Dubai: The diagnosis of a debilitating disease has prompted the patient, the company he works for and all his friends to come together and raise funds for research into the causes and management of the disease.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis of ALS is a progressive neuro-degenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord and very little is known about the condition except that it progressively saps the life out of the patient.
In January this year, Peter Wan Wyk, senior director, Hospitality Development, Emaar Properties and Emaar Hospitality Group, was diagnosed with ALS and his life changed forever. Within six months, this dynamic 46-year-old senior executive who has been responsible for design and construction of many iconic landmarks in Dubai, including the Armani Hotel, had seen rapid deterioration in his speech and gait and he now walks with the help of a walking stick.
All UAE residents are invited to attend a charity iftar at Armani Hotel being hosted by the Emaar Hospitality Group to raise funds for ALS.
Setting aside his personal tragedy, Van Wyk decided to raise funds for awareness and research on ALS and other degenerative diseases where little is known about the origin and management of such conditions. Van Wyk’s employer, Emaar, and his friends decided to support his campaign.
Speaking to Gulf News, Van Wyk, who visualises the opening of a medical centre for excellence where patients can get all their varied therapies administered, said: “Very little is known about ALS. I am hoping that a fund-raiser for research into it will plant a seed in the mind of other local charities [to similarly raise funds] for research in degenerative diseases and [highlight] the need for palliative care in the UAE.”
Dr Abu Bakr Al Madani, head of neurology at Rashid Hospital and vice-president of Emirates Neurology Society who is treating Van Wyk, told Gulf News: “ALS affects one in 100,000 people in the UAE and I see at least three-four patients suffering from the disease. There is a big potential for research and with fund-raising, we can also help prolong the [course of treatment] of the disease so that patients can have a longer and better quality of life.”
Dr Abdul Kareem Sultan Al Olama, chief executive officer of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “We commend Emaar for their initiative and incredible support for their colleague Peter [Van Wyk] who was recently diagnosed with ALS. When we experience a situation that hits so close to home, we become more committed to the need for medical research and finding a cure. With incredible community efforts like this, we are very encouraged to continue the work we do and know that together, we can make a difference.”
What: Charity iftar and art auction. Live auction of artworks by Al Saeed, Mattar Bin Lahej, Beth Cullen Kerridge, Anna Masters, Petr Weigl, Ben Barrell, Fadi Sarieddine, and silent auction of a great range of artworks by local and locally based artists will also take place.
The funds raised from the various activities will be donated to Al Jalila Foundation who will ensure that they are used for medical research and to support the medical needs of ALS patients.
The silent auction is already open and bidding closes on Thursday night at 9.30pm. All auction pieces can be previewed at www.alsdxb.com. The site has been developed by http://sixteen-10.com/ who will be managing the auction.
Where: Armani Ballroom
When: Thursday, June 22, from 6.30pm with 10 items in the live auction and many others in silent auction.
