Thousands join Pink Walkathon in Dubai

Thousands join Pink Walkathon in Dubai
By Sunita Menon, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS published: October 17, 2008

Dubai: Over 5,000 people from all walks of life were up at dawn on Friday to take part in the 5th BurJuman Pink 3.6km Walkathon to raise funds and awareness of the fight against breast cancer

BurJuman and its surroundings were dressed in pink, with happy people dancing to the rhythmic beat of Dubai drums.

The mood was upbeat as participants posed for photographs and rushed inside the mall to get registered for the walk. Some of them even brought along their pet dogs. Almost everyone sported pink ribbons. Thousands of pink balloons went up the air as the walk began at 8am.

Some of the participants said they lost friends and family members to breast cancer. “I am taking part for the first time in this walkathon. Last year I lost my beautiful wife Laura. She had breast cancer. We were together for 17 years. By taking part I wanted to do something for her. I am sure she will be very happy,” said Jim Collins, a Dubai resident.

Sabina Khandwani, Head of PR and Marketing of BurJuman, said the walkathon also serves to keep people updated on how to protect women from breast cancer.

“Breast cancer has evolved from a family-centric issue to one which affects businesses and the larger economy,” Khandwani said.

This year's Pink Walkathon was supported by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dubai Healthcare City, Barclays Bank, , MD Anderson Cancer Center, Johnson & Johnson, and Microsoft.