As part of “Golden September”, a month dedicated to raising awareness of cancer, the “Golden Circle” humanitarian run and walk was held in Visoko for the fifth year in a row. Organized by the “Heart for Children with Cancer” Association, the event gathered a record number of participants, who by running and walking sent the message that children who are fighting this disease are not alone.
Thousands of citizens participated in the run and walk, and the common motive was to support children with cancer and their families.
Among the participants were citizens from different parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina. For Ibrahim Muratović from Zenica, it was especially important that about 70 participants from this city came to the event.
“I think this picture says more than any words. When we are all together, we can do a lot for these children and their parents. If I say that about seventy of us came from Zenica, that says enough how unique we are and that this is the beginning of another bigger action,” Muratović said.
Members of the Association “Tomorrow is a new day” from Velika Kladuša, which participates in actions dedicated to patients, also provided support.
“We participate in all actions that concern sick people, especially children, because we also have sick children who were in their parents’ homes. This means a lot to us, we know what sick people go through. It’s hard for adults, and it’s much, much harder for children,” said Emina Hasanagić.
The golden boy from Visoko helps others
The special symbolism of the “Golden Circle” is given by the story of Afan Habibović, who as a boy overcame a tumor, and then decided to focus his experience on helping others who are going through a similar struggle.
As an ambassador of the race, Habibović says that a large number of people gathered in one place represents a strong message to children undergoing treatment.
“So many good people in one place mean everything, especially to children who are sick. This support certainly means a lot, to know that they have someone they can rely on in their fight,” said Habibović.
Speaking about the recovery process of children after treatment, he emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration into everyday life.
“Therapy and the entire process of a malignant disease is challenging and difficult and leaves consequences that should be remedied,” said Habibović.
The goal is to raise money for rehabilitation
That this year’s race was the most successful so far is also shown by the fact that there were not enough T-shirts for all interested participants. The goal of the event is to collect funds for the rehabilitation of children who have completed treatment.
Atifa Budlić-Bešić, spokeswoman for the “Heart for Children with Cancer” Association, pointed out that such events have a wider significance than simply collecting money.
“These are opportunities to connect, to somehow show strength and hope, and to take care of our health together. Our Afan and our children can be proud to have this much support,” said Budlić-Bešić.
Director of the “Heart for Children with Cancer” Association, Fikret Kubat, said that the “Golden Circle” shows how much the community can do for children who are going through one of the most difficult life experiences.
The organizers say that the “Golden Circle” is not just a sports event, but a symbol of solidarity, support and hope for children with cancer and their families, BHRT writes.
