The Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) has launched a new campaign titled “Let’s Draw a Smile” aimed at raising awareness of childhood cancers and supporting affected children and their families. The initiative, which began in September, is part of QCS’s broader mission to promote health education and encourage healthy lifestyles within the community.

The campaign includes a series of programs and activities designed for children, parents, and the wider public. These feature both in-person and virtual lectures and workshops focusing on the recognition of key signs and symptoms of childhood cancers, emphasizing the importance of early detection and health awareness. Additionally, the campaign promotes healthy living from an early age through initiatives such as healthy cooking workshops for children and families, encouraging nutritious eating habits.

In conjunction with these awareness efforts, QCS has introduced a fundraising component to assist with treatment costs for children undergoing cancer care. Partnering with selected restaurants and cafés, the society will receive QR5 from every beverage purchased at participating locations, providing an accessible way for community members to contribute to the cause.

Mona Ashkanani, general manager of the Qatar Cancer Society, highlighted that the campaign embodies QCS’s vision of combining awareness with active support. She noted that combating cancer requires more than medical intervention; it necessitates a compassionate community that offers hope and solidarity to patients and their families throughout their treatment. Ashkanani encouraged individuals and organizations to partake in the campaign’s activities and fundraising initiatives, underscoring that even small contributions can have a meaningful impact.

She further stressed the significance of collaborative efforts involving community groups, the private sector, and citizens in fostering social responsibility and enhancing support systems for those affected by cancer. According to Ashkanani, simple everyday actions hold the potential to bring hope and improve the lives of children battling cancer and their families.