When three-year-old Ferazia was diagnosed with leukaemia, the outlook was bleak. Her family, already haunted by losing a relative to the same disease, faced not only emotional devastation but also the crushing weight of unaffordable medical costs. That’s when Al Jalila Foundation stepped in, changing the course of this young life through its A’awen program.
A family’s worst fear realised
The first signs were deceptively simple – a persistent fever that wouldn’t break and blood test results that prompted concern. For Ferazia Farhan Latif’s parents, the diagnosis of leukaemia in their Indian-born toddler immediately triggered deep concern.
Having already lost a 23-year-old family member to the disease, they understood all too well the gravity of what lay ahead. Despite their fears, they summoned the courage to fight for their daughter’s future.
Overwhelmed by the prohibitive costs of cancer treatment, the family found themselves at a crossroads until they discovered Al Jalila Foundation. Their urgent plea for assistance received prompt attention, and soon Ferazia was receiving comprehensive care at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital.
Every medical expense was covered through the foundation’s A’awen program, transforming despair into possibility.
Beyond charity: A vision for children’s health
“The Child Fund we launched in November 2023 represents our commitment to ensuring no child goes without essential healthcare due to financial constraints,” explains Haajar Al Ali, Director of Programmes at Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health.
The foundation employs rigorous assessment protocols, evaluating both financial need and medical necessity when determining support. “Our approach is deliberately inclusive – helping families regardless of nationality or background, and completely transparent with our partners,” Al Ali says.
She adds: “Each success story like Ferazia’s fuels our purpose. When we witness a child who faced such adversity return to normal childhood activities, it validates everything we stand for. These moments of triumph remind our entire team at Al Jalila Children’s Special Hospital that what we do truly matters.”
The remarkable resilience of a child
Throughout her treatment journey, Ferazia displayed extraordinary spirit. Rather than being diminished by her illness, she approached hospital visits with enthusiasm, forming bonds with medical staff that transcended typical patient-provider relationships.
For her, these weren’t merely clinical appointments but opportunities to visit friends who happened to be doctors and nurses.
As treatment progressed, Ferazia’s recovery became evident not just in medical assessments but in her everyday life. Soon she was back to riding her scooter, playing with abandon and thriving academically – hallmarks of childhood that had temporarily been put on hold.
Today, her family are profoundly grateful to the team who cared for Ferazia, and also to the Al Jalila Foundation. Her father said: “From the moment Ferazia was admitted, we felt immense care and support. They gave us hope and comfort even before treatment began, dedicating themselves tirelessly to our daughter’s well-being. We extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to the entire team.”
