ALHOSN University holding week-long breast cancer awareness campaign in cooperation with Pink Caravan

ALHOSN University, an Abu Dhabi–based private educational institution dedicated to ‘global knowledge with a local vision,’ is organizing a full week of fund-raising and educational events starting today (Sunday, October 23, 2011)_up to October 27 devoted to breast cancer awareness. The activities will focus on the importance of early detection and broader community awareness and support.

All fund raisers, including book and bake sales, a charity bazaar and an art competition, will be held at ALHOSN’s American Corner in the University campus in downtown Abu Dhabi. The American Corner will also host a series of educational events for females and show films emphasizing the value of early detection of breast cancer. All proceeds will be donated to Pink Caravan, a partner organization of the Friends of Cancer Patients Society.

Pink Caravan representatives will provide free mammogram screening to all ladies over 40 on October 27 in conjunction with Tawam Hospital’s mobile mammogram unit, which will be available in the female campus to all Abu Dhabi community members throughout the day. Pink Caravan’s medical team will also provide breast cancer detection examinations for females under 40. Community members are encouraged to learn more about early detection through on-going information sessions with Pink Caravan volunteers who will also sell merchandise to fund breast cancer awareness efforts in the UAE.

The public is also invited to visit the male cafeteria to enjoy a piece of awareness cake. The 3x2 meter pink-ribboned cake will be hand-decorated by male students and faculty as a show of support for early breast cancer detection in the Middle East.

Special invited guests will include the US Ambassador to the UAE, Michael H. Corbin, who will make his first visit to ALHOSN’s American Corner since his arrival to the United Arab Emirates in August of 2011.

“Breast cancer is the most common form of malignancy among women and the third leading cause of death in the UAE, and yet there is not enough awareness on this condition and the need for its early detection. A simple physical exam can spare women from a lot of suffering and even save lives so we want the community to take a more serious look at breast cancer. We also want to show our full support for Pink Caravan and other similar organizations that are working hard to help women who may be unaware that they already have this debilitating sickness,” said Ms. Huda Kindi, ALHOSN Student Alumni and Activities Coordinator at the American Corner of Abu Dhabi.

ALHOSN University’s week-long breast cancer awareness activities are scheduled as follows: Male Student Book & Bake Sale (October 23, 10:30am–6pm); Female Student Book & Bake Sale (October 24, 10:30am–6pm); Special Talk: A Survivor’s Story Documentary Film (October 25, 10:30am–12pm, 12–1:30pm, 4:30–6pm); Charity Bazaar (October 26, 10am–12pm, 2–4pm); Feature Film (12–1:30pm, 4:30–6pm); Free mammograms for 40+ females (9am–3pm); Free clinical exams for 40- females (10:30am–3pm); Ribbon cake ceremony (12–12:30pm).

All Abu Dhabi community members are welcome to attend the events. Women interested in availing of the free mammograms need to bring their passport and residence copy or their Emirates ID and two copies of their medical insurance.