There are few people in the world today who have not been affected by cancer in one way or another.
With one in two now contracting the disease throughout their lifetime, we will inevitably either know someone close to us who has cancer or, unfortunately, contract it ourselves. The figures are stark, and the reality is that there is still no cure for the disease, but there is hope. With advanced research and new science, so many more are surviving, and early diagnosis is making the disease much more manageable for so many people, but the financial and emotional burdens surrounding those affected by cancer can be great and difficult to manage. Friends of Cancer Patients was set up in 1999 in the UAE to help with the devastating effects cancer can have on those with the disease and those close to them. Leading its vision is
Aisha Al Mulla, whose work has helped thousands of families and individuals over the last two decades. The organisation’s work is crucial help helping those in need. Here, we find out more about the work the organisation is doing and what you can do to help or perhaps benefit from your own help.
Tell us about Friends of Cancer patients and its vision.
Since 1999, Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) has been dedicated to alleviating the financial and emotional burdens faced by cancer patients and their families. Founded under the directives and patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, FOCP aims to promote awareness about early detectable forms of the disease and ensure patients and survivors receive compassionate care and support.
Our mission is rooted in the belief that no one should face the challenges of cancer alone, and that together, we can create a future where cancer is prevented, treated, and overcome with dignity, resilience, and hope.
Why was it important for you to be part of this organisation?
At FOCP we believe that every individual, regardless of their financial situation, deserves equal access to quality cancer care and support. Being part of this organisation allows me to channel my passion for making a tangible difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families. It is a privilege for us to be able to support those on their healing journey and provide them with the resources and empowerment they need to overcome any challenges. Knowing that we can contribute towards our mission to be a ray of hope and a source of strength for those facing the devastating impact of cancer is what drives me to give my all to this organisation. I am inspired by the resilience and courage of patients and their families, as well as the strength survivors have shown, and I am committed to being an ally in their fight against this disease.
What are some of the biggest achievements of the organisation so far?
I am immensely proud of the numerous milestones we have achieved in our mission to support cancer patients and their families in the UAE. In 2023 alone, we provided financial support to hundreds of patients and allocated over AED7.2 million to cover treatment expenses, and I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those in our community of supporters and donors who made this a reality. Through our digital channels, we engaged with over 10.3 million individuals, creating widespread awareness, and provided 17,223 free breast cancer screenings to champion early detection.
Our annual Ramadan campaign, which includes iftar meals, support group gatherings, and the distribution of care packages, brings joy and relief to our patients, emphasising that no one should face this battle alone. Additionally, our annual Zakat campaign raised AED 5.3 million to cover treatment expenses, reinforcing the UAE’s united stand against cancer and inspiring further contributions.
I am particularly proud of our innovative approaches to cancer awareness and early detection, such as our mobile screening clinic that travels across the UAE, empowering individuals to take charge of their health. These efforts have saved countless lives through early intervention, showcasing the impact we can achieve through community collaboration.
What would you still like to achieve?
Our aspirations for FOCP are boundless, and I am committed to continuing to expand our reach and impact across the UAE, to ensure that every cancer patient has access to comprehensive support and resources. By strengthening our partnerships with healthcare providers, research institutions, and government entities, we can enhance cancer care and support networks.
We aspire to advocate for improved policies, increased funding for research, and greater access to cutting-edge treatments, working towards a future where cancer is no longer a life-threatening diagnosis but a manageable condition that can be overcome with the right support and resources.
We know that today, so many people’s lives are affected by cancer – what message of support would you give to those who have been personally touched by the disease?
You are not alone in this battle.
To the incredibly strong cancer warriors, please hear me when I say that FOCP is here to walk alongside you, to provide the care, resources, and emotional support you need to heal and thrive. Your journey may be filled with challenges, but I want you to remember that you are stronger than cancer. Together, we will fight this disease with unwavering courage and resilience.
I have seen the incredible strength and determination of our patients and their families, and the monuments of triumph that are our survivors. Your stories of bravery inspire me every single day, and they remind me of the power of hope, community, and the human spirit. When the road ahead seems dark and uncertain, I want you to know that we are here to be your beacon of light.
To those who have been personally touched by cancer, please know that you have an entire community of supporters who are rooting for your success. We see your strength, we honour your resilience, and we are committed to ensuring that you never have to face this battle alone. Take each day as it comes, celebrate the small victories, and know that FOCP is here to provide the care, resources, and compassion you need to overcome this challenge.
What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role today?
As the pace of life accelerates and habits evolve, we have witnessed a concerning rise in the number of cancer patients seeking our support. This poses a significant challenge as we strive to ensure that we can provide the best possible care and resources to as many cases as possible, ensuring that no one is left behind. We also aim to adopt a holistic approach, understanding that healing extends beyond medical treatment alone.
This magnifies our responsibility as the number of patients in need continues to grow, requiring us to constantly innovate and expand our capabilities to meet the increasing demand. Despite these challenges, we remain strong in our commitment to providing the highest quality of care and support to every individual who comes to us for help. We are continuously exploring new ways to streamline our processes, leverage technology, and collaborate with partners to ensure that we can reach and support as many people as possible.
Tell us how the work of the organisation has changed lives.
When I reflect on the work we do at FOCP, I am humbled and inspired by the profound impact we have had on the lives of cancer patients and their families. Each story, each triumph, each moment of hope restored is a testament to the power of compassion, support, and unwavering determination.
Since our inception, FOCP has been a companion on the healing journeys of thousands of individuals, walking alongside them through the darkest of days and celebrating the brightest of victories. Our awareness campaigns and early detection efforts have been truly transformative, empowering people to take charge of their health and catch this formidable disease in its earliest stages.
I have witnessed firsthand the incredible transformation that can occur when someone is given the resources, the support, and the courage to face cancer head-on. Patients who were once overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty have blossomed into resilient warriors, determined to beat the odds and live life to the fullest. Their stories of strength, courage, and triumph inspire me every single day, reminding me of the power of community and the unbreakable human spirit.
Through our comprehensive support programmes, we have had the privilege of restoring hope, confidence, and a renewed sense of normalcy to those affected by this disease. We have seen individuals who were once consumed by the weight of their diagnosis rediscover their passions, reconnect with their loved ones, and reclaim their lives with a newfound sense of purpose and resilience.
How can readers become involved in the work you’re doing and help others in need?
When it comes to the work we do at FOCP, I firmly believe that every single person has the power to make a profound difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. Whether it’s through volunteering, fundraising, or simply spreading awareness, there are countless ways for our community to get involved and become part of the solution.
Participating in our events is an impactful way for our readers to get involved. From awareness campaigns to fundraising initiatives, these gatherings are opportunities to raise your voice, lend your support, and directly contribute to the well-being of cancer patients and their families. By coming together as a community, we can amplify our message, expand our reach, and create a ripple effect of hope and resilience that knows no bounds.
Of course, financial contributions are also crucial in enabling FOCP to continue our life-changing work. I would encourage our readers to explore the various donation channels available on our website and social media platforms, knowing that every single dirham they contribute is a lifeline for someone in need.
But beyond these tangible ways of getting involved, I believe that the most powerful contribution our readers can make is to spread awareness and share our message. By talking about the work we do, by advocating for early detection and prevention, and by lending your voice to the fight against cancer, you can help us reach more people, inspire more action, and create a future where no one faces this battle alone.
What is the biggest reward you get from your role?
The biggest reward is witnessing the incredible resilience and strength of our patients as they navigate their healing journeys, as well as the determination of my team. Seeing the positive impact of our work, and knowing that we have played a role in restoring hope and empowering those affected by cancer, is truly humbling and gratifying.
But the rewards go beyond this, It’s the little moments – the smiles, the laughter, the expressions of gratitude – that truly fill my heart with joy and purpose. When a patient tells me that our support has made all the difference in their battle, or when a family member expresses their heartfelt appreciation for the care and compassion we have shown them, it reminds me of why I do this work.
Being part of someone’s healing journey is a privilege that I don’t take lightly. To be entrusted with the care and well-being of those facing the greatest challenges of their lives is a responsibility that I approach with the utmost dedication and compassion. Knowing that I can be a source of strength, a beacon of hope, and a steadfast ally for our patients and their families is what drives me to give my all, day in and day out. As the Director of FOCP, I am honoured to be a part of this journey, and I am committed to continuing to uplift, empower, and support those affected by cancer for years to come.
What’s the hardest part of what you do?
We fight tirelessly for every single patient, pouring our hearts and souls into ensuring they receive the best possible care and support. But sometimes, cancer emerges victorious, despite our unwavering efforts. These heartbreaking moments remind us of the gravity of our mission and the urgent need to continue our fight against this disease.
While it is undoubtedly difficult to witness the loss of a patient, it strengthens our resolve to provide the best possible care and support to those in need, and to never give up in the face of adversity. We honour the memory of those we have lost by redoubling our efforts, advocating for improved treatments and policies, and working towards a future where no one has to face the devastating consequences of this disease. Our patients and their families are in our hearts always, and their courage and resilience continue to inspire us to fight on.
In this issue, we are talking about Emirati Women’s Day – what does this day mean to you?
As an Emirati woman myself, this day is a powerful reminder of the pioneering achievements and invaluable contributions of women who have paved the way for future generations. This day shines a bright light on the success stories of our mothers, sisters, and daughters – the trailblazers, the innovators, the visionaries – who have defied expectations, and shattered glass ceilings, and inspired us all to dream bigger and reach higher. It is a testament to the resilience, strength, and unparalleled spirit of Emirati women, who have proven time and time again that we are a force to be reckoned with.
As we continue our journey in this world towards equality, empowerment, and the realisation of our full potential, it is a reminder that we must support and uplift one another, to break down barriers, and to create a future where women are celebrated, respected, and given the opportunity to thrive.
Who is a woman that inspires you?
My mother is the woman who has inspired me the most throughout my life. She has instilled in me the deep passion for helping others since my earliest days, and she continues to be my rock of strength and supporter. I am the woman I am today because of her guidance, wisdom, and unconditional love, and she is a true role model.
What’s the professional motto that you live by?
“Making a meaningful difference in the lives of the community and the people we serve.” This guiding principle drives me to approach each day with the determination to empower those affected by cancer, restoring hope, and creating positive, lasting change. It is a constant reminder that the work we do at FOCP is not just a job, but a calling – a mission to uplift, support, and empower those who are facing the greatest challenges of their lives. This motto keeps me grounded, focused, and dedicated to ensuring that every single person we encounter feels seen, heard, and supported on their journey. It reminds me that every small act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every resource we provide has the power to transform lives and create a ripple effect of hope and resilience throughout our community.
