Crowds flock together in Istanbul to honor a young cancer survivor's triumph
On May 25, 2025, Istanbul became a city of celebration as thousands gathered to honor Ali Asaf Demir, a 3-year-old leukemia survivor. After a grueling battle with the disease that began when he was just 8 months old, Ali emerged victorious following nearly two years of intensive treatment, including chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.
Moved by their son's recovery, Ali's parents, Samet and Esra Demir, invited the public to join in their joy. Samet extended the invitation through a heartfelt message on social media, asking: "We don't know many people. My son beat cancer and wants to release balloons. Would you come?"
The message struck a chord with Istanbulites, prompting an outpouring of support. A public event was organized in the Sancaktepe district, where thousands came together to share in the family's happiness.
The event featured a concert and a group of motorcyclists, adorned with balloons, rallying to show their support. Following the concert, Ali and his parents took the stage. Mayor Alper Yeğin placed a red cape on the young survivor, symbolizing his triumph over cancer.
Together with the crowd, Ali released the balloons into the sky, a moment of pure joy and resilience. His father, Samet, was seen shedding tears as the balloons ascended.
The event was further enlivened by the attendance of a newlywed couple, who had attended directly from their wedding ceremony. Their presence added to the festive atmosphere, demonstrating the power of community unity in times of celebration and hardship.
"We didn't expect this many people. I thought maybe just a few would come. Thank you to everyone who didn't leave us alone on this special day," expressed a grateful Samet Demir. His wife, Esra, emphasized the importance of hope and community support during difficult times, and encouraged other parents to remain hopeful during their children's battles with illness.
The celebration for Ali Asaf Demir served as a testament to the indomitable spirit of a young boy and the strength of his community. It was a day filled with joy, hope, and a profound demonstration of the power of unity in the face of adversity.
In the spirit of unity and health, Samet Demir, inspired by his son's medical-conditions-defeating victory over leukemia, invited the public to a celebration of science and health-and-wellness. During the event, the significance of hope and community became evident as thousands gathered to commemorate their victory over the challenging journey of cancer.
