FoCP collects Zakat funds for cancer treatment of the needy

A Ramadan initiative by Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP) will provide treatment for cancer patients who cannot afford the burdensome cost of cancer treatment in the UAE.

Through its campaign, 'I Deserve a Life', the non-profit organisation is collecting Zakat funds from individuals and organisations for cancer patients.

The initiative, which was launched in 2013, forms part of the organisation's efforts to support cancer patients in the country. Over the past two years, the donation drive has succeeded in providing treatment worth Dh2.3 million for 452 cancer sufferers, including 179 patients who were offered therapy costing Dh825,000 in 2015 and 273 patients who received treatment worth Dh1.480 million in 2016.

"With the start of the holy month of Ramadan, we are renewing our call for all community segments in the UAE to help cancer patients overcome the challenges they face throughout the various stages of their treatment. We are inviting all individuals and organisations to contribute to the Zakat fund-raising campaign, I Deserve a Life. The proceeds generated from the initiative over the past three years have formed a significant source of payment for treatment, thereby giving hope to hundreds of cancer patients who need financial as well as moral support to overcome their disease. It has helped provide sufferers with essential medical treatment and contributed to saving the lives of many people with cancer," said Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, director-general of FoCP.

Al Madhi revealed that the initiative, which coincides with the UAE's Year of Giving, aims to provide Dh2.225 million worth of treatment for 400 cancer patients.

Individuals and organisations can donate to 'I Deserve a Life' via SMS by sending the word Zakat to 4425 (Etisalat or Du) to donate Dh10, to 2307 to donate Dh100, or to 2308 to donate Dh500. Money also can be deposited directly into FoCP's 'Zakatkm Elajohm' bank account at the main branch of Sharjah Islamic Bank: 0011-364854-002 (IBAN: AE440410000011364854002).

Running till June 24, the Zakat collecting points are available at Sharjah Cooperative Society's branches at Al Sewihat, Halwan and Al Qarayen. The fund-raising campaign allows community members, government bodies and private organisations to contribute to the humanitarian cause. The initiative's teams will receive people wishing to donate Zakat funds from 4-6pm, and from 9.30pm-12 midnight, throughout the holy month.

FoCP's Zakat-donation initiative is based on an Islamic Fatwa issued by the Permanent Fatwa Committee in Sharjah. It approves the paying of medical treatment costs for cancer patients from certified Zakat money under two conditions; first that the patient is unable to pay the costs themselves and second that the fund is used to cover treatment charges only.

Source: Khaleej Times