Global healthcare organisation Al Jalila Foundation recently celebrated a decade of supporting breast cancer patients through the 10th edition of #PINKtober. The community fundraising campaign is held every October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The campaign aims to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure – in 2024, the campaign raised over AED 2 million.
According to research, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, affecting 1 in 8 women in their lifetime. Studies also suggest that in the UAE, the average age of diagnosis is 10 years younger than in other parts of the world. These figures reinforce the importance of ongoing research and awareness efforts to keep pushing for medical advancements in order to save lives.
The #PINKtober campaign has helped raise over AED 15 million to support patient treatment and advance breast cancer research over the last decade. The Al Jalila Foundation’s A’awen patient treatment programme has helped patients through delivering medical assistance to those in need and focus on their recovery and wellbeing. This year, 423 breast cancer patients have been supported by the programme.
“We are immensely grateful to the people, the organisations and community, who in their great generosity have supported our #PINKtober campaign over the last decade through their donations, in-kind contributions, fundraising activities and acts of kindness,” said Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation.
“The impact of this campaign in transforming the lives of those in need is a testament to the power of togetherness and our community collaborations.”
Over the past decade, Al Jalila Foundation has partnered with a wide array of schools, fitness centres, hotels, restaurants, financial institutions and malls, who they have termed ‘Champions of Hope’, to help raise funds and spread hope to breast cancer patients and their families.
“Together, with our community partners, we are paving the way for a brighter future for those affected by breast cancer in our mission to transform the lives of our mothers, sisters, wives and friends”, said Dr. Amer Al Zarooni.
In 2021, Al Jalila Foundation established ‘Majlis Al Amal’ – a ‘cancer drop-in centre’ and the first of its kind community centre in the UAE dedicated to improving the wellbeing of women affected by cancer. Translating to ‘Hope Lounge’ in English, Majlis Al Amal offers cancer patients and survivors emotional, physical and social support in a safe, nurturing and supportive environment.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Al Jalila Foundation hosted a panel discussion featuring a line-up of speakers who shared stories of resilience and transformation. Lead by Hanadi El Imam, the panel included Dr. Amna Al Mehairi, Consultant Hematologist at Dubai Health, and members of Majlis Al Amal. Together, they highlighted the ‘healing power of community support’ and how it became a beacon of hope throughout their cancer journey.