Young cancer warriors radiated courage and joy as they came together for an Eid Al Adha celebration, where laughter, love and togetherness created a powerful reminder of hope, resilience and the strength of the human spirit.
Held at Yabeela Entertainment Centre in Al Liwan, Hamala, the gathering featured interactive games, entertainment and gift distribution, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the heroes and their loved ones.
The event was organised by the Bahrain Future Society for Youth’s Smile initiative, in partnership with and sponsored by Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB).
It was carried out in collaboration with BisB’s ‘Jood Islamic’ volunteering team, a group of dedicated employees who actively participate in a wide range of community and humanitarian initiatives throughout the year.
Dedicated to providing psychosocial support to children with cancer and their families across the kingdom, the Smile initiative seeks to help young patients navigate the challenges of treatment.
“The event reflects Smile’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its humanitarian connection with its young heroes and their families, while bringing the joy of Eid into their hearts in recognition of their courage throughout their treatment journey,” said Future Society for Youth chairman Sabah Al Zayani.
“I express my appreciation to BisB and the Jood Islamic volunteering team for their valuable partnership, as well as the dedication of Smile volunteers whose teamwork contributed significantly to the success of the event.”
Launched in 2012, the Smile initiative has grown into one of Bahrain’s leading community programmes supporting children with cancer and their families.
Last year, it won in the Support and Care for Community category at the seventh edition of the Shaikha Fatima Programme for Excellence and Community Intelligence Awards in Abu Dhabi. The category recognises innovative initiatives that help raise health awareness among communities and play an important role in addressing challenges.
The initiative has continued to expand its impact through a range of programmes and campaigns.
Among them is the ‘Smile Shop’ launched last year to support children with cancer by selling a variety of merchandise available online and at select retail hubs across the country. The products include bags, bottles, books and mugs, all carrying striking designs by Bahraini artists, with 80 per cent of the proceeds from sales set to help the cause.
Another flagship programme is the ‘Kids R Golden’ campaign, which celebrates young cancer survivors.
In 2024, 47 children who successfully battled cancer were honoured at a graduation ceremony held by the society as part of the 11th edition of the campaign, at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain, Busaiteen.
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