ABU DHABI // A fund-raising drive to help Muslim cancer patients has begun across the country.
This year’s Zakat campaign by the Friends of Cancer Patients Society, or the FOCP, will help those who struggle to cover the cost of treatment for various types of cancer.
Last year, the society was able to support 169 patients suffering from breast cancer, leukaemia, lymphoma, and colorectal, thyroid, lung, oropharyngeal, prostate, bladder and brain cancers.
“Zakat has been a tremendous source of hope for thousands of cancer patients in the UAE who need support to get through this life-changing illness,” said Ameera bin Karam, president of the board of trustees and a founding member of the FOCP.
“We are eternally grateful for the significant contributions received and are appreciative of the concerned individuals and corporate houses for their generous donations to the Zakat campaign, allowing us to save more lives.”
Some of the costs covered by the initiative include medication – mainly chemotherapy and radiation – procedures done abroad, and the provision of prosthetic limbs and other medical equipment.
Each case is individually reviewed and approved in line with FOCP regulations and Zakat rules.
Donations can be made by texting ZAKAT to 4219 to donate Dh5, or 4425 to donate Dh10.
Zakat contributions can also be deposited directly into the FOCP’s Zakat bank account at the Sharjah Islamic Bank’s main branch in Sharjah.
The FOCP can also be contacted by phone at 06 506 5542.
Since it was launched 15 years ago, the society has helped 950 patients and families whose lives have been affected by cancer. It has also promoted awareness about the early detectable signs and symptoms.
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