(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP) has called on companies and institutions to join its 'I Deserve a Life' campaign during the holy month of Ramadan. The humanitarian initiative from the Sharjah-based patient and family support group aims to collect alms (zakat) from individuals and organisations to pay for treatment for cancer patients who cannot afford it.
To highlight the importance of the campaign, which runs until the end of Ramadan, FoCP teams visited a number of government authorities and private institutions in Sharjah. They also discussed with officials at the government organisations the Shariah laws that govern the initiative. Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, Director-General of FoCP, said: "The I Deserve a Life initiative aims to extend hope to cancer patients by covering the expensive medical treatment costs for those who lack financial means. All members of the community are humbly requested to join our efforts and maximise the number of beneficiaries of this important campaign." Dr Al Madhi stressed that donations will not be limited to companies and institutions, but will also be open to individuals. She pointed out that all segments of the Emirati community have reacted positively to the campaign during its previous three editions, revealing the generosity of citizens. She said that the high level engagement with the campaign reflects both the awareness within the community about cancer patients in the UAE and their willingness to help them as much as they can. Al Madhi clarified that donation to cancer patients can also be done throughout the year via different platforms. Supporters can give money by sending an SMS with the word 'Life' to 4425 (Etisalat or Du) to donate Dh10. Money can be deposited directly into FoCP's official bank account at the main branch of Sharjah Islamic Bank: 001-364854-0030 (International Bank Account Number 'IBAN': AE890410000030364854001) The Shariah law that governs the initiative is based on an official fatwa given by the Permanent Fatwa Committee in Sharjah. The declaration approved covering medical treatment costs of the poor and the deprived using the Zakat Fund under two conditions: firstly, that it is only used when patients cannot afford to pay the costs themselves and secondly, that the financial aid provided covers treatment only.