The fifth edition of the Pink Caravan Ride 2015, the annual pan-UAE horse-back trek that helps spread awareness of breast cancer, will be held between March 16th-25th, 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, International Ambassador of the World Cancer Declaration for Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), and International Ambassador for Childhood Cancer for UICC, has confirmed.
More than 100 skilled riders will kick off the campaign in Sharjah, and will make their way through all seven emirates, ending its tour in Abu Dhabi on the 26th. During the 10-day ride, a medical team will offer free breast cancer examinations to community members, and spread awareness by distributing educational brochures. Lectures and workshops on how to perform breast cancer self-examinations and information on how to support cancer patients will also be provided.
Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi expressed her pride in Pink Caravan's inspirational achievements in the past four years in dispelling myths related to breast cancer, and offering free screenings to 29,000 women and men throughout the country. The campaign has managed to gain considerable success in raising awareness about the significance of early breast cancer detection.
Sheikha Jawaher also said that sustaining the campaign for five consecutive years would not have been possible without the immense support of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the valuable contributions of various government bodies, organisations and corporates, as well as leaders and dignitaries, and a large segment of the community.
"Breast cancer endangers the lives of many people, irrespective of gender, nationality and race, as its physical and psychological effects pose a grave threat to cancer patients and their families and the entire community. This is why we want this campaign to pursue its mission of raising awareness about the impact of this disease and the need for early detection and regular examinations. This message should not be confined to a particular agency or a specific group, but we must all unite our efforts in the fight against this disease, as early detection screenings help increase survival rates, and ensures the safety and health of all citizens and residents," Sheikha Jawaher said.
Sheikha Jawaher went on to express her profound appreciation to all those who have contributed to supporting the Pink Caravan Ride over the past four years for their generous efforts to disperse fear, and dispel misconceptions related to breast cancer, and for providing examinations for almost 30,000 women and men in different parts of the country.
She also called for government and private organisations, and community members to actively participate, support and interact with the event's activities and benefit from the various services it provides.
Source: WAM