan Event Committee, said, “Pink Caravan is eager to continue its awareness efforts, which is achieving positive results. We are proud of what Pink Caravan has achieved so far, as well as of the high status it has earned in the UAE. We are also pleased with the positive interaction and response by government and private organisations, such as this collaboration with Dubai Properties.”

Mohammed Bin Essa, Executive Director Retail & Commercial Properties said, “It has been a privilege to partner with an organization like Pink Caravan, and hold the three days event at JBR, one of our renowned destinations. Dubai Properties vision goes beyond bricks and mortar; we are committed to supporting our communities and play an active role within the society. Through this successful campaign, we have managed to reach out to the wider audience, helped build awareness and increased the knowledge of the breast cancer and how to treat it.”

Reem BinKaram added that the charity had sought over the past five years, with the support and generous patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Founder and Royal Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients Society (FoCP), the International Ambassador of the World Cancer Declaration for Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), and International Ambassador for Childhood Cancer for UICC, to raise awareness about breast cancer and highlight the importance of early detection and offer free examinations. 

“We have always been eager to point out that to win against this disease takes a collaborative community effort and hence all community members, individuals, organisations and government and private bodies must work together to contribute to its success,” she added. “This awareness drive has witnessed a huge response and interaction by visitors to JBR over the last two days as people have interacted with our team and asked questions. The final day of the campaign is expected to see a greater turnout by the public.”

 JBR’s visitors praised the tremendous efforts being exerted by Pink Caravan in the fight against breast cancer which contributed greatly to dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding it. They stressed that they have made the most of this campaign, which is offering them a great service in promoting breast cancer awareness.

Over the past five years, Pink Caravan offered free screenings to over 34,400 Emirati citizens and expatriates, including 7,873 men. During its annual ride in 2015, Pink Caravan offered free breast cancer screenings to more than 5,000 male and female Emirati citizens and expatriates. The medical checkups were conducted by a medical team consisting of 150 physicians, with Emirati doctors making up 62% of the participating physicians.