October is the month where pink ribbons adorn the world, sending a global message of breast cancer awareness. In Abu Dhabi, you can see many places and organisations paying tribute to this worthy cause. Among the various celebrations and events, 12 breast cancer survivors from across the UAE are preparing for a daring feat come December 1 this year. Known as the Jewels of Antarctica expedition, this event will bring together these 12 women and unite them on a unique quest to the south.
Preparations are under way for their arduous journey to Antarctica. The expedition will take place over two weeks and their final destination is Ushuaia in the South Pole. Flying out from Dubai, the team will head to Buenos Aires first before heading down to Antarctica. Once they reach Ushuaia, they will board a purpose-built icebreaker vessel for a ten day voyage. One of the activities planned for the trip is the planting of the Emirati flag in the Antarctic, which will coincide with National Day.
The team is mostly based in the United Arab Emirates, with women living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, but there are two expedition members who will be joining the team from the United States and Switzerland. All together, the nationalities represented are Emirati, Indian, American, British, Lebanese, South African, Italian and Scottish. This will be the first time a multinational team will be undertaking this expedition from the UAE. ‘This will be modern day adventure history in the making!’ exclaims Julie Lewis, the main coordinator of the event which is being organised under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha
Al Yazia Bint Al Saif Al Nahyan, wife of the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Julie holds a graduate degree in Sports Science and is a certified Yin yoga instructor. She represents a group called Mountain High which specialises in activities designed to challenge and free your mind and body. She is a very active woman who runs various expeditions and retreats and has been involved in such activities since 2003, as well as being a coach, health activist and speaker. Part of the reason for this expedition is to illustrate the tough spirit of the women survivors, as well as raise awareness about breast cancer. Although the emphasis is that prevention is better than cure, it will also indicate how women can conquer physical illnesses and lead full and happy lives. As the first multinational team to leave from the UAE, this will also highlight the country as ‘an emerging leader in the field of women’s health care,’ says Julie.
We asked Julie why Antarctica was chosen as a destination. ‘It’s one of the last remaining wilderness spots and a must do for everyone; to experience the healing and transformational effects of mother nature at her best and put yourself to the test in the great outdoors.’
On October 9, the organisation AmCham hosted a lunchtime talk about breast cancer and the expedition. Due to the overwhelming positive response from the community so far about the expedition, the event is now scheduled to be repeated annually and changes for 2013 will allow men to attend, because many of the women would like to do this journey with their spouses. Plans are already underway to make 2013 a memorable year, especially as it coincides with Mountain High’s tenth anniversary. If you are interested in supporting the team or learning more, contact Julie Lewis by emailing jules@mountainhighme.com.
For more information about Mountain High visit www.mountainhighme.com.
