The 24-hour Relay For Life (RFL) cancer walkathon is back for its second edition on November 22 and 23 at the American University of Sharjah, organized by UAE-based non-profit organization, Friends Of Cancer Patients (FOCP).
This unique walkathon is carried out in collaboration with American Cancer Society and is set to bring the community together for a global march dedicated to cancer prevention and treatment, in partnership with Bank of Sharjah, Crescent Petroleum and AUS.
Relay for Life was first held in 2017, amassing 2,500 people from all across the UAE to raise awareness and provide financial support to patients and their families.
The event aims to promote social responsibility. It provides an opportunity for thoughtful, committed citizens and residents in the UAE to be part of a worthy cause.
“We often overlook the ‘power of one’ to make a difference,” said Badr Al Juaidi, project manager for RFL.
“We need to remember that it was the action of one individual who undertook a 24-hour walking challenge in 1985 that changed the face of the fight against cancer forever. Walking at the UAE’s Relay For Life could be your chance to make that difference.”
“Participants are the heart and soul of any fund-raising initiative,” he added.
“Through participation in the RFL walkathon, you not only stand in solidarity with cancer patients and their families, you undeniably inspire others through your actions. It’s an opportunity to create a great sense of pride and togetherness among the community, and we call on everyone in the UAE and even across the MENA region to come together in solidarity and make RFL 2019 count.”
The initiative comes following grim findings by the World Health Organization (WHO), according to which, cancer afflicts one in five men and one in six women worldwide.
With cancer on the rise in the middle east, the fight against the disease needs to be fought together.
In order to register for the walkathon, participant can log on to: http://focp.ae/relayforlifeuae/participate-form/
Participants can sign up either as a full team comprising of two or more individuals, join an existing team, or individually. On-site registration can be done at the venue as well.
The registration fee for participants above the age of 13 is Dh25 and all proceeds will go towards supporting cancer patients, while those below 13 years can participate for free.
