Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) has announced the launch of its 'Let’s Draw a Smile' campaign, in conjunction with the global Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The aim is to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of cancer in children and emphasise the need for preventive measures.
This year’s campaign features an innovative initiative to support children with cancer by selling cup holders adorned with drawings created by the children during their treatment. These drawings reflect their hopes and dreams and demonstrate their bravery in facing the illness.
The cup holders are sold at a symbolic price of QR5, with all proceeds going to support the QCS programme, which provide treatment, care, and psychological support to children with cancer and their families.
The public can purchase cup holders from participating cafes such as Charger, Fuel Specialty coffee, origin, Halo Dough Bar, Harvest, Savant Blended Café, Era Restaurant, Roastado or through the talabat app. QCS has urged everyone to take part in supporting the sick children, as even small contributions can make a significant difference in improving their lives and providing them with hope.
The campaign also includes a variety of entertainment activities and awareness workshops targeting the general community as well as children living with cancer and their families, to support them psychologically and emotionally during their treatment journey.
Among the highlights is the 'Our Children are Gold' workshop, in collaboration with Sidra Medicine and support by Perff Up Center, and Caboodle Pamper and Play. The workshop focuses on the importance of physical activity during and after treatment for children with cancer and includes gift distribution and various entertainment segments.
Hiba Nassar, health educator at QCS, said: “The ‘Let’s Draw a Smile’ campaign aims to achieve more than just raising awareness about childhood cancers. We seek to enhance community support for children facing this disease. Purchasing a cup holder decorated with children’s drawings is a simple but meaningful gesture of solidarity. Every cup sold contributes to improving the life of a child with cancer and provides the care and support they need during their treatment journey. We invite the Qatari community to participate in this campaign and support these children and their families in every possible way.”
“Childhood cancers are not just a health issue but a humanitarian one that requires collective effort. Through this initiative, we hope to inspire the community to work together to promote early detection and support families going through this difficult experience.” she added.
Nassar stressed the importance of early detection by ensuring that parents keep up with regular medical check-ups for their children and report any early signs to their doctor. There are no specific prevention methods for childhood cancers, but regular check-ups with a doctor contribute to detecting the disease, which can improve the chances of recovery.
"Parents should be careful in minimising radiation exposure during pregnancy, ensure breastfeeding for at least six months and children receive all recommended vaccinations, encourage a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise, and limit unhealthy snacks. Additionally, fostering a joyful home environment, using sun protection (hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and long-sleeved clothing), maintaining a healthy sleep routine, avoiding smoking during pregnancy, and protecting children from secondhand smoke are crucial in preventing childhood cancers," she added.
