Al Jalila Foundation help treat kids from war-torn countries
SYRIAN AND YEMENI FAMILIES THANK CHARITY FOR HELPING THEIR CHILDREN RECOVER
Al Jalila Foundation’s paediatric treatment programme has treated numerous children from war stricken countries in its commitment to continue the humanitarian work of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
On the occasion of Zayed Humanitarian Day, the hospital commemorates his legacy by highlighting projects and stories that are consistent with his vision and values.
Zayed Humanitarian Day is observed on Ramadan 19 to mark the death anniversary of Shaikh Zayed.
One of the stories is that of seven-year-old Majd Radwan Mohammad from Syria.
After suffering a stroke that impaired his speech, Mohammad also had difficulties eating and swallowing.
He received neuro-rehabilitation therapy, physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, and has made steady progress.
“It was very difficult to see our son suffering from a stroke but to see him responding positively to the treatment here, makes me very happy,” said Radwan Mohammad, Majd’s father
Majd’s doctor, Dr Haitham Al Bashir, paediatric neuro-rehabilitation therapist, said it’s a myth that only older adults are prone to suffering from strokes. He pointed out strokes remains among the top 10 causes of death in children.
He can speak now
“Majd now can speak full sentences and talk to his parents, as well as chew and swallow normally,” said Dr Al Bashir.
The hospital’s paediatric department also treated five yearold Bushra Saeed from Yemen who suffered from an atrial septal defect.
Bushra, who has a congenital heart defect that was discovered at the age of five, received urgent open heart surgery at the hospital.
The Saeed family came from Yemen to start a new life in the UAE, and they discovered Bushra’s condition six months later. Considering the financial burden such a surgery would have on the family, they were advised to contact Al Jalila Foundation.
Today, Bushra’s condition has improved dramatically and she is described as a “happy active young girl” by those around her. Bushra recently graduated from kindergarten and has made a full recovery.
“The foundation offered us great relief through timely support and we are grateful to have our precious and happy girl back with us in full health,” said Bushra’s father, Salah M Saeed.
“We are proud to uphold the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform lives through innovative and sustainable philanthropic [health care] programmes that will impact generations to come,” said Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Member of the Board of Trustees Al Jalila Foundation.