The College of the North Atlantic – Qatar (CNA-Q) wrapped up the Breast Cancer Awareness month by sending the message that knowledge is power across the state. A human pink ribbon formation captured attention on social media. The message reached nearly 75,000 people. The ribbon was formed by the college community and Qatar Canadian School students after an awareness walk.
CNA-Q hosted the Pink Caravan on campus, just one week after its official launch by the Qatar Cancer Society and Al Ahli Hospital. This mobile health unit drives around Doha with a doctor on board to offer guidance on breast self-examinations. When the Pink Caravan was launched on the Corniche, CNA-Q breast cancer awareness organisers, such as two-time survivor Sandee Thompson, knew the Pink Caravan would add something special to the month’s awareness activities.
“Having the Pink Caravan on campus is one of the many ways we have been able to share knowledge about breast health,” said Sandee. “Our single goal of this campaign is to ensure that women and men check themselves regularly so that they can stop cancer early and go on to live long, healthy lives.”
Sandee is an English as a Foreign Language instructor who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 while living in her native Canada. The second time she was diagnosed with the disease, she was working at CNA-Q and underwent full treatment at Hamad Medical Corporation.  
“This month the campus has been transformed by draping the trees and buildings in pink. Everywhere you turn, the College community is engaged in the cause – the spirit is overwhelming,” she said.
CNA-Q also raised over QR17,000 for Qatar Cancer Society.