Activity brings cheer to young cancer patients being treated at the facility

For immediate release
Sharjah, August 28, 2017

As part of its moral support programme, Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP) – the not-for-profit organisation that works to improve the lives of cancer sufferers – held its latest monthly ‘Joy Cart’ for children with cancer. Taking place at Dubai Hospital, the activity was designed to spread joy and positivity among the hospital’s young patients who are being treated for the disease.

A main part of the Joy Cart proceedings was a musical puppet show presented by the UAE entertainment organisation ‘Cheeky Little Events.’ Featuring clowns, mascots, and music, the show, with its professionally trained female troupe, brought a smile to the children’s faces and to the faces of their parents. The uplifting performance was followed by the characters from the show paying a visit to the children’s rooms at the hospital, where they interacted with the youngsters on a more individual basis and distributed gifts to them.

“Friends of Cancer Patients exists to provide care and support for cancer sufferers of all ages, with its Joy Cart held every month for children who are being treated with for the disease in hospital. Each month we bring entertainment to the youngest cancer sufferers in institutions with the aim of bringing some cheer to the clinical environment. The event comprises multiple fun activities, including the distribution of toys and other gifts. Joy Cart is an activity conceived specially to give emotional support to the youngest cancer patients, as well as to provide their parents with financial aid if needed,” said Amel Almazmi, Beneficiary Support and Community Affairs Manager at FoCP.

Another initiative for FoCP is ‘Ana’ for childhood cancer. Meaning ‘I’ in English, Ana is an initiative from FoCP that has been specifically formulated to encourage child patients with cancer to celebrate their individuality, irrespective of their physical appearance. Ana works towards improving the lives of young cancer patients and their families by providing care, and financial assistance to ease the burden of their illness.

FoCP was founded in 1999 in line with the directives and patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Founder and Royal Patron of FoCP, International Ambassador of the World Cancer Declaration for Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), International Ambassador for Childhood Cancer for UICC and Patron of the Non-Communicable Disease Alliance.

Approved and registered with the Ministry of Community Development under Ministerial Resolution No.427 for 2013, FoCP promotes awareness of cancer and operates initiatives that encourage the disease’s early detection. The organisation provides treatment and healthcare for patients with cancer, supporting their families locally, regionally and globally. Since its inception, FoCP has provided medical treatment and financial and moral support for more than 3,500 cancer patients and their families.