Pioneering campaign

Think Pink Bahrain will be continuing its pioneering breast cancer awareness campaign with the relaunch of its Dinar for Distance (D4D) campaign for the second year in a row due to its overwhelming success.

The initiative was first launched in October 2021 with the aim of motivating people to go the distance in any sport they wish to raise awareness about breast cancer, as well as funds for the initiative.

“Overall, the engagement last year was incredible,” said Dr Julie Sprakel, Think Pink: Bahrain Breast Cancer Society’s founder, president and chairperson, who conceptualised D4D.

“I think, like everyone, it was a sign of hope on many levels. Exercise is great for mental health and we know this scientifically. We had all been in lockdowns and isolation of sorts and, as a community; I believe we could in some aspects - breathe.

“From my standpoint, it was based around losing my father last July. With most issues, Think Pink Bahrain’s vice-chairperson Tahera Al Alawi and I, throw ourselves into the charity and use it also as a tool of escape.

“It just felt right for both of us in 2021 and we are delighted to be carrying on with it again this year. We have been approached on many occasions about making it a staple allowing schools and individuals to show support on their own terms.”

Individuals can pledge to run, walk, cycle and swim – or take up whatever exercise they like – for a distance, and friends, family and colleagues sponsor their goals and celebrate their achievements.

Last year, 85 registered participants and eight corporations, completed 7,403.95km and raised thousands for cancer research, critical projects and support post care for survivors in Bahrain.

In total, from October 1 last year to the end of January, Think Pink Bahrain has raised more than BD28,000, which will be utilised across different pillars.

The home-grown non-profit organisation is thankful for stakeholders such as Cloudme, a digital marketing agency, for working behind the scenes with them to ensure there is more engagement and opportunities for people to be sponsored and raise funds while completing their pledge. They also designed the website and the application process for D4D.

According to Dr Julie, the campaign will be ‘rolled out’ in September as schools start up again and people are back from their summer vacations.

Think Pink Bahrain’s 2022 ambassador, Sameera Al Bitar, who is also Bahrain’s former two-time Olympic swimmer and a passionate triathlete, will drive the D4D initiative. Last year, she set a target of 100km of cycling for the charity and completed a staggering 540km instead.

“She has been a patron of the charity for many years and is always supportive,” added Dr Julie. “We have always been about health and having ambassadors that support our vision and mission. Sameera is our fourth.”

Aside from D4D, there will be an array of activities for October’s breast cancer awareness month such as an all-girls football competition.

For further details on upcoming activities and more, visit

@thinkpinkbahrain on Instagram.