U.S. Cancer Foundation Expands Effort in Bangladesh

A U.S.-based cancer foundation, Axiom REACH Foundation, is expanding its activities in Bangladesh as it brings its Princeton, New Jersey fundraising event to Dhaka. The ‘7.5K to Fight Cancer’ run will take place on January 8, 2027, around Lake Hatirjheel. The event aims to attract over 1,000 runners as celebrities and international supporters join the initiative, responding to rising cancer rates in the country.

Axiom REACH plans to engage 30 million people as part of its awareness campaign and aims to double its funding for Bangladesh. The event is expected to receive virtual participation from more than 25 countries. Axiom REACH, supported by Axiom Health Strategies, focuses on oncology and rare diseases through various charitable activities, including the Children’s Cancer Fund and Project 1767, which provide breast cancer screenings.

Since 2023, the Children’s Cancer Fund has supported 68 children undergoing cancer treatment across 10 hospitals in Bangladesh; 21 are now in remission. Mohammad Ehsan, Chief of Staff of Axiom Health Strategies, announced plans to expand the program due to these successful outcomes.

Cancer rates in Bangladesh are on the rise. Research published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention in July predicts rates may double by 2050. The World Health Organization also anticipates a 67% global increase in cancer cases by 2050, which causes concern, especially in less developed countries with inadequate detection and treatment facilities.

Bengali singer Dilshad Nahar Kona is involved with the foundation, raising awareness and support. ‘These children deserve to play and grow,’ she expressed, showing her commitment to the cause.

I’ll personally be at the event in Dhaka on January 8, and I encourage everyone to join me in showing these families they aren’t alone. – Kona

As a notable success of the program, Sumaya Akter Sinthia, once suffering from a cancerous growth, is now in remission and back in school at 17. She is engaging in productive activities and volunteering with Axiom to inspire other children dealing with cancer.

Sinthia shared, When I visit children in the hospital with the REACH team, I hope seeing me gives them courage. Her journey offers hope and kindness in overcoming cancer.

The foundation expects to raise over $60,000 from the run, aiming to double last year’s funding and enhance their impact. Ehsan aims to grow this contribution substantially in the future. Founded in 2019, REACH Foundation offers financial aid to cancer sufferers, mobile breast cancer screenings, and student support in underrepresented communities in New Jersey.

Plans include increasing their annual budget to around $300,000 next year, seeking to exceed $500,000 by 2030. Ehsan believes in the program’s value, emphasizing, If I do this, this person survives, this little child has a normal life again.