GOSH introduces superhope league
LONDON: United by hope and fuelled by their passion to help others, AJ-Force, DarkGadget, SaMagic, ButterFly, Flowergirl and ReFroze have teamed up to form the mighty GOSHxSuperhope league; marking a new era for the world of superheroes. With AJ-Force’s tremendous energy, ButterFly’s ability to soar the skies, DarkGadget’s indestructible shield technology, Flowergirl’s awesome flower power, SaMagic’s amazing wizardry and ReFroze’s cool ice magic; together, they form the most incredible force for good our planet has ever known. With their unique powers and inspiring positive mental attitude, they offer a new hope to children from across the world.
Speaking about bringing Superhope to life and the friendships made during the campaign, Emma Hedges, Hematology and Oncology Trainee Advanced Nurse Practitioner specializing in pediatric cancer, said: “Aysha, Latifa and Retaj are my three musketeers! They are all being treated for very similar conditions, although Latifa and Retaj needed further treatment. The three of them have bought the staff so much joy with their individual personalities, that I thought this could be something for them to focus on away from their hospital visits and treatment.”
“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be involved in the care of these two delightful girls, Retaj and Latifa. Their families have shown such dedication in bringing them to the UK and supporting them through their treatment at GOSH. We are all thrilled that they are doing well on treatment and will be returning to Kuwait soon for ongoing surveillance,” said Dr Antony Mickalski, Consultant Pediatric Oncologist at GOSH. Meet Latifa, aka ButterFly
Born to fly
Latifa is a bright and bubbly 12-yearold from Kuwait who has always yearned to fly. Latifa came to Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) in London with her grandmother in 2010. Ever since, Latifa has spent the past eight years at the hospital receiving treatment for her condition. Latifa and her grandmother hope to return home in December at the end of many years of successful treatment.
With a love for butterflies, she hoped one day she could follow them and fly high. At first, during her time at GOSH, Latifa was shy but over the years, her confidence grew and Latifa metamorphosed into a tenacious, strong and optimistic young girl. This is where Latifa’s alter-ego ‘ButterFly’ came to life. As well as being able to soar through the skies, ButterFly is able to command a flutter of butterflies with just one single clap. With the help of her butterfly friends, ButterFly is able to spread happiness and encouragement to other children with similar conditions
“Superhope has had a positive effect on Latifa and her family,” explains Latifa’s grandmother adding, “Latifa needs something to encourage herself and I can feel this event make her so happy. In the photo, she is like a butterfly queen, very beautiful! Thank you so much for organizing this event.”
Meet Retaj, aka ReFroze
The coolest superhero yet Ever since Retaj was born in Kuwait almost eight years ago, she has blessed the world with her smiles and laughter. The magical twinkle in Retaj’s eyes still continues to glisten, despite first coming to GOSH in 2012 and returning again in 2017 for treatment for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic condition that caused a tumor to grow near her optic nerve. She is courageous and brave, with a strong compassion for people.
Whilst at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) in London, Retaj spoke of her love for superpowers and all things enchanted. Although being at hospital is far from a fairy-tale for any child, Retaj still manages to keep her enthusiasm for life and imagination alive with the help of her family and GOSH nurses and doctors. This is where Retaj’s unique ice power came to life and her ice princess alter-ego ‘ReFroze’ was born.
ReFroze has the warmest of hearts, yet her power is as cool as can be. Even during the darkest and snowiest of days in London, Retaj can still see the true beauty of ice by creating the most mesmerizing ice sculptures. Whether she’s in London or Kuwait, ReFroze thrills and dazzles her friends with her magical ability to transform her surroundings into a winter wonderland that all can enjoy.
During Superhope, Retaj was an outpatient and had to visit the hospital for appointments at least once a week, sometimes more often, for many months. Superhope gave her the opportunity to focus on something exciting while she had to come to the hospital. “It is a beautiful event for us and Retaj was so excited and happy!” said Retaj’s mom adding, “She felt so proud that she could be an ice princess and she kept talking about that for several days.” “I loved the Superhope experience and I am very happy and excited! I want to do it again,” Retaj said.