'Our aunt died of the disease'

Abu Dhabi - Hammoudeh family of two brothers and two sisters participated in the campaign for the seventh year running.

The last leg of this year's Pink Caravan Ride concluded on Friday here at Yas Island as the riders marched on to the island. The 'Pink Strides' walkathon was held at Zayed Sports City leading to the closing ceremony. It was massive participation of people as the seventh chapter was written.
Hammoudeh family of two brothers and two sisters participated in the campaign for the seventh year running. It was an interesting turn of events that led to their participation in the first edition.
Mohammad Musa Hammoudeh, Ahmad, Arab and Sarah had read about the first edition of the ride in a newspaper and cancelled their overseas trip to be part of the campaign. Mohammad, Arab and Sarah are all medical students from Dubai.
"Pink Caravan managed to combine our two interests - horse riding and charity. This is a very relevant and noble cause because the number of breast cancer patients is rising and early detection is the best way to know if you are safe or not," Mohammad, a dental student, said. "Arab said: "Our aunt died because the disease was diagnosed late. It was very traumatising," she said minutes after finishing her ride.
Sarah said the Pink Caravan has grown over the years.
"Earlier when we used to tell people about screening, they were scared but now the mindset is changing. Now whole community is accepting, which shows the awareness drive is working. This encourages us as riders. We have dedicated our lives to give hope to others and this campaign is the perfect way to do that."
"At the health camps here they teach you how to do self-detection tests at home. Such steps can help saving lives," he said.
Then there were those like Wally Regouin, a mother of three kids, who took to saddle for the first time.
"I feel very blessed to have joined this very important cause. Too many women die from breast cancer and such initiatives are a great thing. Women on horses will attract the attention and help convey the message in the best way. I had a wonderful ride and people cheered all the way" "
I do it to be there early. It is very important. The chances of survival are very high," Wally said.
On the tenth day of medical clinics, there were 511 screenings, including 100 locals and 411 expats who underwent 139 mammograms, 354 regular screenings and 27 ultrasounds.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com