Over 2,500 participants and volunteers from various community organisations and schools participated in the 24-hour multidisciplinary event, which aimed to raise awareness and funds for cancer treatments as well as supporting their families and caregivers.
With over 700 cancer survivors, the event was a testament to the resilience and determination of those affected by cancer. The RFL is a global movement that brings together communities to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. The Sharjah event was no exception, with enthusiastic volunteers working to make the event a success.
Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), organisers of the event, called the RFL a resounding success, thanks to the dedicated team of volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly and successfully raised funds for cancer care, research and support. Many of them working pre-event for the 24-hour relay did not want to miss the exciting lineup of activities and voluntarily stationed overnight taking part in the lap rounds which included the grand luminaria ceremony.
From setting up the event running activities and stalls, to providing support and guidance to participants, the volunteers played a crucial role in the event's success. In addition to practical contributions, the volunteers also provided emotional support and encouragement to those taking part in the event, many of whom were cancer survivors or had lost loved ones to the disease.
Zuhair Saeed Sajwani, a volunteer with Sanid by Emirates Foundation since 2018, said it was his team’s responsibility to ensure that everyone who entered the event area were safe and secure. “This is my first time attending the RFL. I’ve been watching over the safety of cancer patients, children and their families, and especially the elderly who participated in various RFL activities that ran overnight,” he said.
Working on the frontline of natural disasters, especially the recent Fujairah floods has refined him, added Zuhair. “Greeting those who lost their homes with a smile of reassurance while waiting for assistance was a humbling experience. What I am doing is the least duty that a citizen can offer to serve his community. This is the best way one can express their love for their homeland as an attempt to repay the favours bestowed by the state to individuals,” he added.
Maryam Ali Baasous, who has been volunteering regularly with Qimah team for Volunteering since 2014, said the experience at RFL is a continuation of her efforts with benevolent initiatives that often happen in Sharjah — Pink Caravan Ride and the Big Heart Foundation, etc. “This is my third RFL event and I hope to continue in the coming years as well,” she said.
Despite having a fulltime job, Mariam ensures that her volunteering streak doesn’t get affected. "Volunteering is in my blood and the team I work with is more than wonderful. I’ve managed to foster many relationships and it has added much more positive vibes to my personality,” she added.
Another volunteer, Bashaer Al Ali said volunteering is a reflection of her social personality since childhood. “It has deepened my knowledge on various aspects of Emirati society. The length of the RFL event and the diverse activities targeting children gave me an opportunity to spend quality family time while continuing my work, as I had brought my children to the event,” she said.
“In 2019, I took my son to the RFL when he was only three years old. Now, I have returned to this new version with my little daughter as well. I am happy to take them with me, not only for the fun but also as a learning experience to inculcate values of giving, as they watch me help people,” she added.
She added that her two children were enthusiastic in distributing water among participants and also stayed up late to collect bags and help with the trash leftovers.
FOCP extended their heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers who gave their time and energy to make the event a memorable and meaningful one. The funds raised will go towards supporting cancer research and providing much-needed support to those affected by the disease.
The closing ceremony also honoured participants who walked the most number of steps: Nihad Naseerudheen with 145,208 steps, Marwah Abdouh with 73,697 steps and Maysoon Al Fandi with 72,925 steps.
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