Dubai: A group of breast cancer survivors are raising funds for a Dubai-based support group by distributing specially crafted soya wax candles that can last up to 40 hours.
The bespoke scented candles are being made for Brest Friends, the first ever breast cancer support group in Dubai – founded by Dr. Houriya Kazim in 2006 – as part of their initiative to raise money for breast cancer treatment and research in the UAE.
In partnership with the Al Jalila Foundation, a Dubai charity, Brest Friends volunteers, fondly called ‘Candle Fairies’ aim to raise Dh150,000 by the end of October, a month dedicated to breast cancer awareness all over the world.
From left: Nihal Aboushousha, Katie Holmes, Emma Rymer, Dianna Tabbal, Sandra Naude and Lina El-Sharif. Zarina Fernandes/XPRESS
According to Nihal Aboushousha, project manager, Brest Friends, 70 per cent of the proceeds will go towards treatment costs for financially burdened patients in the UAE. The rest will be used for research on the disease that afflicts one in eight women around the world. She said Dh1 million was spent by the Al Jalila Foundation last year to treat breast cancer patients in the UAE.
The Candle Fairies have either had treatment or are undergoing treatment for cancer. “Their unwavering dedication to the cause is very touching,” said Aboushousha.
Birth of a cause
It was Elaine Callander, a former emergency room nurse in the UK and a survivor herself, who came up with the candle initiative over a cup of coffee with some friends about a year ago. “I was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and underwent a double mastectomy in February 2014. I knew then that I wanted to do something about it to help others – the candle initiative idea was thus born.
A breast cancer diagnosis is scary in itself for a woman, but having to additionally deal with the financial burden of it all can be devastating. One of my friends ran a candle company and we hit upon the idea of using candles for a cause,” said Callander who recently moved to Singapore but is still part of the campaign. Lina El-Sharif, a fellow breast cancer patient and volunteer with Brest Friends, said: “Last year, Elaine raised Dh34,000 all by herself. This year, having secured private funding, we started out aiming to make it bigger by bringing on board more survivors. The response has been overwhelming.”
Runaway success
Thanks to all the candle fairies, co-ordinating and distributing the candles, the campaign has become a huge hit having sold over 700 candles so far. “We are not selling the candles, but only giving them as a token of appreciation for the donation they are making towards Brest Friends,” said El-Sharif. Kathrin Rinner Baudy, owner of PURE Candles that makes the candles, said she has delivered 750 candles so far and will be finishing another 250 this week. “I am happy to be part of a cause that impacts women. I use different fragrances for my candles but for Brest Friends I have used 100 per cent pure natural soya wax,” said Baudy, who made 500 candles in 24 hours all by herself.
El-Sharif is all praise for Baudy who has not charged anything besides the material cost while meeting the high demand. “Her contribution to the campaign is huge. This could not have been possible without her hard work: No candles, no initiative.”
British Emma Rymer, American Dianna Tabbal and South African Sandra Naude are being hailed ‘wonder women’ as they have been on candle distribution overdrive.
“My mother had breast cancer and I have been getting mammograms done ever since I turned 40. Last year too I did one and the report came negative. But an ultra-sound, however, came positive. I want to do my bit to help raise awareness on the deadly cancer,” said Diana.
Average treatment cost for a breast cancer patient in the UAE
Chemotherapy
AC: Dh35,000 per session Minimum 16 sessions required
Taxol: Dh16,000 per session Minimum 17 sessions required
Herceptin: Dh17,000 per session. Minimum 16 sessions required
Surgery cost: Dh100,000
