Act now to reduce child cancer

Manama : Some problems, like childhood cancer, can be too overwhelming to solve, even though researchers are working 24/7 to find better treatments and cure to help kids fight cancer. But it’s impossible to stop the fight, especially after knowing the fact that every three minutes worldwide, a child dies of cancer. Reports indicate that cancer continues to be the leading cause of death in pediatric patients among the non-communicable diseases. What matter most here is supporting the cause. And Future Youth Society has made it easier than ever for all to join the fight. 

Five events 

The society said it is organising five major events in September to raise awareness and benefit young cancer battlers better cope with the disease. The first in the series of the community outreach initiative will start this Sunday at the Salmaniya Medical Complex. The campaign, as part of the Future Youth Society’s ‘Smile’ initiative’ features a walkathon event, a music concert, a ‘kids’ day out’ as well as other events at all major shopping malls in the Kingdom. 

“We aim to include the whole community in our campaign,” Sabah Al Zayani, the society chairman told Tribune adding that they are planning to involve schools, universities, private and public sectors organisations in the initiative. The launch day at Salmaniya Medical Complex will see the participation of children and  parents in large numbers. The society, he said, has roped in Bahraini singer Najma Abdulla for the concert planned. “On the day, we will take children for lunch, watch a movie and spend time at a shopping mall fun centre,” he added. 

Big stands will be displayed as part of the campaign at shopping malls. “This is one of the most important aspects of our campaign as we want to let people know about how the disease affects the children,” he said. Regarding the importance of early detection, Al Zayani said: “People need to know how early detection is possible and the benefits of early detection of childhood cancer.” He added: “We need to look out for certain indications, which are simple. Ignoring them will be lead to create fatal results.”

Al Zayani also expressed his enthusiasm about the response received. “We have had a very good response so far from the private sector as well as the public sector organisations.” “A number of banks and hotels have shown their interest,” he said. On other plans, the Chairman said the society is also planning to start a fundraising initiative to help cancer sufferers during the walkathon. He, however, told Tribune that the main goal for “us is spreading the awareness.”