Racing for a cause: FOCP and Ghantoot Polo Club’s pioneering pact against Breast Cancer

• Aisha Al Mulla: The partnership is a new step in our efforts to expand our work and reach to raise community awareness on breast cancer.
• Khaled Al Marzouqi: Our shared commitment is to combat breast cancer and reduce infections through annual campaigns

In a concerted effort to bolster their strategic alliance — with a shared emphasis on promoting breast cancer awareness, advocating for regular screenings, and underscoring the significance of early detection in the fight against this disease — the UAE-based organisation, Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), has officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ghantoot Horse Racing and Polo Club.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), these collaborators will join forces in community-based endeavours aimed at amplifying awareness, showcasing cutting-edge treatment programs and technologies accessible within the UAE, and extending both financial assistance and emotional encouragement to patients as they navigate their treatment and recovery process.

As stipulated in the agreement inked by Aisha Al Mulla, Director of FOCP, and Khaled Al Marzouqi, Executive Director of the Ghantoot Horse Racing and Polo Club, the latter will play host to a Pink Caravan medical clinic for seven days, coinciding with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, widely known by the public as “Pink October.” This collaboration solidifies their commitment to providing accessible breast cancer screening services during this significant awareness month.

Commenting on the MoU, Aisha Al Mulla, Director of FOCP, said: “The partnership will broaden our initiatives and projects, allowing us to reach a larger audience and extend our support to more beneficiaries. It aims to enhance awareness of cancer risks. The MoU represents a new step towards expanding our work and objectives in rallying national efforts to combat breast cancer and mitigate its health, social, and economic consequences.

For his part, Khaled Al Marzouqi, Executive Director of the Ghantoot Horse Racing and Polo Club, said: “This memorandum reflects our shared commitment to combat breast cancer, and expand our annual campaigns, such as (Pink Polo). Under this agreement, we will also offer free early breast cancer detection tests through (the Pink Caravan) during the event and other awareness tours and events we host.”

As outlined in the MoU, FOCP will support the ‘Pink Polo’ event organised by the Ghantoot Horse Racing and Polo Club, by providing free breast cancer screenings and informative workshops to raise visitor awareness.”