Dubai: There are several charity programmes that aim to raise awareness on cancer in the community.
Some of the prominent ones are:
Terry Fox Run
The Terry Fox Run, named after the prominent Canadian athlete and humanitarian Terry Fox, is an annual fixture on the UAE's sporting calendar. The run is held every year in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It will also take place in Ras Al Khaimah for the first time on Friday, March 5. The next scheduled Terry Fox Run in Abu Dhabi is on February 19. To register, call Fareed Dabaghi on 050-6138035 or e-mail abudhabiterryfoxrun@gmail.com.
Pink Walkathon
Breast Cancer is one of the UAE's biggest killers, which explains why it is no surprise that thousands of men, women and children gather at BurJuman shopping centre in Bur Dubai every October for the Pink Walkathon. The event coincides every year with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and features dozens of nationalities wearing pink t-shirts, wigs and caps for the 3.6 kilometre morning walk. For more information, visit www.safeandsound.ae/pink_walkathon.asp
Movember
Thousands of people across the globe grow and sport moustaches every November (or Movember) to raise awareness on men's health issues such as prostate cancer and depression. Movember is not a registered charity in the UAE yet but residents can still participate and send donations to charities abroad. All you have to do is start the month clean shaven and then not touch a razor again for the next 30 days.
For more information, contact Nicole Betts on 050-4946596.
Friends of Cancer Patients Society
This charity is a volunteer foundation working under the umbrella of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah. The society's aim is to provide moral, financial and practical support for those affected by cancer while raising awareness about the disease.
This includes methods of prevention and early detection. For more information about the charity and the work it does, contact 06-5065555.
