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12th Annual Oil Barons Charity Ball Digs Deep to Support Friends of Cancer Patients
“Through Unwavering Help and Support, I Found Hope,” says Patient Receiving Treatment for Breast Cancer
ABU DHABI, UAE – 10 February 2015 – Donations can make a life-changing impact on cancer sufferers, potentially altering the course of their lives for the better, say cancer patients and experts from a UAE-based cancer charity.
Speaking on the Oil Barons Charity Ball, Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, Secretary General of Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP), said cancer sufferers across the UAE will benefit from the generosity and support of the oil and gas industry, as the 12th edition of the annual star-studded event once again prepares to raise funds for FoCP.
An initiative backed by the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), the Oil Barons Charity Ball is the highlight of the UAE's social calendar, bringing together prominent figures from the energy sector for an evening of five-star entertainment for a charitable cause. To date, the black-tie event has raised more than USD 2.1 million for FoCP over past editions.
That backing has helped the charity to support cancer patients and their families, including providing access to medical services, helping with financial issues, and giving moral support. FoCP has also launched numerous campaigns to raise awareness about detecting and treating cancer.
“Patients are at the heart of everything FoCP does, and we are committed to helping cancer patients and their families get through the long and arduous journey of cancer treatment,” said Dr Al Madhi. “Donations considerably facilitate our mission in improving the quality of life of cancer patients and their families, and minimizing the impact of cancer through providing financial support. We are grateful to Oil Barons Charity Ball team for their generous support to FoCP.”
Support FoCP provides for cancer patients includes covering treatment expenses for chemotherapy, radiation and other needed medications, in addition to expenses for investigative and surgical procedures including bone marrow transplants and prosthetic limbs.
FoCP also provides moral support, offering patients psychological consultations and Hajj and Umrah services, as well as helping with transportation and food allowance for underprivileged cancer patients, and helping to send patients abroad for specialized treatment.
“Friends of Cancer Patients supported me financially in my chemotherapy treatment. For me, FoCP gave me hope, as cancer is costly and treatment is very expensive, especially chemotherapy,” said Joan C. Guico, a breast cancer patient on treatment.
“I'm an expatriate mom with two children, and in my case, my salary would not be enough to cover my treatment costs. It was very important to have external support to take on part of the expenses. With FoCP, I was able to get help; I was able to get hope. I felt that there was someone who was ready to support me.”
“I believe donations are very important and essential for charities, and in turn for patients,” added Ms Guico. “We should help each other to be able to afford life with cancer.”
The Oil Barons' Charity Ball is held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture, Youth, and Social Development, and will take place on Friday, March 6 at The Meydan Hotel.
“The Oil Barons' Charity Ball allows the industry to give something back to the community, and helps inspire others to give more,” said Christopher Hudson, Senior Vice President, Energy at dmg events, organisers of ADIPEC. “The overwhelming generosity of the energy sector has allowed us to raise a huge amount of money for this extremely worthy cause and we hope it will continue to do so in the future.”
This year, the Oil Barons Charity Ball aims to break all previous records, welcoming up to 2000 guests, comprised of top-level oil and gas industry professionals and high-net-worth individuals. All proceeds from the event go directly to FoCP. More than 1,500 guests participated in the 11th edition of the Oil Barons Charity Ball held last year.
Headlining this year's entertainment is the award-winning lead female singer from M People, Heather Small, together with her talented band, as well as performances by soul singer Jae Franklin, and The Maplejacks.
Attendees will also have a chance to participate in live and silent charity auctions moderated by Dubai One presenter, Tom Urquhart, giving guests an opportunity to bid for an exciting line-up of items, including celebrity signed pieces and getaway packages
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