Sharjah 24: The UAE-based civil society organisation, Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), highlighted the extraordinary spirit of unity and collaboration demonstrated by the UAE’s public, private, and civil society sectors in the fight against cancer at the 2024 FOCP Awards Ceremony. Held at Sharjah’s House of Wisdom, the event honoured FOCP’s partner organisations and individuals from across a multitude of industries for their contributions to raising awareness and advancing early detection of breast cancer through FOCP’s initiatives.
Dignitaries including Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah; H.E. Sheikha Jawahar Bint Abdulla AL Qasimi, Board Member Treasurer, and Aisha al Mulla Director of FOCP attended the event alongside representatives from key sectors such as healthcare, education, retail and finance.
The evening began with a symbolic video presentation illustrating the collective impact of FOCP’s Pink Caravan initiatives.
This was followed by a welcoming speech by Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, during which he underscored the power of collaboration in creating lasting change: “In the UAE, with the unwavering commitment of organisations like Friends of Cancer Patients, which operates under the vision and directives of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, and Founder and Patron of FOCP, we have chosen not to be bystanders. Together we are tackling this adversary head-on, transforming lives through awareness, prevention, and access to care. This is not just about addressing a disease - it’s about empowering communities to protect their future.”
“The Pink Caravan and other FOCP initiatives have been pivotal in advancing early detection, a proven life-saving strategy. To date, these efforts have facilitated hundreds of thousands of screenings, enabling countless individuals to receive timely diagnoses and treatment. This is the power of collective action - a power made possible by each of you in this room tonight,” he further noted.
FOCP hosts a remarkable celebration of the power of collective action
The Sponsorship Excellence Award recognised organisations demonstrating unparalleled commitment to supporting FOCP’s initiatives. This year, honourees such as Crescent Petroleum, Sharjah Media City (Shams), Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Arada, Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC), FAST Building Contracting Co. (L.L.C), and MSD stood out for their steadfast dedication to fostering hope and care for cancer patients.
Collaboration was also spotlighted through the Partner Excellence Award, which celebrated organisations like Alabbar Enterprises, BijouQ Jewellery, DHL, and DMCC. Their combined efforts have been instrumental in amplifying FOCP’s vision, enabling impactful projects that reach patients and communities in need.
In addition, the Medical Excellence Awards recognised the invaluable contributions of healthcare partners who deliver superior care and unwavering support to patients. University Hospital Sharjah, Clemenceau Medical Center Hospital, Emirates Hospital Group, Advanced Care Oncology Center, Emirates Health Services, and Health Point, were among the honoured institutions, celebrated for their pivotal role in ensuring patients receive quality medical services.
The event also highlighted the importance of proactive measures through the Early Detection Excellence Award, honouring innovative organisations such as ADNOC, Dubai Community Management, Mubadala Investment Company, and Dubai Schools for their significant advancements in early detection efforts.
Finally, the evening paid tribute to the inspiring heroes of the Locks of Hope Campaign. Groups like GEMS Our Own English High School Dubai, Bedashing Beauty Lounge, and Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital were recognised for their heartfelt dedication to transforming lives, providing cancer patients with not just practical support but also a renewed sense of hope and dignity.
A night of reflection and gratitude
Speaking at the ceremony, FOCP Director Aisha Al Mulla emphasised, “This year has been a testament to what we can achieve when we unite for a cause greater than ourselves. We have made great strides together under the vision and directives of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, and Founder and Patron of FOCP.”
“Through the support of entities from government and the private sectors we were able to offer over 100 mobile clinics and 8 fixed screening centres across the UAE, which delivered a record-setting 16,615 free breast cancer clinical examinations and 759 free mammograms to both women and men. This was made possible by the incredible medical professionals who contributed over 9,000 hours of dedicated service. We also conducted over 150 awareness and support activities engaging over 10,000 participants including corporate employees and community members. We provided financial support for hundreds of cancer patients with a fund allocation of over 8 million AED, and also conducted 59 moral support activities, reaching a total of 2,070 cancer patients and their families,” she added.
The ceremony concluded with a dinner reception, where attendees shared stories of impact, inspiration, and a call to action for continued collaboration and innovation in cancer prevention and care.
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