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A new initiative has been launched in Bahrain to support the mental health of breast cancer patients, coinciding with both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Month this October.
Spearheaded by Bahraini entrepreneur and breast cancer survivor Sarah Al Bayat, the campaign features the sale of t-shirts with the empowering message: “Miss C Got Nothing On Me.”
Proceeds from the sales will go towards mental health initiatives of the Think Pink: Bahrain Breast Cancer Society.
Follow @thinkpinkbahrain for more details.
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins with the abnormal growth of cells in breast tissue. According to the World Health Organisation, this year’s theme is ‘Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters’.
“When I was battling breast cancer, I happened to learn about the charity through which I could access counselling, and that helped me immensely, so I understand its importance,” Sarah told GulfWeekly.
“However, I find that there is not much awareness about it despite the fact that mental health is very important for healing,” the 31-year-old added.
The café owner from Buquwah has been donating 20 per cent of her outlet sales in October to the charity for the last two years, which is how she met Think Pink Bahrain founder Dr Julie Sprakel who, she says, introduced her to counselling.
“Two years ago, today (September 30) was my last chemotherapy,” Sarah recalled.
Think Pink Bahrain already has counselling services in English but there are plans to bring an Arabic therapist on board to cater to a wider audience, according to the charity president Dr Julie.
The society will also be focusing on the Race to A Million Challenge, which it launched in 2024 together with Bahrain Bricks, a locally-based non-profit company that creates educational products, including building blocks.
The campaign aims to raise BD1 million, brick by brick, in support of the cause to create a giant sculpture of hope and resilience, at least six metres tall. So far, 5,076 bricks have been sold. (Visit bahrainbricks.org.)
“We are hoping to at least double our sales from last year,” Bahrain Bricks founder David Robinson said.
Meanwhile, GulfWeekly’s sister paper, the GDN, and Woman This Month (WTM), in collaboration with the Capital Governorate, will stage United in Pink – a day of fitness activities including a walkathon, games, live entertainment, refreshments and more, on October 9, from 5pm to 7pm, at Water Garden City in Seef District.
“We’re proud to join hands with Asian Paints and our partners in creating United in Pink—a collaborative initiative that brings art, wellness, and awareness together for a powerful cause. Breast cancer affects all of us, and we believe in using our platforms to amplify voices, promote early detection, and celebrate survivors,” WTM publisher George Middleton said.
Bahrain Cancer Society will stage its annual walkathon at Water Garden City on October 24, at 5.30pm in support of the cause.
Every year, bikers in Bahrain come together to stage a ride, to raise awareness and express solidarity. Bahraini biker Zainab Almajed believes that the event shows the positive image of bikers supporting the community.
“It is very personal to me as I have family members and close friends who are cancer warriors. What makes it truly special is the presence of breast cancer survivors within our biker team — their courage inspires us all,” she said.
Details about this year’s ride will be announced at a later date.
