The third annual Pink Caravan Ride 2013, an initiative of the Friends of Cancer Patients charity (FoCP), will start tomorrow. The pan-UAE trek, which will run till February 12, aims to spread awareness on the importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer. In addition to the ride undertaken by horses, riders, Pink Caravan ambassadors and members of the royal families, the campaign also includes a mobile mammography unit as well as numerous screening days hosted by clinics across the country. The campaign is steadily putting the final organisational elements in place, under Shaikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah; Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Founder and Royal Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients Charitable Organisation (FoCP), for what promises to be the ride’s most successful edition yet. Ameera bin Karam, President of the Board of Trustees and a founding member of FoCP, said: “Shaikh Sultan has always been supportive of various humanitarian campaigns and initiatives that meet the people’s health, well-being and social needs. We are proud of the direct support of Shaikh Sultan and the care that Shaikha Jawaher imparts to the Pink Caravan and Shaikh Sultan’s keenness to attend the launch of the Pink Caravan Ride for the third consecutive year, encouraging participants and volunteers, providing them with motivational and moral support for the 2013 ride.” “We are very proud with what the Pink Caravan committees have achieved so far. We are ready for the 2013 Pink Caravan Ride, with over 100 riders who have passed their proficiency tests ready to start the journey with us, accompanying 24 members of the medical team. The 2013 Pink Caravan Ride aims to achieve 5,000 quality screenings during the 10-day ride with increased emphasis on education and changing the current misconceptions about breast cancer,” she said. As part of the intensive preparations, the Pink Caravan’s Organising Committee held a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the latest preparations. The meeting, which formed part of the Pink Caravan’s intensive preparations for the ride, was attended by FoCP President Ameera binKaram; Head of Event committee, Reem binKaram; Pink Caravan Project Manager, Lize De Jonge; Head of Medical and Awareness committee Dr Sawsan Al Madhi; Head of Public Relations and Media committee Vian Al Shwani; and Head of the Equine and Rider committee Abdulwahid Aljeaidi. Also in attendance were Head of the Wellness and Nutrition committee Zena Habi, as well as Cecile Guillemot, who is heading the Development and Innovation Programme, and Nouri Othman Agha, who is charged with the stables. BinKaram went on to stress the importance of community involvement, stating that “The success that Pink Caravan has achieved thus far would not have been possible without the dedication of our committed volunteers. The logistics involved in organising an event of this magnitude is considerable and I want to thank all of the municipality and police departments in all the seven emirates for their support and collaboration.” From KhaleejTimes