After a young child in Turkey overcome cancer, his father’s heartfelt plea sparked a nation wide response and thousands gathered in İstanbul: “We don’t have many friends, would you fly balloons with us?”

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by sinemalarinkapisi

12 comments

  2. [English Source](https://en.haberler.com/thousands-of-balloons-were-released-into-the-sky-2094462/) You can see the event and balloons on it too. 🎈

    The balloon release event organized for 4-year-old Ali Asaf, who overcame cancer in Sancaktepe, turned into a festival filled with hope and solidarity with the participation of thousands of people. Citizens from all over Istanbul released their colorful balloons into the sky. The balloons rising to the clouds carried hope to children fighting against cancer.

    The Sancaktepe district of Istanbul hosted a hopeful celebration attended by hundreds of citizens gathered to celebrate the victory of 4-year-old Ali Asaf, who has overcome cancer. The event took place thanks to a call made by Ali Asaf’s father, Samet Demir, on social media, and with the support of the Sancaktepe Municipality.

    “‘MY SON WANTS TO FLY BALLOONS, WILL YOU COME?'”

    Recently, father Samet Demir announced his son’s victory on his social media account, saying, “We don’t have many friends. My son has overcome cancer, he wants to fly balloons. Will you come?” This heartfelt message caught the attention of Sancaktepe Mayor Alper Yeğin. Under Mayor Yeğin’s instruction, preparations began quickly, and Sancaktepe Square was transformed into a festive area for Ali Asaf.

    THOUSANDS GATHERED FOR ALI ASAF

    Father Demir’s call quickly resonated widely. Citizens from all over Istanbul, even from miles away, flocked to Sancaktepe Square with balloons in hand. At the event, Ali Asaf and his family welcomed guests on the stage set up by the Sancaktepe Municipality.

    FATHER COULDN’T HOLD BACK TEARS

    When father Samet Demir appeared before the public, he couldn’t hold back his tears, while little Ali Asaf’s face was always smiling.

    “WE ARE STRONG, NOT CANCER”

    Sharing his emotions from the stage, father Samet Demir said, “I never expected such interest. Thank you to everyone who came. May God bless you all. I hope these balloons will be a source of hope not only for Ali Asaf but also for other patients in the hospital. May God grant them all healing,” he said.

    Ali Asaf’s mother shared her feelings with the words, “Hope is always there. Never lose your hope. We are strong, not cancer. We thank each and every one who came,” she expressed.

    HOPE WAS LEFT IN THE SKY

    The event was also attended by Nuri Aslan, the Deputy Mayor of Istanbul. During the celebration, which was accompanied by thousands of people, thousands of balloons were released into the sky in honor of Ali Asaf’s victory. The balloons soaring into the sky carried hope for children fighting cancer.

  4. What happens to all the plastic of the balloons once it comes back down?

  5. Heartwarming, yes. But I never understood this activity “balloon flying”. Shouldn’t it be banned due to pollution? This is all plastic that ends up somewhere on the fields, forests, streets or oceans. Did these people went afterwards to collect their waste?

  6. Sad to see another mass littering. “carried hope” lol.

  7. Great show of solidarity and way better than the alternative of letting (burning) sky lanterns fly uncontrollably 😅 There will be lots of additional micro plastics in the environment and possibly harm to some animals however.. What would be an alternative both lifting people’s spirits and not interfering with the environment? Flying kites or drones?

    Very glad that this kid overcame cancer 😊

  8. Just before 1000 more miserable comments about microplastics are being made instead of focusing on the main news about the kid beating the cancer.

    In the original video it can be clearly heard that people are being instructed and warned not to release the balloons.

    Some people are just stupid so they did release them.

  10. hey, is that Turkish Opposition leader still in prison?

    Try flying some balloons for him.

  12. So pollution is fair if there are good intentions behind it. s/

    This is not ok.

    Hell is full of good intentions

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