Cancer survivors gather in Abu Dhabi to celebrate beating disease

Adults and children, Emirati and expatriate alike, came together to celebrate overcoming what had been the hardest chapter in their lives.

Cancer survivor Mansoor Al Nuaimi, 6, is honoured at the Positive Cancer Foundation event in Abu Dhabi. Christopher Pike / The National

ABU DHABI // Thirty cancer survivors gathered in the capital on Friday night to celebrate their beating the disease.

Adults and children, nationals and expatriates alike, displayed their solidarity at I Am Hero, an event organised by the Positive Cancer Foundation.

Two survivors described their ordeal to the audience at the Grand Millennium Hotel.

Breast cancer survivor Ayesha Huwaireb said she initially did not want to address the shocking news about her health.

After treatment abroad, however, she was now cancer free and had a message.

“I am thankful to be back home after a long trip abroad. Allah has bestowed on me a new life, a new chance,” she said.

“This is an eye-opener, to look out and watch for our loved ones, family and children. This is when we change our food, thoughts and lifestyle to realise what needs to be done to keep disease away.”

Expat Deborah Stevens showed the audience pictures from her battle with the disease and explained her sadness during that time.

She praised the role family and friends had played throughout her treatment.

“We are suffering and forget families and friends who suffer with us. We forget how they were hurt, too,” said Ms Stevens who was able to attend her daughter’s wedding following her treatment.

After beating cancer a “new you” emerges, she said. “You are changed, free.”

Amal Al Hadabi, chairman of the Positive Cancer Foundation, said the event was organised to mark and celebrate survival.

“We celebrate the survivors today and the importance of positivity through the journey by family and hospital representatives who assisted the patients in their treatment. I thank all who helped with the initiative,” she said.

A mother of two boys, Abdul Momin, 8, and Mohammed Ayan, 5, spoke at the gathering.

Her eldest son had suffered from thalassemia and his brother donated his bone marrow.

“Mashalla and Alhamdullilah, they don’t need treatment anymore. They were treated in London after having received treatment at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City,” the Pakistani said.

S A said she heard of the event and decided to attend to celebrate along with the survivors.

“I lost a friend to cancer and being here today, seeing how happy everyone is, especially the children, took away some of the sadness in my heart over my loss,” she said.

Dubai’s summer mascot, Modhesh, also visited the children and put on a show for guests.

A singer persuaded the children to accompany him about hope and working hard to reach a goal.