Dania discovers the beauty of perseverence

Last month, Dania Atique got to volunteer at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital (SKMCH) for a week. She spent most of her time at the children’s ward, with our child cancer patients. When we asked her about the experience, she had a lot to say.

“The work that SKMCH do is commendable,” said Dania. “It is probably the only hospital ‬that I know of where special attention is paid to the psychological wellbeing of patients. After all, fighting a fatal disease like cancer must have as much impact on a person’s mind, as it does on their physical health.”

Dania’s observations are spot on. But a particular experience she had with our patient, Naman, really made an impact on her. Dania told us she personally suffers from a chronic illness, which had made her emotionally detached over the years. Yet seeing Naman’s attitude towards the hardships of cancer, and the treatment he is currently undergoing, made her reconsider her own view on disease.

“Naman’s unflinching bravado in the face of the approaching needle drove me, to tears,” she said. “It made me realize that disease is not a punishment rather a test of our perseverance. It is an unwelcome reality but a reality nonetheless.”

“This eight year old boy was fighting cancer with considerably more valour than I did my illness,” Dania continued. “I felt ashamed for the prolonged whining and decided to try being grateful and start counting my blessings.”

Dania’s realisation is nothing new to us here at Imran Khan Cancer Appeal (IKCA). Our patients at SKMCH, and their strength of spirit inspire us every day. They are a constant reminder of how much we all have to be grateful for. In fact, we’re always trying to return the favour by working extra hard to boost their morale.

At IKCA, we know that hope and high morale are vital for recovery. With the support we receive from donors and volunteers, Dania Atique, we’ve been keeping the morale high. With your help, we can keep the hope alive.

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