Ghadeer Zainab: Unconditional support

Diagnosed with Lymphoma at the tender age of eight, Ghadeer Zainab held fast to her studies throughout her struggle with cancer. Your support made her struggle possible.

“My life lost balance two years ago, when my daughter, Ghadeer, started complaining of stomach pain,” explains Ghadeer’s father. “Initially, the regular tests verified no serious problem or complication. Then in early 2018, Ghadeer was diagnosed with lymphoma, a type of cancer.”

When Ghadeer’s father brought her to Shaukat Khanum Hospital for treatment, his heart was heavy with the fear that he wouldn’t be able to afford his daughter’s treatment. “That first visit changed my whole perspective,” he recalls. “When I found out the hospital would cover the full cost of her treatment, my hope was restored!” But the months which followed were not easy for Ghadeer and her family.

Cancer can feel like the end of world for anyone. For a child, it can be harrowing. The time spent undergoing treatment often puts a huge strain on a child patient, both physically and psychologically. What’s more, it puts a pause on life altogether. Thats why, at Shaukat Khanum Hospital, we provide our paediatric patients with play therapy and the opportunity to continue with their studies in hospital. This is how Ghadeer kept her morale high throughout her treatment, by dedicating herself to her studies.

Ghadeer was concerned about missing out on school so with her parents’ consent, she began the SKMCH education program – studying alongside other child cancer patients in her age group. Amidst her battle with cancer, Ghadeer was able to complete year 3. The day she joined the procession ceremony of her class graduation at Shaukat Khanum Hospital, her parents shed tears of pride.

“That was an inspiring experience for us all,” her father recalls with joy, “and was a reminder that you should never give up, and never stop believing no matter what life throws at you. My daughter has been very fortunate to receive love and encouragement from staff members and teachers at Shaukat Khanum Hospital. This is what provided her with the support she needed to keep pushing on.”

After undergoing 6 months of chemotherapy, Ghadeer’s fierce spirit won against cancer. “It is still hard to believe that we have an institution like Shaukat Khanum Hospital in our country,” says Ghadeer’s father. “The support we received was unconditional, both financially and emotionally.”

Every year, at Shaukat Khanum Hospital, we witness so many ‘hopeless cases’ where children like Ghadeer, beat cancer against all the odds. Their recovery is possible through the will of Allah (swt) and your Zakat and Sadaqah. She and all our patients who were able to receive free treatment thanks to your support, have a message:

Thank you for not giving up on us. May Allah (swt) bless you and your families.

Are you giving Zakat and Sadaqah? Why not give it to sponsor the full or partial treatment of a cancer patients like Marriam, and give a family hope of life. Find out More.