Bishkek, June 2, 2026 /Kabar/. A photo exhibition titled "Tamyr – Strength of Spirit in the Heritage of Ancestors" has opened at the Gapar Aitiev Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts in Bishkek as part of a unique cultural and social project organized by the Help the Children-SKD charitable foundation.
The exhibition features children under the foundation’s care who have successfully overcome cancer. Through portraits inspired by traditional Kyrgyz imagery and recreated in an ethnic style, the project tells stories of courage, resilience and victory over illness.
The event also included a special presentation of traditional Kyrgyz clothing by the Kiyiz Duino Public Foundation led by Aiday Asangulova, known for preserving and reconstructing nomadic cultural heritage. The show served as a living embodiment of the continuity of generations.
President of the Help the Children-SKD foundation Elena Koneva said the exhibition is primarily intended to give hope to parents whose children are currently battling cancer. According to her, the exhibition demonstrates that cancer is not a sentence and highlights stories of children who have successfully completed treatment.
Koneva noted that the exhibition is also important for medical institutions, as doctors have expressed interest in displaying such portraits in hospitals so that newly diagnosed patients and their families can see examples of successful recovery. She emphasized that the exhibition symbolizes the triumph and strength of children who have overcome serious challenges.
Head of the Pediatric Oncology Department at the National Center for Maternal and Child Welfare Sultan Stambekov said that childhood cancer survival rates have improved significantly compared to the beginning of his medical career. He stressed the importance of public support, charitable foundations and increased awareness of cancer symptoms to ensure early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Kyrgyzstan’s Children's Rights Commissioner Asel Chynbaeva wished good health to children who have overcome cancer and underscored the importance of supporting them through various social and cultural initiatives. She noted that such projects help children share their experiences and inspire others facing similar challenges.
As part of the exhibition, organizers launched the charitable campaign "Gift a Portrait to a Hero." Individuals and companies can purchase exhibited photographs and present them to the children portrayed in the images. Funds raised from the initiative will be used to purchase life-saving medicines.
The exhibition will run from June 2 to June 5 at the Gapar Aitiev Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts.