Jawaher Al Qasimi calls on Emirati community and media to continue supporting Pink Caravan

SHARJAH, 7th March, 2016 (WAM) -- H.H. Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Founder and Royal Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients, International Ambassador of the World Cancer Declaration for Union for International Cancer Control and International Ambassador for Childhood Cancer for UICC, invites the Emirati community and media to support the Pink Caravan, a pan-UAE breast cancer initiative by Friends of Cancer Patients, FoCP, in spreading breast cancer awareness as well as the importance of early detection The call by Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi coincides with the launch of the Pink Caravan Ride tomorrow, Monday 7th March, from Sharjah, the capital of Arab and Islamic culture, which is held under the patronage and the presence of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The "Soldiers of Pink Hope" will travel across the seven emirates before wrapping up the 10-day ride in Abu Dhabi, on March 17th. Sheikha Jawaher said that the UAE’s leaders always seek to provide all necessities to improve the quality public life, with emphasis on health as the cornerstone of security, happiness and development. She said, "The "Soldiers of Pink Hope" are members of our community from around the world and have voluntarily participated in Pink Caravan’s cause since it first started in 2011. In this short period of five years, Pink Caravan has made significant breakthroughs through their tireless hard work and dedication and they deserve our appreciation." "On this day (Monday), our beloved country witnesses the launch of Pink Caravan Ride’s new edition, which includes soldiers that have long believed in spreading awareness as a weapon in the fight against breast cancer and its negative repercussions in the UAE," Her Highness said. She added, "Breast cancer, with its dimensions and implications, poses many challenges that go beyond the patient's health condition, affecting their family and the entire society. Breast cancer is a non-communicable disease, which is difficult to control completely. However, the Pink Caravan did not accept the darkness but sought to lighting thousands of candles that guided many people through the darkness to a safe and cancer-free life by raising hope in community members, patients and their families." "The Pink Caravan has sought to promote community awareness about the disease and succeeded in making the issue of breast cancer one of the vital issues of ongoing discussion at home, school, university, mosque and cultural and sports clubs without fear or shame. It managed to turn the disease from a challenge and obstacle into a voluntary platform where community members come together to fight breast cancer," added Her Highness. She continued, "What has been achieved does not require us to celebrate, simply because work in this field is an assignment not an honour, prompting us to double efforts to achieve further successes and build on them beyond boundaries. We have the potential and opportunities that will help us achieve our sky high targets and take this noble mission to wider horizons, based on the vision of our wise leadership, which is always keen to ensure the happiness and wellbeing of its people and residents, a leadership that considers their health and physical and psychological safety as a cause for happiness, driven by the spirit of love and generosity of Emiratis, and the great support of the national media to deliver our messages to every household and person in our beloved country." "This year, the ride is starting the day before International Women’s Day, which is celebrated on March 8th around the world every year. On this occasion, we reiterate our interest and integrated vision for the reality of women and the position that we aspire for her at all levels." Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi called on the Emirati community, men and women, to visit the medical clinics accompanying the Pink Caravan in each emirate for breast cancer screening. She said, "I ask everyone to follow the advice and tips of Pink Caravan’s medical teams. 98% of cancer cases can be completely cured and treated if detected in the early stages. Join hands and unite efforts in the fight against breast cancer. In just five years, the pink Caravan was able to create a rich human experience in the field of humanitarian awareness work and encouraged thousands of people to lead this way with a strong will and absolute faith." Sheikha Jawaher expressed her gratitude and appreciation to all those who have contributed to the Pink Caravan's mission, including volunteers, ambassadors, riders and medical teams, individuals, partners and supporters, who enabled it achieve landmark results over the past five years in promoting awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer across the UAE, dispelling misconceptions about the disease and its achievement of providing screenings to 36,332 people. – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395292458775.html