Over 40 activities were held around the clock during Relay for Life, a cancer awareness marathon, including live band and DJ performances, comedy acts, poetry readings and storytelling sessions.
Sharjah - Cancer survivors, caregivers and others touched by the disease were asked to stand in turn, with each group receiving applause.
Published: Sat 18 Nov 2017, 7:00 PM
Last updated: Sun 19 Nov 2017, 7:49 AM
Having fun and celebrating life was the order of the day at the UAE Relay for Life 24-hour walkathon, the first ever event held in the MENA region.
The event, which started at 4pm on Friday and ran overnight Saturday, raised awareness and funds for the fight against cancer through a continuous walk around the athletics track at American University of Sharjah (AUS).
Organised by Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP), the non-profit organisation that supports cancer patients and their families, the inaugural event attracted the participation of more than 2,000 'relayers'; with support from 52 schools, six universities, eight partners, 37 government and private institutions, and 67 cancer survivors.
Over 40 activities were held around the clock during Relay for Life, including live band and DJ performances, comedy acts, poetry readings and storytelling sessions. There was American football, golf, bubble soccer and jousting, while the most junior members of the family enjoyed bouncy castles, games, arts and crafts sessions, face-painting, movies and a soft play area.
Adults could sweat it out at the boot camp and with the power stretching, Zumba and core express exercises on offer, or take more relaxed options with spinning classes, Pilates and yoga.
However, a period of quiet reflection created a temporary pause in the fun and laughter, during the Relay for Life Luminaria ceremony, a special observance commemorated loved ones lost to cancer as well as honoured those who have survived the disease. It was the major activity during the day-long cancer awareness programme.
Cancer survivors, caregivers and others touched by the disease were asked to stand in turn, with each group receiving applause. Illuminated candles were then placed around the track perimeter, each one in memory of a loved one who had died from the disease or to celebrate someone who had defeated it.
It culminated in a Luminaria lap of honour from the participants.
'Why I am glad I had cancer'
"I am glad that I had cancer - it was God's way of letting me share a positive story with other people." That was the inspirational message given by Aalya Losloso, a Philippines national and cancer survivor.
Addressing an audience at the 'Survivors' Tent,' Aayla said that positivity was something that was vitally important for those facing cancer. She also expressed her view that the support from her employer was fundamental in her personal battle with the disease.
"My advice to those who have cancer is to try not to get stressed, as the more stressed you are the more the cancer cells will multiply. I am now cancer-free for nine years."
KT Nano Edit
Together we can
Raising awareness about cancer is important, and is the first step in the fight against the killer disease. The second is to provide funds for research that could come up with a cure. In the race of life, it's vital to stop and support a worthy cause. Your life, that of your family and millions of others could depend on it. Together as a community we can defeat cancer.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
