Pink Caravan helps screen 1500 women

The Pink Caravan riders, who set out on a horseback tour of the seven emirates on April 5 to spread awareness about breast cancer, have made significant progress, with 1,500 women screened over the last three days. Established by the Friends of Cancer Patients, in 2011, to commemorate their 10th anniversary, this noble initiative hopes to reach out to 5,000 women during the 10-day journey this year. The riders, who’ve travelled through Fujairah to Khorfakkan, is expected to reach Ras Al Khaimah on Monday, with medical clinics being set up at the old Kalba Hospital, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, and Khalifa Hospital in Ajman. “This year, we’ve had a large number of clinics, elite riders, great support from the public and private sectors and excellent participation from prominent figures in the UAE. This enriches the Pink Caravan, adds momentum and is helping it to expand and reach every house in the UAE,” said Cecile Guillemot, head of the Pink Caravan’s higher committee and one of the volunteer riders. The Pink Caravan expedition, with more than 180 riders, who are divided into groups of 15-18, kicked-off in Sharjah and will end in Abu Dhabi on April 14. This journey aims to encourage women to go for regular check-ups and also, to raise funds to secure a 3D mammogram clinic that will provide free services to UAE residents. The campaign, which will run annually until 2014, is under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and under the directive of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.