FOCP's AED 7.2 Million Financial Aid Boosts Support For Cancer Patients In 2023

In 2023, the Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), a Sharjah-based international civil society organisation, has made notable contributions in supporting individuals battling cancer. The organisation has provided AED7.2 million in financial aid to 323 patients across 55 different cancer types. This support extended to 246 women, 55 men, and 22 children. Additionally, FOCP's commitment to bolstering moral support was evident through its organisation of 25 initiatives that reached 850 patients and their families, alongside awareness campaigns that touched millions globally.

FOCP's engagement with the community was robust, targeting over 3,000 individuals through ten community events and another ten under their "Kashf" initiative. The organisation also focused on childhood cancer awareness through five events, lung health through four events, men's health with one event, and a remote event for skin health awareness. Under the Pink Caravan initiative, 400 events were conducted by medical clinics, offering 18,228 free medical screenings for early breast cancer detection. This included 17,223 clinical examinations, 887 mammograms, and 118 ultrasound screenings. The "Locks of Hope" initiative saw 674 individuals donating hair to provide natural hair wigs to 20 female patients. FOCP also covered Umrah trip costs for five patients.

The year began with the Pink Caravan Ride from February 4th to 10th, marking World Cancer Day with a pan-UAE trek that offered 13,457 free medical screenings for breast cancer. This initiative saw the participation of 384 volunteers contributing a staggering 59,830 volunteer hours. Following this, the annual Zakat campaign raised AED5.3 million in donations and Zakat funds for cancer patient support. The funds were allocated across various treatments including chemotherapy, medication, bone marrow transplants, radiation therapy, cancer surgeries, imaging, and medical equipment.

MoUs, Strategic Partnerships for Expanding Treatment Scope

The FOCP signed an MoU with the Esaad Centre as part of the "Esaad card" initiative to improve the quality of life for cancer patients. Another significant partnership was formed with Ghantoot Horse Racing and Polo Club to enhance community awareness about available treatment programmes and technologies in the UAE. Furthermore, a landmark partnership with Zulekha Hospital was established to provide affordable cancer care access in Sharjah and Dubai. Throughout the year, FOCP forged strategic partnerships with over 25 partners and sponsors.

The FOCP's relentless efforts in raising community awareness were recognized when it was awarded "Cancer Awareness Advocate of the Year" at the fourth annual conference of the Emirates Oncology Society in September 2023 in Dubai. The event was held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.

The Friends of Cancer Patients has clearly demonstrated its unwavering commitment to supporting those affected by cancer through financial aid, awareness campaigns, and strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing treatment access and quality of life for patients and their families.

With inputs from WAM