Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP), which provides immense moral and financial support for cancer patients across the UAE, took 27 children diagnosed with cancer on a shopping trip in Dubai to choose new clothes for the Eid Al Fitr celebrations before enjoying a special Ramadan Iftar to round off the day. The “Eid Clothing” initiative was organised as part of “Colour my World”, an FoCP programme dedicated to increasing patient-focused events and providing psychological support throughout the various stages of their treatment and the journey from diagnosis through to recovery. Amel Al Mazmi, Beneficiary Support & Community Affairs Manager at FoCP, accompanied children on the trip.

Dr SawsanAlMadhi, Director General of FoCP, said “We’re delighted to be able to put a smile on the children’s faces through the `Eid Clothing’ initiative. They were in their element choosing the clothes with each other and genuinely excited about the celebrations. Through our long experience in providing support and assistance to cancer patients, we know that these initiatives mean a great deal to the children, not just because it makes a difference on the day, but more importantly because it shows them they are not alone and there are people who care about them and want to be with them every step of the way on this incredibly difficult journey.

The initiative would not have been successful without generous donations from goodhearted citizens and residents of the UAE.” Dr Al Madhi urged individuals and organisations to continue donating their Zakat money to the cause throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan and noted that ‘I Deserve a Life’, which coincides with the UAE’s ‘Year of Giving’ 2017, aims to provide Dhs2.2 million worth of treatment for 400 cancer patients.

On another note, FoCP is also running the ‘I Deserve a Life’, Ramadan initiative dedicated to collecting Zakat funds for cancer patients in the UAE who cannot afford to bear treatment costs on their own. Individuals and organisations can donate via SMS by sending the word `Zakat’ to 4425 to donate Dhs10, to 2307 to donate Dhs100, or to 2308 to donate Dhs500. Money also can be deposited directly into FoCP‘s bank account at the main branch of Sharjah Islamic Bank 0011-364854-002 (International Bank Account Number, (IBAN) AE440410000011364854002). Running until June 24, Zakat donation points are available at Sharjah Cooperative Society’s branches at Al Sewihat, Halwan and Al Qarayen. Campaign teams will be on site for people wishing to donate Zakat funds from 4pm — 6pm and from 9.30pm midnight, throughout the holy month.

Founded in 1999, Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP) aims to promote community awareness about the six early detectable cancers; breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, testicular cancer and colon cancer.Apart from its awareness activities, FoCP provides moral and financial support for thousands of patients and their families regardless of nationality and age. It has so far provided support for more than 3,700 cancer patients who are living in the UAE.