Sharjah 24: As Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) celebrates its 25th anniversary, the organisation underscores a legacy of transformative care, advocacy, and community support throughout 2024. This milestone year has been marked by exceptional achievements in patient care, awareness, and partnerships that solidify FOCP’s role as a leading force in the fight against cancer.
Continuing to demonstrate its dedication to cancer patients and their families this year, FOCP provided financial assistance to over 400 individuals battling various forms of cancer, allocating over AED 9 million towards treatments and related needs. The non-profit also orchestrated 59 moral support activities, attended by 2,070 participants, offering emotional and psychological upliftment to patients and their loved ones.
“The 25th anniversary of FOCP is a moment of immense pride and reflection for us all,” said Aisha Al Mulla, Director of Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), reflecting on the landmark year. “This milestone is a testament to the unwavering vision and guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, and Founder and Patron of FOCP, whose focused approach to alleviating the suffering of cancer patients and their families in the UAE has set a global benchmark in compassionate care and advocacy. Her Highness's leadership has been especially critical in easing the immense financial burden of cancer treatment for those in need.”
“Looking ahead, we are fully committed to building on this legacy. Plans for 2025 are already underway to ensure an even greater impact, expanding our reach and support to more individuals and families while driving innovative partnerships and programmes to amplify our local and international efforts,” she added.
Awareness activations and community engagement in 2024
FOCP’s unwavering commitment to early detection and education facilitated 18,300 free breast cancer clinical examinations and 1,328 free mammograms, including activities held during the Pink Caravan’s October campaign. The organisation conducted over 150 awareness events, addressing critical health topics such as skin health, childhood cancer, and men’s health, reaching over 10,000 participants. These efforts were supported by over 9,000 hours of service from dedicated medical professionals.
FOCP strengthened community involvement through impactful events that engaged over 10,000 individuals. The “Locks of Hope” initiative received hair donations from more than 500 students and individuals, enabling the donation of 15 wigs to cancer patients, further spreading hope and resilience.
Advocacy and partnerships
FOCP’s influence extended globally through participation in international forums and conferences, where the organisation presented impactful abstracts showcasing its innovative initiatives. Domestically, FOCP collaborated with over 200 entities across government and private sectors. Key achievements included signing an MoU with the Sharjah Social Services Department to enhance volunteer involvement and partnering with Saqr Hospital to advance early breast cancer detection campaigns.
Awards and recognitions
In recognition of its remarkable contributions, FOCP received several prestigious accolades in 2024, including being honoured by Dubai Charity Association in special ceremony, the “Media and Marketing Award” at the SMB Awards by e& UAE and the “Sharjah Award for Volunteering Work”,, in its 21st edition. These honours underscore FOCP’s enduring impact, advocacy and community service excellence.
As FOCP closes this historic year, its unwavering mission to combat cancer remains steadfast, setting a benchmark for care, awareness, and collaboration in the UAE and beyond.
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