Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) has announced the launch of its ‘Let’s Draw a Smile’ campaign in September, in conjunction with global Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of early detection of cancer in children and emphasise the need for preventive measures to protect them from the disease.
This year’s campaign introduces 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, showcasing their bravery in facing the illness. The cup holders are sold at a symbolic price of QR5, with all proceeds supporting QCS programmes that 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, allowing them to contribute directly to supporting these children. The society aims to encourage everyone to take part in supporting sick children, as even small contributions can make a significant difference in improving their lives and providing them with hope.
Campaign Activities
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. One of the highlights is the ‘Our Children are Gold’ workshop, in collaboration with Sidra Centre and support by Perff Up Centre,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.
Community Support
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.”
Early Detection
She emphasised 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, noting, “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.”
She pointed to a set of measures that parents should be careful to follow, most importantly minimising radiation exposure during pregnancy, breastfeeding for at least six months, ensuring children receive all recommended vaccinations, encouraging a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise, and limiting 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.
