U.S. Cancer Foundation Expands Efforts to Bangladesh with Major Event

A U.S.-based cancer foundation, Axiom REACH Foundation, is expanding its outreach in Bangladesh. The foundation plans to bring its fundraising running event from Princeton, New Jersey to Dhaka, Bangladesh. The event, named “7.5K to Fight Cancer,” will take place on January 8, 2027, around Lake Hatirjheel, a scenic urban waterfront in a densely populated city.

This event expects to draw over 1,000 runners to the 7.5 km loop, similar to the “5K to Fight Cancer” event held in Princeton. It aims to raise funds and increase cancer awareness, with expectations of reaching 30 million people. The foundation anticipates virtual participation from over 25 countries.

Supported by Axiom Health Strategies, Axiom REACH engages in several cancer-related charitable activities in Bangladesh. These include the Children’s Cancer Fund and Project 1767, which provides free breast cancer screenings. Since 2023, the Children’s Cancer Fund has supported 68 children with cancer, collaborating with 10 hospitals nationwide. Remarkably, 21 children are now in remission.

“That’s such an achievement in such a short period of time, so we are expanding the program,” said Mohammad Ehsan, Chief of Staff for Axiom Health Strategies and Executive Director of the Foundation.

Research shows that cancer rates in Bangladesh are rising. The Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention reported that rates may double by 2050. The World Health Organization predicts global cancer instances could increase by 67% to 34.4 million in the same period. This trend is concerning, especially in poorer nations with limited detection and treatment capabilities, leading to high mortality rates.

To boost awareness, celebrated Bangladeshi singer Dilshad Nahar Kona has joined the foundation to rally support. She stated, “These children deserve to play, dream, and grow, and it means so much to me to support that chance. I’ll personally be at the event in Dhaka on January 8, and I encourage everyone to join me in showing these families they are not alone.”

Giving Children Another Chance

A powerful example of the program’s success is Sumaya Akter Sinthia. At 14, she had a cancerous growth on her neck and received support from Axiom’s program. Now 17 and in remission, Sinthia is back in school and sells jewelry online. She also volunteers with Axiom to help other children facing cancer.

“I can think about my future again,” said Sinthia. “When I visit children in the hospital with the REACH team, I hope seeing me gives them courage. I want to offer them the same hope and kindness that helped me through my own journey.”

The foundation expects the running event to raise more than $60,000, doubling last year’s funding for Bangladesh and significantly boosting its impact. Ehsan aims for exponential growth in future fundraising efforts.

Founded in 2019, Axiom REACH began with a Cancer Patient Support program, offering financial help to cancer patients in New Jersey facing financial struggles. The foundation also operates mobile breast cancer screening, supports oncology students from underrepresented communities, and organizes charitable events involving Axiom staff.

Ehsan aims to increase the foundation’s total annual budget to about $300,000 in the coming year and exceed $500,000 by 2030.

“Once you’re involved, then you know the value of it because you see the impact,” Ehsan noted. “If I do this, this person survives, this little child has a normal life again.”

For additional information or interviews regarding this story, contact Mike Hirst at Newsweek.