His father made a call on social media; the child who defeated cancer flew balloons with thousands of people

After his son Ali Asaf Demir (6) successfully completed his difficult leukemia cancer treatment that lasted 2 years, hardware store owner Samet Demir shared a message on his social media account. In his post, father Demir said, “Friends, we don’t have many friends. My son beat cancer and wants to fly balloons. Would you like to come?” This heartfelt call, which reached thousands of people in a short time, was met with great interest.

While the post spread rapidly on social media, Sancaktepe Mayor Alper Yeğin did not remain indifferent to the call. Mayor Yeğin said in his post, “I congratulate your son on beating cancer, my brother. I invite you and all our citizens to fly balloons at Sancaktepe Square Park on May 25.”

DREAM TURNED INTO REALITY

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan, Sancaktepe Mayor Alper Yeğin, Ali Asaf Demir's family, relatives and thousands of citizens attended the event held in Sancaktepe Cumhuriyet Square today to make Ali Asaf Demir's wish come true after he defeated leukemia. A group of 200 bikers also joined with their balloons to support the little boy.

Then Ali Asaf went on stage with his father and made his dream come true. He released his balloon into the sky with thousands of people who did not leave him alone. Those moments of Ali Asaf touched everyone in the area. While his mother and father could not hold back their tears, the fact that a newlywed couple attended the event in their wedding dresses and groom's suits on their wedding day drew attention. Afterwards, the event ended with various stage shows and a concert by the popular artist Tuğkan.

DEMİR: LET THIS EVENT BRING HOPE TO OTHER PATIENTS TOO

Father Samet Demir, who said he was touched, said, “We did not expect this many people. May God bless those who came. I would like to thank everyone who did not leave us alone on this happy day, our mayor and all the authorities. I hope this event will bring hope to other patients. I expected a few people to come. I did not expect such a high turnout. The people did not leave us alone.”

Demir, who talked about his son’s treatment process, said, “The treatment process lasted about 2 years. It first started with chemotherapy. Then, when the donor was found, we moved on to the transplant period. Then the disease relapsed again. This time, we moved on to chemotherapy and radiation. Now he is cured.”

'WE ARE STRONG, NOT CANCER'

Mother Esra Demir also said, “I would like to thank those who came. It was a difficult process. Only those who have lived through it know this. They made us feel like we are a big family on this happy day. It is not cancer, we are strong. They should never lose hope. There is always hope. My husband and I became more attached to each other during this process.”

CITIZENS WERE ALSO EMOTIONAL

Father İsa Efil, who came to the event with his family after seeing the post on social media, said, "We attended this event both for our own child and to support some children. It was very nice. We were happy to be included. We would like to thank Sancaktepe Municipality very much."

Father Ömer Temiz, who said he was moved at the event, said, “Having a child is a very different feeling. It is a very nice thing for our people to come together in such events. I came here from Beylikdüzü with my family to support. I also have a little son. When I think of something like this happening to him, my eyes fill with tears. It is a very difficult process.”

Atilla Özcan, who is a leukemia patient, said, “I have been a cancer patient for 3 years. I continue to be checked every 3 months. I want to experience this moment when I get better. I want to fly a balloon like them. I want everyone who is struggling with this disease to be saved.”

DHA

Editor: News Center