Participants gather to hear anecdotes of cancer survival, waving candles in solidarity Sharjah, 11 December 2022: Illuminated bags lit up the full moon night sky in honour and memory of those affected by cancer at the Relay for Life 2022 (RFL) on Saturday. Placed along the tracks at Kshisha Park in Al Rahmaniya, Sharjah, the bags had heartfelt messages written to loved ones, of hope, resilience and ultimate support. 2,500 participants, including 700 survivors, attended this year’s RFL, raising the slogan “Ready, Set, Live”. The relay, organised by UAE-based Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), had its flag-off at 4pm yesterday (December 10) and continued overnight with various sports, artistic, and musical events until its grand finale moment at 4pm on Sunday (December 11). Don't lose hope, Future is you, We miss you Mom, Be strong, Stay Hopeful, We are always by your side, Have faith, -- goes the long list of messages participants wrote on bags to support the biggest cancer fundraiser event in the world. The Luminaria event is held during the RFL every year as a passionate and moving tribute to those who have battled cancer, as well as a celebration of the strength and resilience of cancer survivors. Each luminaria bag is dedicated to a loved one or those who have been impacted by cancer, and serves as a symbol of hope and support for all those in attendance. Addressing an audience, Omar Hussam, who recently recovered from leukaemia, participated in the event, raising high morale among the audience. 'Hope and optimism are the light that illuminates life for us, and if hope is cut off from this world, life would end,” he said. He called on cancer fighters to expel despair from their hearts, as he did, and added: 'Be optimistic and smile at life to face the difficulties with determination to achieve themselves and always repeat within you, 'Yes, I can'.' Farah Emad, daughter of another breast cancer survivor said the most vital need in cancer care is hope and support. “My mother was diagnosed with stage two cancer during the Pink Caravan screening campaign in 2012 and it felt random as we had no family history of the condition. My siblings were still in school then and it hit hard on us, but thankfully, she has been cancer free for the past 10 years and is now one of the biggest advocates of early screening and detection,” she said. “Treatment alone is not enough and emotional support remains a big element in cancer recovery. My dad was my mother’s biggest supporter and her journey has brought us together as a family in surviving hardships and instilling love,” she added. Farah said that sharing experiences as caretakers of cancer patients is crucial in creating more awareness among people. “It can be an overwhelming experience and the knowledge that you are not alone in this journey is important. I consider my mother an icon of hope and resilience.” In addition to the Luminaria lighting ceremony, the event also featured live entertainment, food and drinks, and a number of fun and engaging activities for attendees of all ages. Proceeds from Luminaria bags will go towards providing vital assistance -- financial aid, emotional support, and access to essential medical services -- to cancer patients and their caretaking families. This includes financial aid, emotional support, and access to essential medical services.
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