Since 2011, the Pink Caravan Ride, an annual nationwide initiative by the Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP), has been traveling across the UAE to spread breast cancer awareness. One of the campaign’s central objectives is to heighten people’s understanding about the importance of early detection as key to making 98 percent malignancies of the breast completely curable. The campaign has made great strides since it began – all because thousands of volunteers have come forward to further its mission with diligence and determination, and their keen willingness to be of service to community.

The Pink Caravan was launched under the directives and support of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Founder and Royal Patron of FoCP, International Ambassador for the World Cancer Declaration of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), International Ambassador for Childhood Cancer for UICC, and Patron of the Global NCD Alliance Forum. Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi’s determination to improve lives by equipping them with the knowledge and resources they need to tackle cancer has led her to pay special attention to the development and outreach of the initiative, which has contributed significantly to several milestones Pink Caravan Ride has reached in seven years.

The ride has been actively engaged in community initiatives and activities that aim to combat breast cancer, locally and regionally. It has successfully established a distinct identity in society – one that people look forward to seeing year-on-year. This is a reflection of the campaign’s relentless efforts from 2011–18 in dispelling the myths and misconceptions surrounding breast cancer, and building a community that is not just aware but supportive of one other.