Born with Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome (HRHS), a rare congenital heart condition affecting blood flow to the lungs, Abdulrahman began life with an extraordinary challenge.
His parents were unaware of his condition’s severity until his twentieth day of life, when his mother noticed his lips and nails turning blue with each breath – a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of an arduous medical journey.
Following initial examinations at Dubai Hospital – part of Dubai Healthcare – Abdulrahman, who was born in 2019 to a Pakistani family, was referred to Khalifa Hospital in Abu Dhabi.
There, before reaching three months of age, he underwent his first surgery, the initial step in a series of procedures designed to correct his blood flow and improve heart function.
The path was fraught with anxiety for his family. Each medical decision carried immense weight, yet they found solace in the expertise of specialists who provided the guidance needed to navigate these difficult choices.
After his first surgery, Abdulrahman continued with medical follow-ups at Dubai Hospital. It was then that his family discovered Al Jalila Children’s Hospital and the Aoun Treatment Support Programme – an initiative by Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Healthcare.
This programme offers financial assistance to UAE-based patients struggling to afford life-saving treatments. Their initial meeting with the medical team heralded a turning point in Abdulrahman’s treatment journey, as preparations commenced for his Fontan procedure, the third and final stage of surgical intervention for his condition.
“The medical team at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital reassured us and put our minds at ease,” his father recalls.
“Even though we had already been through previous heart surgeries, the fear remained just as intense. I was hesitant about the second surgery, but the doctors explained how crucial it was for Abdulrahman’s health and future development. From that moment, we decided to proceed with complete trust in the medical team’s plan.
“Abdulrahman was always cheerful and had great confidence in his doctors. On the day of his surgery, he even joked with one of the doctors, saying he wanted to walk to the operating room instead of being taken on a stretcher. This small gesture reflected the sense of security and comfort that the medical staff had provided him.”
Following surgery, Abdulrahman required specialised care for three months. His post-operative regimen was precise, including a high-calorie milk diet to help restore his strength. Gradually, he began to recover and regain his vitality.
Today, Abdulrahman displays more energy than his three older siblings. He delights in riding his bicycle and playing without showing any signs of fatigue. He has developed into a confident, resilient child who never feels different from his peers.
After this challenging experience, Abdulrahman’s father offers advice to parents facing similar circumstances:
“Trust the doctors and the local hospitals. We are fortunate to have Al Jalila Children’s Hospital in Dubai, where a highly skilled medical team, using the latest technologies, is dedicated to caring for our children. Instead of travelling abroad, we now have access to world-class expertise and medical care right here in the UAE.”
Through its various programmes and community initiatives, Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Healthcare, supports the treatment of over 8,600 patients annually, 30 percent of whom are children suffering from life-threatening diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and other chronic conditions.
This reflects the foundation’s unwavering commitment to transforming lives and making a tangible impact on those in need.
The Children’s Fund, one of the foundation’s key initiatives, plays a vital role in supporting medical treatments, research and education, further strengthening its legacy of charitable achievements.
