Pink Caravan reveals details of its 2014 edition, aims to provide 5,000 breast cancer screenings during the 333 km Ride across the UAE

Abu Dhabi: The Pink Caravan breast cancer awareness campaign revealed details of the 2014 edition of its annual pan-UAE horseback ride - which will take place between the 15th and 25th of February - at a press conference on Wednesday. The press conference was held under the patronage of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Founder and Royal Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients Society (FoCP), International Ambassador of the World Cancer Declaration for Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and International Ambassador for Childhood Cancer for UICC. The speakers at the conference included Mohammad Abdulla, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank - Pink Caravan's official partner since its launch in 2011, Ameera Binkaram, President of the Board of Trustees and a founding member of the Friends of Cancer Patients society (FoCP), Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, Secretary General for Friends of Cancer Patients society and Head of the Pink Caravan's Medical and Awareness Committee and Lize de Jonges Pink Caravan Programme and Research Manager. The press conference was also attended by Noura Al Noman Director General of Sheikha Jawaher's Executive Office, and Osama Samra, Director Sharjah Media Centre. Pink Caravan's theme for this year is Dispelling the Myths which falls in line with Union for International Cancer Control's (UICC) theme for World Cancer Day celebrated on Feb. 4th of each year across the world. The press conference presented a detailed outline of the results of its three previous rides; the initiative's aims and goals, and how it intended to progress, along with its future course of action which envisioned a long-term plan for the campaign. The Pink Caravan Ride will start from Sharjah on the 15th of February, passing through Dubai and Al Ain, and will conclude in the capital city, Abu Dhabi, on the 25th of the month. The Pink Caravan aims to highlight the importance of regular screenings and early detection and the need to dispel the social stigma, inhibitions and myths surrounding breast cancer. During the eleven-day expedition, the caravan, accompanied by mobile detection clinics, will engage in a horseback ride across the seven Emirates. Kicking off in Sharjah, the riders will then take the route to Fujairah, followed by RAK, Umm Al-Qaiwain, and Ajman. Thereafter, traversing Sharjah for the second time, the riders will proceed to Dubai;, before concluding the ride in the capital, Abu Dhabi. – Emirates News Agency, WAM