As part of its ongoing commitment to support cancer patients and their families throughout the year, the UAE-based non-profit organisation, Friends of Cancer Patients, FoCP, organised a special Ramadan Iftar event including a banquet and a variety of entertainment activities at Swissotel Al Ghurair, Dubai.

The event was attended by the well-known influencer Aseel Omran and Anas Bukhash, Member of FoCP’s Board of Directors. Marking the 10th year of the event with the attendance of 150 patients and their families, the annual iftar was held as part of the moral support initiative, "Color my World" a continuous FoCP programme dedicated to increasing patient-focused events, including performances, sports, games and practical workshops throughout the year. It provides an opportunity for cancer patients to meet and connect with one another, building unity, raising hope and reinforcing a positive attitude.

The Ramadan iftar programme had a variety of segments that made it a huge success, starting with an FoCP introductory speech by Amel al Mazmi, FOCP Beneficiary Support Manager, followed by Dr. Naima Al Ali, who spoke about the psychological effect of helping cancer patients and how it influences individuals on a spiritual level and Dr. Maryam Abdullah who conducted a meditation session for the guests, with some breathing exercises and techniques.

Sawsan Jafar, Chairperson of the Board of Directors at FoCP, said, "Celebrating the Holy Month of Ramadan provides an ideal opportunity to bring families together, help them build relationships, share their experiences and support each other in what can sometimes appear to be a very isolated environment. "Through our annual iftar event, we want to highlight the vital importance of a positive outlook and its tangible effect on the health of cancer patients. FoCP recognises that the families of patients are also in great need of support and we want to know that they are not alone; they are among friends who understand their own pain as well as the patients they care for."

The iftar event coincides with FoCP’s sixth "I Deserve a Life" Zakat Ramadan Campaign to support cancer patients who find it difficult to afford treatment. Over the past three years, donations have increased by more than 100 percent, resulting in a total of more than AED4 million being raised, supporting 766 patients. The donations will be used to cover costs of vital treatment such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy and cover the expense of care from the early stages of cancer to surgical procedures, and even the provision of prosthetic limbs and medical equipment.

© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2018.