Dubai: The Beyond October Cancer Awareness Campaign 2025, spearheaded by media personality Manju Ramanan,  celebrated its 11th year on October 30th. 

“It is a platform where cancer warriors narrate their stories and we saw the best of Dubai in attendance - be it cancer warriors, guests and the press,” says Manju Ramanan.

The event was held at DAFTAR, DIFC, the restaurant owned by Isheeta Sharma. The campaign was generously supported by Enchanter Arabia, Innara owned by Guddi Bajaj, Playfield Entertainment  owned by Dixit Dev, JYK owned by Juhi Yasmeen Khan and Teejay Packers owned by Thomas Joseph. The media partners Khaleej Times, Zee TV Middle East, Talk 100.3 FM from Dubai and The Glitz Magazine from India poured in their support for raising awareness towards breast cancer. The event was also supported by Vidisha who heads The Indian Folk Art Corridor and Simi Markose who owns Jenny Flowers. 

Says the campaign’s steadiest supporter Guddi Bajaj, “As the founder of Innara, I am deeply honored to support the Beyond October : ‘No One Walks Alone' campaign for breast cancer awareness. This initiative holds special meaning for me, as it reflects our collective commitment.Together, we can turn awareness into action and support women on this journey.”

The guest of honour Mr Ahmad al Falasi, called the Homemaker of the UAE addressed the audience about his work with renal patients in Africa and how his foundation is working to create breast cancer awareness there too. Bollywood actor and dancer Kalpana Iyer spoke on the importance of outreach and compassion that we all need. Celebrity couple Sara Arfeen Khan and Arfeen Khan who transform people’s lives and were recently seen in Bigg Boss motivated the cancer warriors and were touched by their courage. “We need to learn that life can surprise you and it is important to be kind,” says Sara.

The event also saw 10th standard students Aarushi Laud and Navni Patni from Dubai Gems Academy perform a song for the cancer warriors. The two girls are part of the Sakshi Vercot Theatre Festival that is held in memory of its brightest student Sakshi who passed away tragically due to cancer. Her mother Binu Sivan, a cancer warrior herself narrated the story of how her child motivated her and prepared her to stay happy after she passed on. 
Guiness world record awardee Sucheta Santosh sang in different languages and interacted with the cancer warriors present at the event. 

Cancer warriors battle with several issue - that includes health, finances, insurance, support groups, moral and physical fatigue, confidence, child rearing, livelihood and more. 

“With each year we are hoping that we can resolve their issues and integrate them within our networks so that they have better quality of lives,” adds Manju.

“Hosting this event at Daftar is a heartfelt privilege. The resilience and spirit of cancer warriors remind us what true strength looks like. We’re proud to be a small part of a cause that celebrates hope and healing,” says Isheeta Sharma, founder and owner of Daftar.