Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), a UAE-based civil society organisation, has launched a social media drive to unite people virtually to share inspiring stories, and celebrate kinship and solidarity as we go through a challenging period in varying forms of lockdown due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Calling on people to share personal experiences of the various activities they are pursuing during this stay-at-home period to keep themselves gainfully occupied, and ways in which they are positively impacting lives of others from a distance, FOCP has offered its social platforms @focpuae, for the telling of everyday stories with hashtags #StayHomeTouchLives and #StayHomeChampion that will inspire and bring a smile to people’s faces.

Since the campaign’s launch on April 5, FOCP’s socials on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook have already started receiving active reflections of stay home champions who are taking up unique pursuits within the confines of their homes to reach out to their loved ones or make a positive difference.

The campaign ends on May 31, 2020.

Breast cancer survivor: Staying at home can be productive

Dubai resident, breast cancer survivor and FOCP beneficiary, Mary Vizcaya, has shared a video message saying, as she works from home these days, “she has the time she never had before to learn new things, adding, “I enjoy studying new online courses, and encourage friends and everyone to explore new knowledge during this time period.”

Part of the campaign is an SMS donation drive aimed at raising funds for cancer patients. A donation of AED 100 can be made by texting LIFE to 2307. The same SMS can be sent to 2303 to donate AED 10, to 2305 to donate AED 50 and to 2308 to contribute AED 500.

Online donations can be made at www.focp.ae.

Other #StayHomeChampions have partaken in Hag Al Lailah activities at home, while many have undertaken FOCP’s #StayHomeStayFit challenging by making a conscious effort to move around in their homes and have used the Relay For Life App – “Relay by FOCP” to record their steps taken through the day. This fun, easy and hugely gratifying 30-day fitness challenge, which entails taking 5,000 steps every day for a month, can be taken in the comfort of one’s home by downloading the “Relay by FOCP” App on both android and Apple devices.

The virus has now infected more than 2.2 million people worldwide, and with over 150 nations going under partial or full lockdown to curb its spread, its impact has extended far beyond just those who have contracted the virus. Thanks to the virtual world, despite differences in culture, time zone, language and location – people around the world have found a window to peek into others’ lives, learn from each other, cherish much-needed doses of good humour and homegrown genius, and remain hopeful learning about the good deeds people continue to chip in.

The underlining essence of this FOCP initiative embodies the non-profit’s overarching mission to keep society aware, bring them together in meaningful social pursuits that benefit the entire community, and continue to spread positivity and hope, no matter the circumstances. What are you waiting for? Pick up those phones and get posting!