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AS Bahrain shines a ‘pink’ spotlight on breast cancer awareness this month, Think Pink: Bahrain Breast Cancer Society is set to stage a series of events in support of the cause.
Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal breast cells grow out of control and form tumours.
This year, the global campaign is being driven under the theme ‘No-one should face breast cancer alone’.
Every year, Think Pink Bahrain, a non-governmental organisation founded by Dr Julie Sprakel, is at the forefront of the national campaign against the illness.
“From staging a ‘one-off’ dinner in 2004, which raised BD10,500, to completing 20 years in the kingdom this year, it’s been a fulfilling journey, and the community support towards the cause has only grown stronger,” the society’s president Julie told GulfWeekly.
This year, the charity is organising a range of activities in collaboration with its Platinum Sponsors – the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Bahrain (RCSI), Bahrain Rugby Football Club, Gulf Brands International (GBI), and Gulf Hotels Group – to raise awareness about the disease and funds for breast cancer treatment, equipment and research.
RCSI is committed to advancing cancer research, thereby supporting evidence-based practices and enhancing Think Pink Bahrain’s data-driven campaigns. The university has collaborated with the charity since 2006 and will host expert-led lectures on campus, and raise donations through the sale of Think Pink Bahrain’s merchandise, as well as tickets for themed giveaways and activities hosted on campus this year.
“We are proud to collaborate with Think Pink Bahrain in the fight against breast cancer,” RCSI nursing and midwifery school head and community engagement committee chair professor Kathryn Strachan said.
“Together, we are making a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of the community, while empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to address one of the most prevalent health challenges facing women today,” she added.
Bahrain Rugby Football Club will be organising a series of tournaments, including one specifically for women, at the club’s premises in Janabiya, with supporting activities for Think Pink Bahrain running alongside the events.
“Bahrain Rugby Football Club has been proud to partner with Think Pink Bahrain over the years to support their important work in raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research and support services,” club general manager Paul Terblanche said.
“Rugby is a sport that brings our community together, and we believe it’s vital to use that platform to shine a light on critical health causes like this one. Through joint fundraising events, jersey sponsorships, and other initiatives, we’ve been honoured to play a small role in the fight against breast cancer.”
GBI has sponsored the Think Pink Gala dinners for over a decade and this year, the event will be hosted on October 25, marking the charity’s 20-year anniversary in Bahrain.
“At GBI, we believe in the importance of supporting causes that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. That’s why we are honoured to once again be a Platinum Sponsor for the Think Pink 20th anniversary,” general manager Travis Thompson noted.
Returning after a seven-yeap gap, the Think Pink Gala will be a glitzy black-tie event and major fund-raising initiative, featuring an auction and raffle with exciting prizes.
“As part of our corporate social responsibility initiatives, we are proud to support the Bahrain breast cancer society (Think Pink Bahrain) through community engagement,” Gulf Hotels Group chief executive Ahmed Janahi said.
“Our contributions aim to enhance awareness campaigns, fund educational programmes, and provide resources for early detection and support for patients. By partnering with this vital organisation, we strive to empower the local community, promote health education, and contribute to the fight against breast cancer, ultimately fostering a culture of awareness and support in Bahrain.”
GDN Media has been a supporter of the fight against breast cancer, and Think Pink Bahrain over the years. And GulfWeekly, part of GDN Media, continues to spotlight the cause every year.
“We are delighted to support Think Pink Bahrain in its 2024 endeavours to raise awareness about breast cancer as well as funds for research and treatment. We always receive a tremendous response from readers to our community campaigns and I am positive that together we can make a difference once again,” GDN Media managing editor Stanley Szecowka said.
For details, follow @thinkpinkbahrain on Instagram.
