Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 182
I am Rukh Yusuf, Clinical Pharmacist, also specialized in Total Parenteral Nutrition and Bone Marrow Transplant. I have been working in the Pediatric Oncology unit of a public hospital for several years. The mission of this blog is to bring to you the real-life stories of child patients suffering from cancer. Cancer is still a difficult disease to handle and treat. However, when it strikes the children, some so young that they cannot even speak, their agony is beyond expression and words. Let us pray especially for children suffering from cancer for early and complete remission. May Allah shower His Merciful Blessings upon them. Aameen.
Life in small towns is often guided by the rhythm of nature and the quiet perseverance of its people. Families work hard to make ends meet, relying on local resources and community support. Yet sometimes life throws unexpected challenges that test the whole family. Today we have a story of a 7-year-old boy, Ali, who is facing his life’s hardest challenge —cancer.
Ali, a cheerful child, loved playing cricket with his friends and spending time with his younger sister. However, over a few months, he started feeling unusually tired and often complained of body aches. His family, initially attributing this to the common childhood ailments, decided to consult the local physician.
The physician suspected it as cancer and referred Ali to tertiary care hospital for final diagnose. Ali’s family lived in a modest house on the outskirts of their town, where every day was a struggle to provide for basic needs. His father, a farmer, could barely earn enough to support his family on good days. Now, faced with the overwhelming disease and expenses, the parents were worried. The journey was not only about distance but also about financial limitations. With every passing day, the pressure mounted.
Ali’s family decided to seek treatment in Lahore. They managed to gather the required funds through the help of relatives and well-wishers in their community. With a heavy heart and a glimmer of hope, they packed their belongings and set off on the treatment journey.
For Ali, the hospital was overwhelming, both exciting and intimidating. The doctors made the final diagnosis in a week and initiated the treatment protocol later, which included chemotherapy sessions that would stretch over several weeks.
It is the third week of his treatment, though treatment is free in this tertiary acre hospital and the medical staff is supportive and caring but there are so many expenses that need to be taken care of, when one family member is hospitalized. His father is staying with some relative until Ali gets his treatment, mother takes care of Ali in hospital.
Back home, the community is rallying around his family. Villagers contributed whatever they could to help with medical expenses. This support proved invaluable and provided his family with the strength to continue. They are also taking care of the rest of the children and Ali’s grandmother.
The stories of love and kindness reached Ali during his treatment, nurturing his resolve to fight the illness. He would often tell the doctors that he wanted to go home and play cricket again.
After two cycles, Ali’s family could finally see the possibility of returning home, not only with their son but also with a newfound sense of strength and resilience. The experience taught them the importance of community support and unwavering love. Ali still has to go for a long way for his treatment.
The journey of Ali is not just about battling leukemia; it’s about life, strength, and the bonds that hold us together. As he continues his journey to recovery, Ali’s story inspires many, resonating far beyond the boundaries of his small town in Punjab.
Lots of prayers for young Ali and his family, May Allah make their future easy and may he recover smoothly and quickly. Aameen
Lots of prayers for all sick children to recover quickly and never experience their illnesses again. May they lead happy and healthy lives once more. Aameen.
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