Here’s eight ways you can contribute to the first ever ‘UAE Relay for Life’ cancer initiative by Friends of Cancer Patients

For immediate release
Sharjah, 03 November 2017

So many of us have been affected by cancer, experiencing it from close quarters either in our families or through friends and acquaintances. For most people who have been touched by the torment of this disease, wanting a way to help others going through the same; they want to ‘give’ in as many ways possible to help alleviate the sufferings of those fighting cancer.

Relay for Life (RFL), the largest fundraising event for cancer in the world, will make a debut in the UAE this November through Sharjah-based not-for-profit organisation, Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP) that has dedicated its support to cancer sufferers and their families since 1999. The main event is a 24-hour walkathon that will take place on November 17th-18th 2017 at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) sports fields on E88/E311. Here’s a link that contains all information you need regarding participation and volunteering: http://focp.ae/relayforlifeuae/about-relay-for-life/.  

Pre- during- and post-event initiatives for Relay for Life have been crafted to include 8 things you can do as a cancer survivor, a patient or a caregiver, a volunteer or a supporter, and be actively involved in their mission to free the world from cancer.

Relay for Life offers a variety of programmes and services designed to involve the community in the global fight against cancer. Pick any of the examples you want and become a champion for those who struggle every day with this disease.

Here’s a list of ways you can contribute:   

1. Register for and participate at the Relay for Life Walkathon

The 24-hour walkathon symbolizes the ongoing fight against cancer. As a member of a team, or an individual participant, you will take turns to walk throughout the event. Why? Because cancer never sleeps, and for a night, those who come forward and join the event won’t either. As the registration is eligible for everyone in UAE Relay for Life. Tickets are priced at AED 100 for adults and AED 60 for children below 14 years. Further information about the event, how to donate funds and how to register, can be found at: http://focp.ae/relayforlifeuae/participate-form/

 2. Donate to support fundraising activities

If you haven’t already, set up a fundraising page on justgiving.com under RelayForLifeUAE. Funds are central to cancer research, cancer care and support, and people’s generosity throughout the UAE is what has been aiding FoCP to support cancer treatment’s financial aspects for over 3,500 people in the country. Your registration fees will also go into these funds.     

3. Share with your networks

Help FoCP publicise the fundraising activity for Relay for Life. Post your fundraising page by adding #RelayForLifeUAE , #مسيرة_لنحيا_الرياضية, #letsRelay on your social media accounts by and send emails to every single person you know

4.Volunteer

Take up the numerous volunteering opportunities to support the Relay for Life cause. Extend a helping hand to the numerous activities at the event, like taking care of the Tents, selling T-shirts, bringing in refreshments, etc., and make a lasting impact on humanity, participating through http://focp.ae/relayforlifeuae/volunteer/

 5. Take a moment to celebrate hope and light

Darkness is symbolic of the fear a patient feels when diagnosed. After sunset during the Relay for Life event, luminaria candle bags will be lit to remember those who we lost, celebrate survivors, and show those affected by cancer that they are not alone.   

6. Teach children the value of selfless support

Bring your children to Relay for Life, and open their eyes how the human community transcends every difference to come together in support of a cause. A Kids Zone at the event will feature art & craft, face painting, play areas, and more, so they can learn in a fun environment.

7. Enjoying the Relay for Life atmosphere and Festivities

When not walking, enjoy the lively Relay atmosphere and festivities, visiting team campsites, participate in games, activities, and have fun at the Relay Village.

8. Plan a gift

Through ‘Plan a Gift’, you can align your desire to give to charity with FoCP’s mission to alleviate the sufferings of cancer patients. This is your opportunity to make that special connection with society and bring a smile to the faces of those touched by cancer. FoCP will be passing your gifts to their beneficiaries at the Relay for Life event.

An opening ceremony, on Friday 17 November at 4pm. will mark the welcome of a significant cancer awareness initiative that spans almost 30 countries, into the UAE. The ceremony will highlight all that has been achieved by the Relay for Life initiative – celebrating all the lives that have been saved by it and the unshakable will of those who have been attached to Relay for Life.

A closing ceremony, on Saturday 18 November at 4pm, will wrap up the event, recognizing volunteers and the community that makes every Relay possible.

Relay for life is proud to be supported by generous partners; Platinum: Crescent petroleum and Bank of Sharjah, Gold: Petrofac, Bronze: RTS Investment.

By participating in Relay for Life, you will send out an important message not only to your family or your community, but the entire world that the fight against cancer is global. It is one of the most important things you will do this year, or perhaps in your whole life. So, come forward and celebrate the power of solidarity.