Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education, treatment and research, announced today that it has received AED 100,000 donation from Dhamani for the proceeds from the DPINK collection created with the most sought after pink diamonds in the world, Argyle pinks. The initiative to mark the ‘Year of Giving’ saw Dhamani pledge 5% of the entire year’s sales of the exclusive pink diamonds to Al Jalila Foundation to support breast cancer treatment and research.

It is estimated that one in eight women will develop breast cancer, making it the most common cancer among women. In the UAE the average age of diagnosis of breast cancer is 10 years younger than elsewhere in the world. The high prevalence of breast cancer reinforces the critical need for medical research and improved treatment to combat the disease and ultimately, save lives.

Sulaiman Baharoun, Director of Partnerships & Sustainability of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Dhamani is a long term supporter of our ‘Brest Friends’ program which provides treatment for breast cancer patients and funds breast cancer research in the UAE. We count on the support of our partners to advance medical research to improve patients’ lives and we are most grateful to Amit Dhamani and Dhamani Family for their generosity and dedication to a cause that affects millions of women around the world.”

Amit Dhamani, CEO and Managing Director of Dhamani, said: “We are honoured to work with the Al Jalila Foundation for this innovative initiative to mark the UAE Year of Giving. Philanthropy is as important to the Dhamani family as it is for the leadership of the UAE, and we are always delighted to support. This is a tremendous opportunity to play a vital role in the UAE’s humanitarian approach.”

The Dhamani brand has been adding a brilliant sparkle to the lives of its clients for more than forty-five years, offering the finest quality jewels set in world-class designs. The premium brand satiates the appetite of contemporary and luxury-loving connoisseurs from across the globe through intricately crafted jewellery.

Since inception, Al Jalila Foundation has invested more than AED 5 million to fund 7 breast cancer research studies and provide quality medical care and treatment to 26 patients in the UAE as part of its efforts to improve lives through medical innovation.

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, celebrates Zayed Humanitarian Day by recognising the contributions from the community to support life-saving treatment to children in the UAE.

The Year of Zayed commemorates 100 years since the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, whose timeless legacy and values of compassion, giving and volunteerism are honoured and continuously celebrated. Al Jalila Foundation, through its A’awen program, echoes the vision of Sheikh Zayed by providing support, medical treatment and care to patients in the UAE who are unable to afford quality treatment. Since its inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has supported 467 patients from 36 nationalities, including 190 children, and invested AED 34 million to provide relief to patients who have suffered a number of chronic illnesses and life-threatening conditions. The treatment costs for patients, newborn to 90 years of age, have ranged from to AED 20,000 to AED 250,000 per individual.

In its efforts to be a leader in medical innovation, Al Jalila Foundation works closely with healthcare partners to develop special treatment programs that meet the needs of patients. Farah, happiness in Arabic, is the Foundation’s paediatric treatment program which has helped many young patients: from life-saving heart surgeries to cochlear implant or prosthetic limbs, all have be given a fresh start in life after receiving special care by some of the best medical providers and physicians in the region.

Her Excellency Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Member of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “In line with Sheikh Zayed’s vision of prosperity for the nation, at Al Jalila Foundation we believe that every child should have the chance of a happy, healthy life. Through our healthcare programs we sponsor some of the best medical treatment in the world and invest in vital research to eliminate illnesses in the future. It is with great pride and gratitude to our nation’s leaders, donors and the community that we mark this Zayed Humanitarian Day, in the Year of Zayed, and pledge our continued commitment to transform lives in the UAE.”

Al Jalila Foundation relies solely on the funding of donors and since inception has maintained strong partnerships who support Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and vision. Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) is one of the distinguished financial institutions and longstanding partners who has generously dedicated funds to the A’awen program to offer hope and healing to patients in need.

Abdul Razzaq Al Abdullah, Head of Community Services Department, Dubai Islamic Bank said: “Dubai Islamic Bank is a long term supporter of Al Jalila Foundation and we are honored to be able to support the Foundation’s mission to make a difference in people’s lives. Our contributions demonstrate the pioneering role of Dubai Islamic Bank to serve the UAE community to lead happier lives.”

DIB’s support echoes the values of the Year of Zayed as announced by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to foster and strengthen a sense of social responsibility across the public and private sectors, in addition to developing the spirit of volunteering and service to the nation.

A number of philanthropists and corporates have supported Al Jalila Foundation’s A’awen program namely Easa Al Gurg Charity Foundation; Khalifa Juma Al Nabooda; Dubai Islamic Bank; Sharjah Islamic Bank; Emirates Islamic Bank; Commercial Bank of Dubai; among others.

Al Jalila Foundation has launched the first Glamour for Good initiative bringing together four ladies – Fina, Marwa, Sarah and Sharifa – with various health conditions for a full day of luxurious pampering and red carpet treatment at Palazzo Versace Dubai. The initiative complements the medical treatment program, A’awen, to spread hope and happiness to patients who have been affected by chronic illness and other serious medical conditions.

Glamour for Good was supported by Palazzo Versace Dubai who provided a 3 bedroom luxury residence for the day which began with a visit to The SPA where the ladies were treated to massages and facials followed by lunch at the acclaimed Vanitas restaurant. The afternoon was dedicated to hair styling, manicures and pedicures provided by Sisters Beauty Lounge. Makeup artist Laure Sejean gave the ladies a full makeover with beauty products sponsored by Kat Von D, Marc Jacobs and Caudalie. The ladies were styled by Marianne Azhari from True Reflections and dressed in beautiful garments sponsored by So Chic, Alanoud Badr, Nadine Chammas, Nadia Saleh and abayas by NM Boutique. The entire day was documented and each lady was treated to a special photoshoot by the talented Uschi Irani.

Ayesha Shahdad, head of A’awen treatment program at Al Jalila Foundation, said: “With the support of our partners and donors we are able to offer life transforming treatment to patients. Our patients come from all walks of life, nationalities and backgrounds and have gone through some traumatic experiences due to their medical conditions and, all too often, life’s indulgences have been pushed aside. Through the Glamour for Good initiative we are thrilled to give these courageous women the extra special care and attention they deserve, offering them a distraction from their daily cares and the chance to enjoy a day of luxurious pampering.”

The ladies concluded the day enjoying afternoon tea in Mosaico in the opulent hotel lobby lounge. All were styled from head to toe in couture and wearing exquisite jewellery on loan from Damas with a total value of AED 300,000. As an extra special treat, Damas surprised each of the ladies with a gift of the Al Jalila Foundation ‘Key of Hope’, a beautiful limited edition pendant created exclusively for Al Jalila Foundation.

It was a day of friendship, happiness and renewed hope. Sharifa, who was bed ridden for several years before her knee replacement exclaimed “My life has changed with the support from Al Jalila Foundation; I am living my life without limitation now and I really enjoyed this special day.” Individually the ladies expressed their appreciation for the beautiful day of pampering even remarking: “I felt like a princess for a day.” said Fina who has suffered from debilitating rheumatism most of her life. “I was overwhelmed with the love and support from everyone” said Marwa who had undergone treatment after a recent heart transplant. Sarah, a breast cancer survivor, remarked “The very generous gift we received from Damas at the end of the day was a true symbol of hope and positivity for the future.”

Through Glamour for Good, Al Jalila Foundation hopes to give patients the opportunity to tell their stories, to be celebrated for their courage in the face of adversity and the chance to inspire others going through health challenges. Al Jalila Foundation, through its A’awen program, has supported over 432 patients including 125 women affected by a number of chronic illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and other serious health conditions.

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, today celebrated Brest Friends 13th anniversary acknowledging the impact the home-grown program has contributed to breast cancer awareness in the UAE.

It is estimated that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and it is the second leading cause of death among women. The high prevalence of the disease reinforces the critical need for medical research and improved treatment to save lives. Al Jalila Foundation and Brest Friends work together to raise awareness, fund treatment and invest in pioneering research.

Brest Friends was established in 2005 as the first breast cancer support group in the UAE, by Dr Houriya Kazim, the UAE’s first female surgeon, with the mission to save lives by increasing awareness of breast cancer and providing a platform where patients and survivors can learn, share experiences and offer moral and emotional support to each other which has proven to be instrumental in a woman’s healing process.

Dr Houriya Kazim, President and Founder of Brest Friends, commented: “We are delighted to achieve this milestone by honouring survivors and reflecting on the impact Brest Friends has made to women in the UAE. Breast cancer awareness has improved dramatically since 2005, thanks to the support of strong advocates and the community who promote and run campaigns highlighting the importance of early detection throughout the year. We would like to mark this anniversary by amplifying a message of hope that the disease can be beaten – there is life after cancer – and through ground-breaking research we aim to develop tangible results to transform the future health of women.”

Brest Friends partnered with Al Jalila Foundation in 2015 expanding its capabilities to facilitate medical treatment and fund locally-based research into the epidemiology of breast cancer. The 3-year partnership has already yielded positive results with more than AED 5 million invested in life-saving treatment to support 26 women and fund seven breast cancer research studies in the UAE.

Her Excellency Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Member of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “We are proud to celebrate this milestone with Brest Friends who, over the last thirteen years, has established itself as a beacon of hope for breast cancer patients in the UAE. Through our partnership, and with the help of our donors, we have been able to provide quality medical care and support to women with breast cancer. In line with our mission to advance medical research in the region we have funded a number of pioneering projects which are underway and promise to yield positive outcomes that will offer hope and healing to patients in the future.”

The anniversary event was generously sponsored by Sesame restaurant in Sunset Mall and attended by more than 60 Brest Friends members, patients and survivors, commemorating the positive impact Brest Friends has had on women in the UAE.