Healthcare | Tuesday 26 February, 2019 2:00 am |

The Pink Caravan Ride, the annual pan-UAE breast awareness campaign offering free early-detection examinations to all members of society, has announced a new milestone on its 9th annual journey, which kicked off in Sharjah on Saturday, and continued its march in Ajman on Sunday.

 

In an unprecedented achievement during the last 8 editions, 95% of equestrians trekking nation-wide this year are passionate Emiratis and Arab nationals from all walks of life, with a shared goal of preventing the curable disease at an early stage. This new milestone represents the unity and awareness levels the community reached in breast cancer prevention, detaching any stigma from tied to it.

 

For 16-year-old Ghalia Al Shaiba, who braved the early morning chill, and saddled up on the 2nd day of PCR in Ajman under a bright sun and rising temperatures, raising awareness and inviting the public to undergo free-screening is key to avoid heartaches and unnecessary suffering.

 

“My aunt who is in her forties and a mother of five, was diagnosed with breast cancer at a late stage. She, accompanied by my mum sought treatment and underwent a long medical journey to recovery. It was not easy on her or those surrounding her,” said Al Ittihad Private School pupil.

 

“If she had an early detection screening, she would have been diagnosed and treated at an early stage and did not have to experience a long and hard journey to recovery. This is a call to all people to go and get screened, it is free and really important, and will save lives and a spares agony,” she said.

 

Al Shiba, who has been an equine for the past 4-years, will continue to advocate the importance of early detection.

 

“I will continue trekking and helping out PCR on its noble cause, to raise awareness of the public and help prevent this disease,” she said.

 

Riders on day 2 kicked-off from Ajman Municipality and made their way to Ajman Marsa. The 12 riders continued their march towards Ajman fish market before reaching their final stop of the day and Sheikh Khalifa Hospital,

 

Meanwhile, scores of residents flocked to Pink Caravan clinics stationed at Ajman University, Al Madina and Al Hamedia Health Centers, and Ajman Specialty General Hospital and received free screening. While Ajman Corniche was home to the Pink Caravan Mobile Clinic, and several family-centric edutainment events and activities to raise public awareness.

 

On the horse trail, and championing the cause for the second time, 22-year-old Alia Al Safi, is adamant to raise awareness of the community after her teacher, a role model of hers was diagnosed with breast cancer.

 

“Cancer arrives unexpected, and to people that you care and respect greatly. I was shocked to know that my teacher has breast cancer and started her treatment journey, and moved me to do something about it. It is important that all members of society understand this disease and how it is treatable, especially at the initial stages,” said the fresh graduate from the Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai.

 

Nada Bin Ghaleb, Head of PCR Equine Committee commented: “We are very proud to have reached this level of passion and commitment from our Emirati and Arab communities detaching any stigma of cancer and champion this noble cause, actively working on preventing it in our country.

 

“PCR is on a mission to reach every person residing in this great country and deliver a message of hope and cure from this preventable disease. We encourage men and women to take advantage of the free screening, to ensure their wellbeing, and early treatment should there be a case.”

 

The 588 people PCR consulted were split between 319 at the daily clinics and 269 at the mobile clinic, bringing the total of consultations over the past four days to 2338 men and women.

 

The pink riders will trek a distance of 14.3Km in Um Al Quwain on Tuesday, February 26. The fourth day of the ride will kick start from the Marvelous Workshop and ends at Umm Al Quwain Museum. The PCR Mobile Clinic will be conducting free screenings at Umm Al Quwain Hospital.

 

On Monday equines will mapped 2 kilometres within Dubai Design District (D3,) while on Tuesday, the trek will continue in Um Al Quwain.

 

Medical clinics will be stationed at Al Salama Health Center, Umm Al Quwain Hospital, Falaj Al Mualla Health Center, and Al Qassimi Hospital for Women and Children. Meanwhile, the fixed clinic will be stationed at Umm Al Quwain Mall.

 

The PCR’s ninth edition will continue until March 1, traveling around the seven emirates, accompanied by 40 fixed and mobile medical clinics that will offer free early detection screenings and consultations for all community segments throughout the weeklong tour.

 

To mark its ninth anniversary, the campaign aims to offer free medical checkups to 9,000 women and men.