KIDS FOR LOVE
An ASHIC campaign, by kids, for kids
The ASHIC Foundation is a non-profit organization that has been working since 1994 to raise awareness of childhood cancer in Bangladesh. It was created in honor of Ashiq Husain Choudhury, who lost his life at age 3 to cancer. In Bangladesh, more than 12,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year, not counting those who remain un-diagnosed. Sadly, less than 5% of these children go into remission.
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The ASHIC Kids For Love campaign is designed to raise awareness for ASHIC and childhood cancer in Bangladesh through the Arts. We feature submissions from across the world, to be featured in the ASHIC virtual magazine. With around 40 submissions to the campaign in its first year, people can find beautiful pieces of artwork, as well as the powerful stories of ASHIC survivors. With support from US based 501(c)(3) SpaandanB, which is a long-time partner of ASHIC, all tax-deductible donations will be sent to ASHIC.
When people go through life’s hardships, we seek an outlet for our pain. Very often, that outlet is art. Art is a way to let go, free oneself, and express how we feel. By allowing many artists to contribute and submit their pieces, awareness of the foundation is spread. The stories and personal experiences of the ASHIC survivors can be heard by a broader audience. Hopefully, this allows more people to familiarize themselves with the effects of childhood cancer, and be inspired to stand next to organizations like ASHIC.
CONTRIBUTION HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH
STORIES OF ASHIC SURVIVORS
Khokon
In 1994, Md. Akram Hossain (Khokon) was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the age of four. The same year, Khokon began to seek help from ASHIC as one of the foundation’s earliest members. He received aid from ASHIC’s Support-A-Life program with medical, educational, and career-orientated areas. Khokon’s first job was at the Save the Children foundation, a job secured to him though ASHIC. 6 years after his diagnosis of NHL, Khokon was declared a cancer survivor in 2000. Md. Akram Hossain is now 30 years old, a father, and the supervisor of the ASHIC Shelter.
Mamun
Md. Mamun is a survivor of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or also known as ALL. Md. Mamum began to receive support from ASHIC in 2000 when he was only 5 years old. In 2004, ASHIC launched their Support-A-Life program, in which they would help patients like Md. Mamun receive financial assistance while continuing his ALL treatment. The program has supported Md. Mamun during the death of his father and his life as a student; ASHIC procured a computer Md. Mamun’s use during the struggles. With the help of ASHIC’s program, Md. Mamun became a cancer survivor in 2009. Md. Mamun is now a successful 25-year-old student and even works at the ASHIC Shelter at times.
Sourav
Shohorab Hosen (Sourav) was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in 2005. Sourav began to receive help from the ASHIC Shelter at the age of 12, the same year he was diagnosed. In 2014, he was declared a survivor of ALL and now healthily lives in his village. His father worked in the Middle East and is now retired. He is 26-years-old and is able to financially support his family with his business opportunities.