UAE: Friends of Cancer Patients provides financial assistance to over 400 patients

Sharjah: Sharjah-based Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), celebrating its 25th anniversary, has reviewed the care, advocacy, and community support throughout 2024. FOCP provided financial assistance to over 400 individuals battling various forms of cancer, allocating over Dh9 million towards treatments and related needs.

The non-profit facilitated 18,300 free breast cancer clinical examinations and 1,328 free mammograms, including activities held during the Pink Caravan’s October campaign. FOCP also organised 59 moral support activities, attended by 2,070 participants, offering emotional and psychological relief to patients and their loved ones.

Get exclusive content with Gulf News WhatsApp channel

“The 25th anniversary of FOCP is a moment of immense pride and reflection for us all,” said FOCP Director Aisha Al Mulla. “This milestone is a testament to the unwavering vision and guidance of Founder and Patron of FOCP Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, whose focused approach to alleviating the suffering of cancer patients and their families in the UAE has set a global benchmark in compassionate care and advocacy. Her Highness’s leadership has been especially critical in easing the immense financial burden of cancer treatment for those in need.”

She added: “Looking ahead, we are fully committed to building on this legacy. Plans for 2025 are already underway to ensure an even greater impact, expanding our reach and support to more individuals and families while driving innovative partnerships and programmes to amplify our local and international efforts,” she added.

The organisation conducted over 150 awareness events, addressing critical health topics such as skin health, childhood cancer, and men’s health, reaching over 10,000 participants. These efforts were supported by over 9,000 hours of service from dedicated medical professionals.

FOCP strengthened community involvement through events that engaged over 10,000 individuals. The ‘Locks of Hope’ initiative received hair donations from more than 500 students and individuals, enabling the donation of 15 wigs to cancer patients, further spreading hope and resilience.

FOCP’s influence extended globally through participation in international forums and conferences, where the organisation presented abstracts showcasing its initiatives. Domestically, FOCP collaborated with over 200 entities across government and private sectors. Key achievements included signing an MoU with the Sharjah Social Services Department to enhance volunteer involvement and partnering with Saqr Hospital to advance early breast cancer detection campaigns.

In recognition of its contributions, FOCP received several accolades in 2024, including being honoured by Dubai Charity Association in special ceremony, the Media and Marketing Award at the SMB Awards by e& UAE and the Sharjah Award for Volunteering Work, in its 21st edition.