FOCP runs successful zakat campaign throughout Ramadan

March 26, 2025 / 10:24 PM

Sharjah 24: Through its yearly Zakat Campaign, Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) reaffirms its dedication to helping cancer patients, survivors, and their families—regardless of age or nationality—by reducing the financial burden on them as the holy month of Ramadan approaches. Together with other Ramadan initiatives, this one acts as a ray of hope, helping to pay for necessary relief and treatment.

This year’s campaign is launched under the motto “Together, we thrive,” highlighting the importance of collective efforts in the fight against cancer, which often isolates patients from their loved ones and communities. By uniting efforts, the campaign seeks to make a meaningful difference, empowering patients with the strength, resilience, and determination to overcome their illness.

Stories of hope in the month of giving

One of the recipients is a 37-year-old mother of five who is undergoing treatment at Tawam Hospital for rectal cancer. Given her household's AED 8,500 monthly income, the AED 71,212 cost of her radiotherapy sessions is a major hardship. She conveyed her appreciation, saying that the campaign fosters a sense of community care by supporting patients and their entire families.

In a similar vein, a 48-year-old father at Zulekha Hospital in Sharjah is having financial difficulties due to medical bills that have topped AED 93,122 while receiving treatment for multiple myeloma. He revealed that the campaign has given him comfort in knowing he is not fighting this battle alone, despite living on AED 4,375 per month.

At Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi, a three-year-old who is not aware of his battle with neuroblastoma needs AED 255,024 worth of dinutuximab treatment. His parents, who together make AED 6,870 a year, thanked the campaign, saying it has given them courage and hope through this difficult time.

Together in the battle against cancer

FOCP Director Aisha Al Mulla underlined that the campaign's influence goes beyond financial assistance, acting as a hopeful message from kind contributors to cancer patients going through difficult times. She said:

"The giving spirit is at its peak during Ramadan, uniting people, organisations, and corporations to give sufferers hope again." This campaign embodies our goal of transforming kindness into practical assistance and truly helping those in need.

The Zakat Campaign builds on the work done last year, when 98 cancer patients received AED 5.7 million in aid from FOCP for a range of treatments, including drugs, surgeries, bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

FOCP has implemented several channels to make donations easier. The official website (www.focp.ae) offers e-vouchers for donations, and there are also special Zakat pages (https://www.focp.ae/zakat/) and (https://focp.ae/coupon). Donations can also be sent internationally using IBAN AE440410000011364854002 or by bank transfer to the Sharjah Islamic Bank account (0011-364854-002). Through the use of Etisalat, FOCP also provides a mobile donation option. Supporters can message "Zakat" to 6447 for AED 20, 4426 for AED 50, 4467 for AED 200, and 2308 for AED 500.

Participation from both inside and outside the UAE is made possible by these easily accessible donation options.

Comprehensive support beyond financial aid

To promote a sense of community and alleviate the isolation brought on by illness, FOCP provides support beyond fundraising through programmes like community festivals, Eid attire for young cancer patients, and Ramadan food packages.

FOCP has hosted several iftar gatherings for patients, survivors, and their families since the beginning of Ramadan. Fifty youngsters and their families gathered for an iftar at the TIME Grand Plaza Hotel on March 7. With assistance from Lubna Olayan, Patchi, Taif Al Emarat, and Claro Speciality Coffee, 200 patients attended the annual community iftar held at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre on 10 March. One hundred people attended another iftar event at the Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa.

To strengthen the sense of community solidarity, FOCP worked with the UAE Food Bank and Esaad Centre to distribute 400 Ramadan food boxes on March 16. We also planned a special Eid shopping day at Oasis Mall Sharjah for thirty young cancer patients. They chose festive attire from Max Fashion and then played at Fun City. To support children with cancer, FOCP also organised hospital visits on March 24. Young patients at Mediclinic City Hospital received gifts in partnership with Sharjah Children.

Through these programmes, FOCP upholds the principles of kindness and generosity, ensuring that no cancer sufferer has to confront their ordeal alone.