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Sharjah: The third annual 24-hour cancer fundraiser Relay for Life (RFL) kicked off at Kshisha Park in Sharjah on Saturday afternoon with the participation of 2,000 people including 700 cancer survivors and volunteers , officials and dignitaries of the emirate.
Organized by the UAE-based Friends of the Cancer Patient (FOCP), the relay, with the slogan “Ready, Set, Live,” will run 24 hours through the night with a mix of sports, art and music until Sunday at 4pm ( December 11).
Participants take turns walking in groups on the 650-meter-long track for 24 hours.
Thousands of “relays” are drawn to the event every year
Image Credit: Supplied
Head of Government Relations Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi and FOCP Board Chairman Sawsan Jafar led the walk, in addition to schools, universities and government and private institutions going hand in hand.
The RFL is a 24-hour multidisciplinary relay race and “the world’s largest peer-to-peer cancer fundraiser” that gives parents and guardians the opportunity to participate in raising awareness and understanding among children.
Healthcare at its core
Sheikh said: “In Sharjah, all policies, initiatives and activities are linked at one point, human beings and their natural rights in healthcare, education, culture and enrichment of knowledge. There are two types of cities, a One is built to live, the other is built to allow life to live up to its potential.”
He highlighted the vision of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed AlQasimi, member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who has said “enough concrete revolution, let us continue building humanity”.
Sheikh Fahim added: “Building a vibrant and productive human population in a social incubator based on science, culture and ideas, built on the foundations of a strong education system, an effective healthcare system driven by one vision Fundamentally, this is a healthy society. This is the difference between the two kinds of cities. In the latter, the individual comes before everything else. A person is built to complete the building process, not to serve what was built before.”
He concluded: “Today, the vision for life is evident at this event that expresses social solidarity in support of cancer patients by providing appropriate treatment. RFL. You are all here to say: We are a society that does not allow the weak, needy or sick to be left alone.”
Sheikh Fahim also took part in a ‘survivor’s tour’, which brings together cancer patients, disease survivors, healthcare and support providers in addition to their families.
People cheer for patients and survivors of the disease
Image Credit: Supplied
get treatment
FOCP Chairman Sawsan Jaafar said: “Over the past few years, more than 10,000 people have participated in the Relay for Life, each representing a family, institution, organization or sector. More important than the number of participants is the number of lives saved by providing treatment And the number of families whose lives are better off.”
She added: “RFL is a qualitative milestone in the journey of FOCP, which is committed to helping patients receive treatment and access the best centers and resources for the best possible care, and to strengthen community engagement and advocacy at local and global levels . Since FOCP was founded, we have organized seminars and training sessions, cancer awareness campaigns, and partnered with international organizations to reduce the burden of cancer on patients and their families.”
Aisha Al Mulla, Director of FOCP, who announced the details of the campaign, told Gulf News that Relay for Life was born out of noble values ​​and a message of support for patients. “While we look forward to raising donations to help patients and ensure they overcome the challenges of accessing care, we look forward to instilling the optimism, hope and empathy that play a key role in their care,” she said, adding that the Activities include a variety of sports, art and music events.
opening ceremony
In a special ceremony at the start of the event, Sheikh Fahim honored the event’s key partners – Crescent Petroleum, Bank of Sharjah and Shurooq – for their involvement in the noble cause. Sharjah Ladies Club, National Network Communications, Rubu’ Qarn Bee’ah, Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, Sanid of the Emirates Foundation and Qimah Volunteer Team were also honored at the event.
survivors speak
Lina Fadal
Lina Fadhal, a 52-year-old Lebanese expatriate, has been suffering from cancer for three years. She told Gulf News that this is her third relay, which brings hope to people. “Because of your support, cancer patients and survivors will walk this track with pride and show the world that cancer can be defeated. [RFL] Unite us no matter where we live,” she said.
She is also involved in spreading awareness among cancer patients. “Optimism makes life great,” she added.
Fatma Musa
Fatma Mousa, 60, a Palestinian, also participated for the third time. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and underwent six operations. “There is no reason to feel depressed or hopeless because of this disease,” she said. “My message to cancer patients is that you have to have will and determination. I thank the UAE government for providing the best treatment and healthcare.”
She added: “Walking is part of my daily life. I walk for one to two hours a day.”
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