Two Emirati women are gearing up to launch a breast cancer awareness drive with the backing of the Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor Foundation (KAHF). The campaign, under the title ‘Hope’, led by Noora Al Habtoor and Mariam Al Mazrooei, aims to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. The official launch of the initiative will be at a VIP event at The Bentley Café & Boutique on Monday 31 October 2016.
The event will start at 6:30pm and will see influential speakers address an exclusive audience about the initiative. There will also be a charity auction to raise funds for the campaign to help breast cancer sufferers and survivors in the United Arab Emirates.
Some of the items to be auctioned include a watch by Swiss watchmaker Hublot, tickets to experience the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix, exclusive entry to the McLaren Automotive Hospitality Suite at the November Grand Prix, 2-day complimentary hire of a McLaren 570s, and Bentley merchandise including a Bentley Continental Saddle handbag.
The women behind the initiative are Noora Mohammed Al Habtoor, granddaughter of well-known UAE businessman and philanthropist Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, and Mariam Abdullah Al Mazrooei, wife of Ahmad Al Habtoor, CEO, Al Habtoor Motors. Noora, who recently joined the Al Habtoor Group, studied psychology and is an advocate for corporate social responsibility.
Noora Al Habtoor said, “It is important for corporations to tackle issues like breast cancer, and not push them under the table. We got the support to launch ‘Hope’ via the Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor Foundation to highlight the importance of companies helping to educate people about breast cancer. Early detection of the disease is key to prevention, and to saves lives.”
She added, “There are many possible risks and causes of breast cancer, including age, family history and lifestyle. Hope is designed to help alert people to the risks and mitigate them. Giving back is ingrained in our family, and I am part of a new generation of Habtoor’s that want to build on this.”
Mariam Al Mazrooei, a supporter for female empowerment and the role of women in society and their economic impact, commented, “Through Hope we aim to show the community that businesses care about women in the UAE, and to help get rid of the stigma attached to breast cancer. Sufferers not only have to deal with the physical and physiological aspects of the disease, but they also feel isolated. We want to help get rid of the negative aspects of cancer diagnosis. This is why we launched Hope.”
She added, “Emirati women play a big role in community. They are role models for the rest of region.”