UAE - The Pink Caravan Ride's fixed clinics have offered 3,760 free check-ups and breast screenings across the UAE since February 16, said the organisers, adding that this included 3,219 women and 541 men.

The 10th edition of the ride that started its 10-day journey in Sharjah on Wednesday is aiming to deliver more than 10,000 free checkups alongside promoting awareness about the fact that 98 per cent breast cancers are treatable if detected early, which is why regular screenings are key.

The ride's youngest ambassador of awareness and hope in the UAE, volunteering rider Sheikha Azza bint Khaled bin Saqer Al Qasimi, aged 9, said she's been horse riding since she was four, and likes to ride for the Pink Caravan Ride because its full of "friendly people and something new every year."

Accompanying young Azza were a group of young boys and girls, including Sheikh Sultan bin Khaled bin Saqer Al Qasimi and 13-year-old Sheikha Alia bint Khaled bin Saqer Al Qasimi, who has been participating in the ride since 2017.

Sheikha Alia said this campaign has taught her that one's goals cannot be attained overnight. "Patience and perseverance are key for attaining long-term results. We aim to continue spreading awareness and want to take the stories of survivors and their families to others."

The campaign's equine awareness route was led by 10 male and female volunteering riders, who tracked 11.2km across the emirate of Sharjah on Wednesday.

Azza Zaatar, a 48-year-old Sharjah resident who works as a journalist, has been undergoing regular screenings for the past six years and has availed Pink Caravan's free checkups for three years, including this time when she underwent her checkup at the Pink Caravan permanent mobile clinic. Even though Azza doesn't have a history of breast cancer in her family, she said all women should get themselves screened.

The Sharjah World Book Capital 2019 Monument, 'The Scroll', will be glowing in the awareness campaign's special hue of pink throughout the duration of the ride.

Among the 695 people PCR consulted on day 1, were 190 men and 505 women.


Day 3: Pink Caravan schedule


Friday, February 28

The caravan will be heading to Dubai today. The equines will map 5km starting at Gate Avenue DIFC and ending at the Dubai Boulevard.

Three daily clinics for men and women will be set up at Zaabeel Park, Mamzar Park and Dragon Mart.

Two clinics at Town Centre Jumeirah and Kite Beach will be serving women exclusively.

PCR's mobile clinic will also be stationed at the Kite Beach from 2pm-10pm.

The fixed clinic in Dubai Festival City Mall will be offering free medical consultations and screenings until March 6, 4pm-10 pm.

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