Friday, February 7, 2025

Warriors and Survivors - 199

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 199

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. 


Hina’s Light: A Heartwarming Journey of strength

Gujrat is small city of Pakistan where life flows like a river through the narrow streets and vibrant markets, we know an eight-year-old girl named Hina from Gujrat. She was a spark of joy in her family and boundless curiosity. Hina, like many children her age, loved to play with her friends, dream of adventures, and draw pictures of castles and fairies. But a terrible illness has changed everything, she has completely changed now, a hopeless soul who is waiting for some miracle.

Hina had been a fighter since the beginning. After experiencing relentless fatigue and frequent fevers, her parents wisely took her to the local hospital. For a middle-class family like hers, the diagnosis was devastating. Her mother, a dedicated teacher, and her father, who worked tirelessly in a factory, were suddenly thrust into a world of medical terms, treatment options, and uncertainty. Life as they knew it had transformed into something unrecognizable.

The family’s small home, once filled with the sounds of laughter and sibling banter, now carried immense stress. Hina had two siblings: Amir, who was ten, and little Sara, who had just turned six. While they adored their sister, they couldn’t help but feel unsure of what was happening. The family often sat together, yet silence filled the room with a heavy weight, as everyone worried about the future.

As weeks passed, Hina began her treatment. At first, she spent many days in the hospital, where she faced a series of painful procedures with a bravery that amazed all those around her. Having to endure the side effects, she lost her hair, often saying, “Now I’m just like my doll, and she is beautiful!” This innocent comment would bring a smile even to the most troubled faces in the room.

Despite the pain and fear surrounding her, Hina continued to brighten her family’s lives. During the weekends when she was allowed to go home, she would collect her markers and sketch pads, wanting to teach her siblings how to draw. "Drawing makes everything better," she would say, her eyes sparkling with hope. Her small hands moved gracefully, encouraging Amir and Sara to join in the fun. They would giggle and create each other's portraits, which sometimes looked more like strange animals than people, but laughter replaced sadness, if only for a while.

On nights when treatment was heavy, and Hina couldn’t sleep, her mother would sit by her side, reading stories about brave knights and magical lands. Hina listened intently, her imagination soaring even as her body fought against the challenges of her illness. In those moments, her spirit shone brighter than any star, providing comfort to her mother, who hid her own tears behind a brave smile.

One rainy afternoon, Hina helped her siblings make paper boats. They took them to the small stream nearby, watching as they floated away. “You know, these boats are like us,” Hina said, her voice soft yet thoughtful. “They might face lots of challenges in the water, but they always find a way to keep going. We will keep going, too.” Amir and Sara nodded, their worries momentarily replaced with hope.

As Hina continued her journey through palliative care, her family learned valuable lessons from her.  Hina is surrounded by uncertainty these days, though she tries to remain normal. Hina’s heart of courage and joy transcended her illness, teaching her family to embrace every moment and find strength in one another.

In the end, life was not defined by her disease but by the love shared between siblings and the laughter that rang through their home, just as it always had. Hina was much more than a girl battling leukemia; she was a symbol of unwavering hope, a daughter who transformed fear into strength, and a sister who illuminated the lives of those she loved. In the hearts of her family, her light would always shine through, no matter what battles lay ahead.

Prayers for young Hina and her family, May Allah grant him health all her life.  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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