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Over 2,000 residents attend overnight event at Kshisha Park in Sharjah
Arcade games, dance workouts and lots of fun for the kids marked the first few hours of the Relay for Life (RFL) fundraiser, which kicked off at Kshisha Park in Sharjah on Saturday afternoon. The evening drizzle did nothing to dampen the festive spirit of the event as families came out to support awareness and fundraisers for cancer treatment.
More than 2,000 people, including 700 cancer survivors and volunteers, participated in the third annual RFL, a 24-hour multidisciplinary relay race and the largest peer-to-peer cancer fundraiser in the world.
It gives parents and guardians the opportunity to help increase children’s awareness and understanding in a friendly, gentle and engaging way.
The relay, organized by the UAE-based Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), chants ‘Ready, Set, Live’ and will run 24 hours through the night with a mix of sports, art and music until 4pm on Sunday Hold the finale.
RFL began in 1985 as a community-based fundraising effort of the American Cancer Society.Every year, more than 5,000 RFL events are held in more than 20 countries
fun and games
Clowns juggle rings and bowling pins, while stilt walkers and balloon benders entertain the little ones at the event. The youngsters played table tennis and foosball while their friends and family cheered them on. Several participants, or people known as “relays,” participate in a dance session at the park.
One of them was Khloud, who attended the event with her daughter, niece and brother. Khloud, who survived cancer three years ago, was excited to be part of the event. “I heard about it from the FOCP and I wanted to be a part of it,” she said. “I want to come here
Her 16-year-old daughter, Bisan, said facing the news of her mother’s cancer was difficult as a teenager. “I need to be strong for her,” she said. “I didn’t want to be weak because she was really counting on me, but I was a little kid so putting on a brave face wasn’t always easy. I’m glad events like this make it easier for kids to be more attractive The way people understand what cancer is.”
During the relay, several participants spent the night in the park with tents and sleeping pads.
Raise awareness
Aisha Al Mulla, director of the FOCP, said the event was both to raise awareness and to raise funds. “One of the things we’re doing at the event is a corner where cancer survivors can share their stories and journeys,” she said. “We want to make the journey of cancer patients less lonely and support them. Furthermore, it is not possible for the general public to interact with cancer patients and survivors on a daily basis. We are making this possible so they can hear the stories of our warriors and generate more A lot of empathy.”
The event kicked off with a walk around the park by senior officials. There will also be several other laps, including a “Warrior’s Circle” featuring cancer patients, survivors, supporters and caregivers. There are also painting stations for children and adults. Fans can watch the game on the big screen at the event.
Ruqayya, another cancer survivor, said she attended the event to share her experience. “It’s been a long and difficult journey for me,” she said. “The great thing about being a part of FOCP is that you have a community that will support you through the storm. Anything you need to know or need to do, FOCP will help you.”
The Nigerian, who moved to Dubai in 2020, said she did not have any family or friends in the city to support her when she was diagnosed in 2021. “It’s just my husband and me,” she said. “The best thing about FOCP is that there is no judgement. We all went through a difficult journey and we all respect each other for that. Sometimes I get discriminated against for being African, but FOCP is a safe place, Everyone respects you and wants to help. So, I wanted to be a part of this campaign and share my journey with any woman who needs to hear.”
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