October heralds the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to spreading knowledge, raising funds and supporting those affected by breast cancer. In Bahrain, this movement is championed by Think Pink: Bahrain Breast Cancer Society, an organisation that has been a beacon of hope, education and support for the last two decades. On this special occasion, Woman This Month sat down with the Founder and Chairwoman, Dr. Julie Sprakel, and Vice Chairwoman, Tahera Al Alawi, to reflect on the remarkable journey and future plans of this incredible organisation.
Looking back at the past 20 years, how does it feel to have reached this milestone for Think Pink?
Tahera Al Alawi: It has been an incredible journey. Reaching our 20th year is no surprise; we’ve maintained our position by nurturing our patients, supporting the system and driving our campaigns consistently. We have always been transparent, accessible, and driven by evidence-based decisions centred on our community.
Dr. Julie Sprakel: The original idea for Think Pink was just a one-off event in June 2004 at Camelot Restaurant. We had 100 guests and raised over BD5000, which was matched by a private donor, bringing the total to BD10,500. The response was overwhelming, and what began as a small gesture turned into something much bigger. We became the first breast cancer-specific NGO in Bahrain and today, ‘Think Pink’ is a recognised trademark. We’re proud of how the conversation and our reach have grown over the years.
What were some of the key achievements and milestones for the organisation during these two decades?
Tahera Al Alawi: There have been many, but two of the most significant were purchasing a digital MRI machine for Salmaniya Medical Hospital in 2016, which cost BD499,900, the Longest Ribbon campaign with Bahrain International Circuit, and documenting the National Breast Cancer Guidelines for Bahrain in 2018, endorsed by the Supreme Council for Health (SCH) and the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA).
How has breast cancer awareness changed in Bahrain since Think Pink began its efforts?
Tahera Al Alawi: When Think Pink started, very few people knew what the pink ribbon symbolised, and breast cancer was a taboo subject. Women felt isolated and didn’t know how to express their struggles. Now, we see schools, corporates and even individuals rallying in support. The buildings don pink lights in October, and it has become a national effort. What we’ve achieved together as a community is nothing short of incredible.
What challenges have you and the team faced, and how have you overcome them?
Dr. Julie Sprakel: Challenges have always been there, but they’ve shaped who we are as a team. People often see the glamour of our events, but the hard work behind it involves commitment and dedication. We all work full-time jobs and volunteer our time to keep the charity running. It’s the support from individuals, families and corporates that keeps us going. We are proud to say that all funds raised stay in Bahrain to help our community, and we’ve been endorsed by the NHRA and SCH, which is a testament to the credibility of our work.
What impact do you feel Think Pink has had on the community in terms of education and early detection?
Dr. Julie Sprakel: The Think Pink mobile app is a great example of how we’ve utilised technology to raise awareness. It’s a free, bilingual app that has been downloaded by thousands of people, helping them take control of their health. We also offer internationally-recognised qualifications to Bahraini healthcare providers. For instance, we’ve funded Klose Lymphoedema and MSc programmes at RCSI Bahrain. Our decision aids in Arabic and English empower patients to make informed decisions about their care, which is crucial for early detection.
What new initiatives or goals do you envision for the next phase of Think Pink’s journey?
Tahera Al Alawi: Patient support will remain at the forefront of our mission. We plan to partner with government entities to establish one-stop breast cancer clinics across the island. We’re also developing a patient-centred application to help families navigate the journey, giving patients a voice and embedding post-care services focused on well-being.
Dr. Julie Sprakel: We’re also launching a new initiative, ‘Race to a Million,’ which encourages people to pledge to regularly check themselves for signs of breast cancer. The project is symbolised by a six-metre ‘I Check’ ribbon, which will serve as a reminder that awareness isn’t just for October. We’re thrilled to have Bahrain Bricks supporting this initiative and can’t wait to see where the ribbon will be placed.
How can people continue to support Think Pink moving forward, especially as you enter this new chapter?
Dr. Julie Sprakel: First and foremost, knowledge is power. People need to be aware and use the free tools we provide, made possible through donations, to stay in charge of their health. Corporate and individual sponsors are also vital to our continued success, and we are hoping to bring even more Bahraini companies on board for the next 20 years.
Any final thoughts or messages for those who have been part of Think Pink’s journey for the last 20 years?
Dr. Julie Sprakel: It’s hard to believe that Think Pink is 20 years old. I feel incredibly proud of Bahrain, the country I call home, and of everyone who has supported us since the beginning. Some of our founding team members are flying in from around the world for our 20th anniversary gala. The same sponsors from our early days continue to step up, and we look forward to welcoming new supporters to help us continue our work.
Tahera Al Alawi: As we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s not forget that Think Pink’s work is #NotJustForOctober. Our efforts continue throughout the year, and with the support of the community, we are ready to embark on the next chapter of our journey.
The Think Pink Gala will take place on October 25 at the Gulf Hotel, supported by Platinum sponsors including RCSI Bahrain, Gulf Hotels Group and Bahrain Rugby Football Club.
Tickets are on sale, for more information contact
39 076-717, follow @thinkpinkbahrain or visit thinkpinkbahrain.com
This year, the Race to a Million Challenge will be introduced, aiming to sell one million bricks to construct the iconic “iCheck” – Think Pink Bahrain’s trademark logo. The initiative is being held in cooperation with the NGO Bahrain Bricks W.L.L.
This initiative symbolises hope and resilience for those affected by breast cancer.
Why Bricks? These represent community creativity and solidarity, symbolising the support network built around breast cancer patients and reflecting our commitment to education and prevention.
By pirchasing a brick, you directly contribute to Think Pink Bahrain’s mission.
Those interested in participating may visit thinkpinkbahrain.com.
