Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
AS_well as huge support from the community, Think Pink this year has five platinum sponsors - Gulf Air, Gulf Broadcast, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI-MUB), Royal Golf Club and Gulf Brands International who will lend their name and assistance to the charity throughout the month of October.
Gulf Air is supporting the Think Pink Bahrain campaign for the fifth successive year to raise awareness of breast cancer during October. Gulf Air will be the official carrier of the event - International Breast Cancer Awareness Month - an annual health campaign, spearheaded by major breast cancer organisations across the world to increase awareness of the disease.
Willy Boulter, Gulf Air's chief commercial officer, said: "Gulf Air is proud to be associated once again with the Think Pink Bahrain campaign that has been doing a selfless service to spread the awareness of the disease.
"Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women and there are hundreds of women diagnosed with breast cancer every day. It is only with research, education and early intervention and public awareness that we can fight this disease. Gulf Air considers supporting this cause as one of its corporate social responsibilities.
"In a show of support for the local community and a charity that is also home-grown in Bahrain, Gulf Air cabin crew will be wearing the 'Pink Ribbons' on duty during October.
"This token of support has not been shown on any international airline to date, and again Gulf Air is the platform for such a worthy cause. The ribbon will be worn by both female and male cabin crew members to highlight that this disease has no prejudice."
Mahmood Al Yousif, CEO of Gulf Broadcast, said: "Breast cancer doesn't discriminate. It affects women regardless of age, race, colour, status or education level. It destroys lives, not only of the sufferer but whole families and communities by robbing a precious life.
"Yet, its discovery is a simple matter of self-examination and seeking advice from qualified physicians. It is this awareness that we at Gulf Broadcast want to help the Think Pink Bahrain campaign to realise. Information and awareness are key to saving lives.
"It is our intention to create compelling informative videos to entice more women to examine themselves. The aim is also to help remove any stigmas associated with self-examination and arm them by sharing experiences which could allow them to beat breast cancer and continue to enjoy a good quality of life. Through this partnership with Think Pink Bahrain, we shall utilise our resources and creativity to create videos which people will want to share with the women they love."
Ron Peters, general manager of Gulf Brands International, pledged his organisation's support to Think Pink and said: "Awareness is everything in the fight against cancer and its great to see the momentum and support growing every year for the Think Pink campaign. Gulf Brands and GBI express are delighted to be given the opportunity to support this fantastic cause."
Kevin O'Malley of RSCI-MUB added: "Our decision to support Think Pink is based on a number of independent factors. Firstly, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain is anxious to extend its role outside the classroom and laboratory to the community. We try to be relevant and to make a contribution to society at large.
"Secondly, the role of Think Pink in alleviating the impact of breast cancer has a particular resonance with the RCSI-MUB as our Professor of Surgery, Professor Niall O'Higgins, is a world expert on screening, detection and management of breast cancer as well as the organisation of breast cancer services. Prof O'Higgins has played the leadership role in developing a national policy for the detection and management of breast cancer in Ireland.
"Thirdly, we have been captivated by the leadership of Think Pink in Bahrain provided by Jules Sprakel, since she founded the movement here in 2004. Her vision, energy and charm have inspired many who previously had little interest or motivation to be involved. In short, we are confident that Think Pink Bahrain is worthy of our support, now and into the future."
The Royal Golf Club (RGC) will stage the 2009 Think Pink Golf event once again this year. As one of the founder sponsors the RGC have seen the number of lady players increase yearly and with women golfers from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia the Think Pink golf day is now the largest ladies' golf event ever to be staged in the country with over 100 players competing annually.
Phil Jones, director of operations at the RGC, said: "This year's golf day will be even more special as the event marks its return to the newly-opened Royal Golf Club course.
"I am delighted to see the event go from strength to strength, it is without a doubt the most popular fixture on the ladies golfing calendar.
"From the start the concept was simple - increase breast cancer awareness and raise money for the charity by creating an event that brings women golfers together in a fun environment. I don't think there is any golf tournament which creates such passion amongst the players as Think Pink!
"As the event grows year-on-year, so does the level of interest from local golfers.
"The only thing left to do for our team was work on how we could raise the bar higher and attract more fund raising opportunities for this year's event. The answer came with the creation of the first ever 'Gents Think Pink' event tournament which will mark the start of the Think Pink Week.
"One thing is for sure ... the week of October 18, the grass maybe green but the only colour at the Royal Golf Club will be pink!"
