Warriors and Survivors - Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 185
In every hospital, behind the sterile walls and the beeps of machines, live the heartwarming stories of resilience, hope, and sometimes, deep sorrow. Today, we remember a young boy named Asad, who bravely fought against T cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) but unfortunately lost his battle too soon.
Asad was just seven years old when his life took a sad turn. Initially, he was a lively child, full of dreams and laughter. He loved playing cricket with his friends and was known for his playful spirit. But as time went on, his parents noticed he was getting tired more quickly than usual. After several visits to the doctor and some tests, they received the news that would forever change their lives—Asad was diagnosed with T cell ALL.
T cell ALL is a type of blood cancer that affects white blood cells. The diagnosis was a shock for his family, and they were pushed into a world filled with hospitals, treatments, and a language that felt foreign. Many nights were spent discussing options, undergoing chemotherapy, and battling the side effects that came with it.
For two long years, Asad dedicated himself to fighting this illness. He went through countless chemotherapy sessions, reluctantly took medication, and faced each day with bravery in his tender age. His parents kept their faith, celebrating every small step forward—every time he felt better.
However, the realities of this difficult disease and its treatment began to weigh heavily on Asad’s weak body. Complications arose that no amount of courage could fight. Infections, a common risk in children undergoing chemotherapy, surfaced. Despite his physicians’ care, Asad developed a severe complication that led to his swift decline.
Asad was admitted to the ICU, surrounded by the beeping of machines. It was a place filled with heavy emotions—hope intermingled with fear. His family, heartbroken yet hopeful, sat by his side, holding his hand and speechless. Asad would open his eyes just a little wider, as if recognizing the warmth in their silence. Those moments were gold, sustaining his family as they walked this heartbreaking path together.
This had become a heavy battle for Asad. His precious spirit began to fade away. He peacefully slipped away, surrounded by the warmth of his family’s love. It was a moment none of them was truly prepared for, yet one that came in silence, marked by an overwhelming sense of loss and sorrow.
Asad’s life, although cut tragically short, left a profound impact on everyone around him. His family, friends, and even the medical staff who attended to him. I still remember his last day in ICU. In their grief, Asad's mother decided to honor his memory by raising awareness about T Cell ALL and advocating for better support systems for families facing similar challenges.
Lots of prayers for young Asad and his family, May Allah make their future easy. 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.
