Friends of Cancer Patients, FoCP, has said that it is continuing its humanitarian efforts in collecting Zakat funds from individuals and organisations through its Ramadan initiative, "I Deserve a Life". The non-profit organisation’s Holy Month campaign will provide treatment for cancer patients who cannot afford the cost of treatment in the UAE.

Speaking on the announcement, Dr. Sawsan Al Madhi, Director-General of FoCP, said, "With the start of Ramadan, we are renewing our call for all community segments in the UAE to help cancer patients overcome the challenges they face throughout the various stages of their treatment. We are inviting all individuals and organisations to contribute to the Zakat fund-raising campaign, 'I Deserve a Life'. The proceeds generated from the initiative over the past three years have formed a significant source of payment for treatment, thereby giving hope to hundreds of cancer patients who need financial as well as moral support to overcome their disease. It has helped provide sufferers with essential medical treatment and contributed to saving the lives of many people with cancer."

Al Madhi revealed that the initiative, which coincides with the UAE’s "#Year of Giving" 2017 as declared by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aims to provide AED2.225 million worth of treatment for 400 cancer patients.

FoCP’s initiative, which was launched in 2013, forms part of the organisation’s efforts to support cancer patients in the country. Over the past two years, the donation drive has succeeded in providing treatment worth AED2.3 million for 452 cancer sufferers, including 179 patients who were offered therapy costing AED825,000 in 2015 and 273 patients who received treatment worth AED1.480 million in 2016.

Individuals and organisations can donate to ‘I Deserve a Life’ via SMS by sending the word ‘Zakat’ to 4425 to donate AED10, to 2307 to donate AED 100, or to 2308 to donate AED500. Money also can be deposited directly into FoCP’s bank account at the main branch of Sharjah Islamic Bank: 0011-364854-002 (International Bank Account Number, ‘IBAN’, AE440410000011364854002).

Running from May 27th to June 24th, the Zakat collecting points can be found at Sharjah Cooperative Society’s branches at Al Sewihat, Halwan and Al Qarayen. The fund-raising campaign allows community members, government bodies and private organisations to contribute to the humanitarian cause. The initiative’s teams will receive people wishing to donate Zakat funds from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m., and from 9:30 p.m. - 12:00 midnight, throughout the Holy Month.