All posts by Carla Duarte

Stories of Hope, Uncategorized

“My daughter saved my life”

Amina Ali AlMheiri and her husband, were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child. They had planned everything meticulously, from the colour of the nursery to the clothes her baby would wear leaving the hospital. However, things did not go as planned when she went into labour on Christmas Day. “I was supposed to give birth in January 2021, but my baby girl was in a hurry to meet us,” said Amina recalling the experience. As she underwent the caesarian operation, the doctors discovered something alarming. She had stage three cancerous tumor on her right ovary.

Amina was devastated. She had never imagined that cancer would be a part of her life, let alone while giving birth to her child. She felt like her world had come crashing down. “It was shocking, but I had a lot of support from my family and friends,” said Amina. In the weeks following this discovery, Amina underwent rigorous treatment for her cancer all while taking care of her newborn baby, Faya.

Despite the difficulties, Amina refused to give up. She remained positive throughout her journey, finding solace in her family, friends, and newfound motherhood. “I was so blessed to become a mother before I lost fertility. The very existence of Faya helped me fight through this. I mean, who wouldn’t fight to stay and stare at this adorable smile?”

Today, Amina is a proud mother, cancer survivor, member and volunteer of Majlis Al Amal and has pledged to help women on their cancer journey. “I really wish I had known about Majlis Al Amal earlier in my diagnosis. It’s a serene space for patients, focusing on mental, physical, and emotional health. It’s fantastic that Majlis Al Amal offers these spaces so we can help others – and each other! It’s truly a feel-good place for people to do good and feel good. When you visit the center, you go home with the greatest reward: putting a smile on a survivors’ face.”
Despite her health challenges Amina “lives every day to its fullest”. She loves scuba diving and is in the process of getting her PADI license as a professional diver.

Amina decided to share her story to help break stereotypes, taboos and create awareness. She can not stress the importance of getting screened, even for those following a healthy lifestyle. Her inspiring story is a reminder that cancer can happen to anyone, at any time, and that early detection saves lives.

Press Release, Uncategorized

‘Champions of Hope’ tribute wall unveiled at Al Jalila Foundation

Al Jalila Foundation, a global healthcare philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) aimed at enhancing the contributions of the sports sector towards humanitarian programmes and charitable initiatives.

The signing of the agreement aligns with the UAE National Sports Strategy 2031 that was recently launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote community well-being through sports. The Strategy seeks to foster a culture of physical activity, improve the capabilities of sports professionals, identify promising athletes in educational institutions, and modernise sports education methods and regulations.

During the ceremony, the ‘Champions of Hope’ tribute wall, dedicated to recognising extraordinary sports personalities who have made significant contributions to Al Jalila Foundation, was inaugurated.

The inauguration of the tribute wall and the MoU signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of DSC; Nasser Aman Al Rahma, Assistant Secretary General of DSC; Dr Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of DAHC; Dr Amer Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, and representatives of DSC and DAHC.

Al Jalila Foundation has been officially designated as the charity partner of the Dubai Sports Council, marking a significant collaboration between the two entities. Together, they will embark on a series of initiatives aimed at promoting sports philanthropy and fostering a culture of sports, physical activity and inclusive participation across all segments of society.

Dr Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of the Al Jalila Foundation, said “Philanthropy possesses an extraordinary capacity to create lasting change. United by the common language of sport, the collaboration between Al Jalila Foundation and the DSC symbolises DAHC’s unwavering dedication to elevate the overall health and well-being of people in the UAE.”

He added: “Sports provide an incredible platform to reach hundreds of thousands of individuals, promoting healthy lifestyles and generating funds for charitable endeavours. We take immense pride in the support we receive from numerous sporting legends, and it is truly inspiring to witness globally recognised athletes utilising their influence to bring about positive change in people’s lives. The Champions of Hope tribute wall will stand as a lasting testament to compassion, generosity and empowerment, leaving a legacy for future generations.”

His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of DSC, expressed his delight in singing the agreement with Al Jalila Foundation and conveyed his deep admiration for the remarkable societal and humanitarian accomplishments made thus far. “The role of sports has proven to be instrumental in supporting philanthropic initiatives and advancing medical research, ultimately making significant contributions to patient recovery. Sports stars play crucial roles, not only in terms of achieving outstanding results and bringing happiness to their fans, but also in actively supporting community, sports and humanitarian initiatives. Their involvement highlights the tireless efforts of national institutions, with Al Jalila Foundation being at the forefront, in making a positive impact on society.”

His Excellency added: “We have witnessed successful collaborations between DSC and Al Jalila Foundation in the past, always uniting our shared objectives of national sports, humanitarian endeavours and community service to benefit humanity.”

Champions of Hope Tribute Wall

Symbolic of the remarkable strength of community within the realm of sports, the Champions of Hope tribute wall serves as a showcase for sports memorabilia, including two Guinness World Records that were achieved through items sold at the Al Jalila Foundation charity auction in 2015. Notably, among these record-breaking items is a race helmet worn by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during his triumphant victory at the FEI World Endurance Championship in 2012, which fetched an astounding AED24 million. Additionally, the display features the exceptional AED2.4 million Al Yamamah saddle generously donated by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, which he rode to victory at the 2014 Altech FEI World Equestrian Games held in Normandy, France.

Since its establishment, Al Jalila Foundation has been harnessing the power of sports to support its healthcare philanthropic programmes. Over the years, the Foundation has been part of iconic sporting events to help raise awareness around a number of causes. Through its engagement in these iconic sporting occasions, the Foundation has generated substantial funds to support its various programmes including 7 Emirates Run, Beat Diabetes Walk, Pink is Punk.

Overall, Al Jalila Foundation has held a total of 300 sporting events and raised almost AED10 million. The latest partnership with DSC will further contribute to realising the Foundation’s objective to transform lives through sports.

As the official Sports Ambassador for Al Jalila Foundation, the esteemed former Real Madrid footballer Michel Salgado has made significant contributions by donating his customised boots to the Foundation and fostering fruitful collaborations with renowned footballer and former Real Madrid goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, as well as esteemed corporate fundraising partners. In close partnership with Clarence Seedorf, a four-time UEFA Champions League winner, the Foundation strives to amplify awareness regarding the importance of cultivating a healthy lifestyle, especially among the younger generation. Notably, MMA coach Javier Mendez, alongside an impressive line-up of top-tier fighters including the current UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev, UAE Warriors fighter Emirati Hadi Al Husseini, and the UAE’s pioneering Emirati female boxer Fahima Falaknaz, have generously contributed signed items and are actively engaged in multiple initiatives in collaboration with the Foundation.

Dubai Academic Health Corporation’s vision is to advance health for humanity through the integration of care, learning, discovery and giving. Al Jalila Foundation advances DAHC’s giving mission to impact lives and shape the future of health through philanthropy.

Press Release

Dubai Islamic Bank donates AED 7 million to Al Jalila Foundation to help patients in need

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, today announced that it has received AED 7 million donation from longstanding partner Dubai Islamic Bank to help patients in need.

Al Jalila Foundation’s flagship patient treatment program, A’awen, provides financial medical assistance to patients who are unable to afford quality treatment, alleviating some of the financial burden of patients suffering from life-threatening illnesses including cancer.  Since January 2023, Al Jalila Foundation has supported 1505 patients from 54 nationalities, including 102 children, and invested almost AED 25 million to provide relief to patients in need.

Dr Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of the Al Jalila Foundation, said “As a philanthropic healthcare organisation dedicated to transforming lives, the health and well-being of patients is our top priority at Al Jalila Foundation. Philanthropic support is integral to achieving our giving mission and we are immensely grateful to Dubai Islamic Bank for their generosity and support to our A’awen program that gives hope to patients. The program is testament to Dubai Academic Health Corporation’s ‘Patient First’ promise; by taking care of their treatment, patients can focus on their healing journey without financial worry.”

Dubai Islamic Bank, the largest Islamic bank in the UAE, reaffirms its commitment to social responsibility and community development through its continued support to Al Jalila Foundation. The bank’s recent donation highlights its pioneering role in serving the UAE community, striving to empower individuals to lead happier, healthier lives. As a leading financial institution rooted in Islamic principles, Dubai Islamic Bank places great emphasis on making a positive impact on society. Its enduring partnership with Al Jalila Foundation exemplifies the bank’s unwavering dedication to philanthropy.

Press Release

Al Jalila Foundation recognises Marriott International with a ‘Crystal of Hope’ alongside leaders in philanthropy

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, has recognised Marriott International, the world-renowned hospitality chain, as a longstanding partner and major supporter of their mission. Since the collaboration began, in 2015, Marriott International has raised AED 11 million making it the largest contribution by any hospitality chain to date.

Aligned to the vision of Dubai Academic Health Corporation (DAHC) to work together to advance health for humanity, Al Jalila Foundation works with its partners to impact lives and shape the future of health. Philanthropic support is integral to achieving Al Jalila Foundation’s giving mission.

Every year, since 2015, Marriott International and its employees across the UAE have raised funds to give hope to sick children and their families through the ‘Road to Awareness’ fundraising campaign. The program runs throughout the year bringing together hotel employees and customers to support important humanitarian causes.

In addition to championing children’s health, Marriott International is also a regular champion in the fight to end breast cancer offering its support to Al Jalila Foundation #PINKtober campaign every October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

‘Road to Awareness’ is an annual associate fundraising program by Marriott International that has been making a valuable difference to the lives of children in the region since its inception in 2008. Every year, employees organise fundraising events to help raise funds to support the vital work local charities and organisations do to improve the lives of children. The annual cycle challenge has continued to be an anchor of the program with cyclists from across Marriott International hotels riding for charity.

Dr Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of the Al Jalila Foundation said “The Road to Awareness program is a shining example of how creative collaborations and initiatives can generate sustainable charitable revenues. As a philanthropic organisation, our ability to create lasting impact is dependent on sustainable donations. Fortunately, Marriott International has been a steadfast supporter in our efforts, sharing our vision to improve the lives of those in need. Together, with their continued support, we are able to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. We are grateful for Marriott’s extraordinary efforts and philanthropic spirit, and look forward to continue our work together to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families.”

“Marriott International is proud to have contributed to the Al Jalila Foundation’s mission over the past decade,” said Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East at Marriott International. “Our work with Al Jalila Foundation is a testament to Marriott’s commitment to serve the communities in which we operate. We recognise the critical role that Al Jalila Foundation plays in transforming lives, and we are honoured to support its work.”

Marriott International’s support of Al Jalila Foundation falls under the company’s Sustainability and Social Impact Platform, Serve 360: “Doing Good in Every Direction”, which guides how the company makes a positive and sustainable impact wherever it does business.

Pam Wilby, Chair of the UAE Marriott Business Council, said: “Since 2015 the Marriott Business Council has been supporting Al Jalila Foundation programs through a number of fundraising activities. Our Marriott associates work hard to raise funds throughout the year to support Al Jalila Foundation healthcare programs through the ‘Road to Awareness’ associates program to support patient treatment. We are very proud that more than 16,000 Marriott associates across our hotels working passionately to make a difference to the lives of women and children in the UAE.”

In 2021, the UAE Marriott Business Council sponsored the design and fit-out of Majlis Al Amal. The first of its kind community centre provides a safe, nurturing environment for women affected by cancer. It is a ‘home away from home’ to support patients and survivors’ wellbeing.

Pam Wilby added “We have been on an immensely gratifying, philanthropic journey with Al Jalila Foundation for several years now, and we remain committed to our relationship and the lives it impacts.”

Marriott International strives to be a force for good and their contribution to Al Jalila Foundation is a testament to the company’s commitment to social responsibility and making a positive, sustainable impact in the communities they operate in. The company has a long history of supporting local and global organisations through charitable giving and volunteerism.

Stories of Hope

Darlington finds her ‘hope tribe’ at Majlis Al Amal

Darlington is a fighter, always has been. But when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in April 2022, her life was turned upside down and she knew that she would need to dig deep to find the strength for the fight of her life.

Darlington was 43 years old and had lived a healthy life, so the news came as a complete shock. She was devastated. To add to her worries, her husband had lost his job and their insurance could not cover the medical costs. They were both unemployed and struggling to make ends meet, unable to afford the life-saving treatment Darlington needed to fight the disease.

Her future felt uncertain, but Darlington never lost hope. She held on to that hope like a “lifeline”, knowing that it would see her through the toughest times. Despite her emotional and financial struggles, Darlington remained fierce, courageous, and full of life. With the help of Al Jalila Foundation, and our A’awen Giving donor community, Darlington was able to undergo the much-needed cancer treatment. She remained hopeful, strong and determined throughout her journey.

One morning, after recovering from her last chemotherapy session, Darlington received a call from Majlis Al Amal to attend the first anniversary event which she says “made me come alive again”. At Majlis Al Amal, she found her “hope tribe”, a community of women who had all been touched by cancer and who she could lean on for support, words of encouragement and the “lifeline” she had so desperately hoped for. “I thought my life had come to an end until I met wonderful ladies with inspiring stories of courage and survival”.

The Majlis Al Amal community of cancer warriors became her extended family and gave her strength to keep fighting. Knowing that there were more women like her going through the same struggles gave her comfort and the emotional support when she needed it the most.

Darlington’s story is a testament to the power of community, the strength of the human spirit, and the importance of hope. Her hope and determination, combined with the support of those around her, helped her overcome all the odds. Darlington is grateful of everyone who helped her on her road to recovery: “I cannot thank Al Jalila Foundation enough for coming to my rescue when I had breast cancer. I was so afraid because I couldn’t afford the treatment, but with the help of this incredible community, I received all the support I needed, and today I am doing much better and feel like myself again. Thank you for giving me hope and the best chance to fight this disease.”

“I am so grateful to everyone who supported me during my journey. My family, my friends, and the incredible community of Majlis Al Amal. You gave me the strength to keep fighting, and I could not have done it without you.”

Darlington loves music, movies, and dancing. She also enjoys cooking and experimenting with recipes from all over the world and perfecting her skills in the kitchen: “It brings me so much pleasure to share my creations with my family and friends.”

As she looks forward to the future, Darlington is excited about the possibilities that lay ahead. She dreams of hosting her own talk show one day – a platform where she can share her thoughts and ideas with the world and engage with others in meaningful conversations. We have no doubt that Darlington will fulfill her dream, and we cannot wait to be there to celebrate it with her.

Darlington’s story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

Press Release

Al Jalila Foundation launches ‘A Fingerprint on Humanity’, the UAE’s first charitable NFT collection, to raise funds for medical research

Al Jalila Foundation, a non-profit healthcare organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, and a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced today that it has launched the first-ever collection of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) by a charity in the UAE.

The collection, titled ‘A Fingerprint on Humanity’, is the brainchild of visionary Emirati artist Maisoon Al Saleh and aims to raise awareness and generate funds for patients impacted by life-threatening diseases in the UAE.

Dr Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said, “In accordance with the Dubai Metaverse Strategy to become a worldwide hub for the metaverse community, we are proud to be the first healthcare charity in the UAE to accept donations in cryptocurrencies, bridging the gap between physical and digital currency. Our inaugural NFT collection, ‘A Fingerprint of Humanity,’ encourages our donor community to make a positive impact on patients. This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to promote innovation within our fund-raising channels and provide donors worldwide with the convenience of supporting our healthcare programmes.”

The collection comprises five one-of-a-kind NFTs, with each NFT illustrated as a letter that contains the most precious content: ‘hope’. Each letter represents a particular cause, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mental health, and obesity. Drawing inspiration from Al Jalila Foundation’s ground-breaking donor recognition wall, ‘Bassmat Rashid Bin Saeed’, Maisoon has incorporated a fingerprint on each wax seal that adorns the letters. The fingerprint symbolises the enduring impact that every individual can make on society.

Every NFT in the collection is colour-coded to signify a specific cause, and 100% of the proceeds from the sale of each NFT will go toward supporting Al Jalila Foundation. By possessing one of these exclusive NFTs, collectors can establish a legacy and contribute positively to society, one NFT at a time.

Maisoon Al Saleh, the artist behind the charitable NFT, expressed: “I urge artists to use their creative talents to support a charitable cause. My association with Al Jalila Foundation dates back to 2014 when I curated an art exhibition that led to the creation of this series of NFTs.”

The NFT collection was unveiled at Arts DAO Fest, a pioneering cultural festival that celebrates digital art and internet culture, bringing together worldwide industry experts and leaders. The festival was organised by the Dubai-based Arts DAO, which represents the Middle East’s most extensive web3 community.

Anas Bhurtun, Co-founder and CEO of Arts DAO, expressed his excitement by stating: “We are delighted to have Al Jalila Foundation as a charity partner for Arts DAO Fest. Innovation is the driving force behind Arts DAO, and when we learned that Al Jalila Foundation would become the first charitable organisation to release NFTs to raise funds for patient treatment and medical research, we knew we had to introduce them to the web3 community we’ve established here in the Middle East.”

The NFT collection is currently up for sale on OpenSea in Ethereum and the ftNFT Marketplace in the UAE Dirham.

Vigen Badalyan, Co-Founder of ftNFT, commented: “We are honoured to have been chosen as the preferred platform by Al Jalila Foundation to unveil the UAE’s first charitable NFT. Our distinctive platform enables our clients to purchase NFTs in the UAE Dirham, which sets us apart from others. We are delighted to be part of such initiatives that make a significant contribution to the community.”

NFTs are digital assets that represent ownership or proof of authenticity of a unique item or piece of content such as art, music, videos, or even tweets. They are based on blockchain technology and can be bought and sold like traditional assets, but they are distinguishable from one another and cannot be exchanged for one another, hence the name “non-fungible”. NFTs have gained popularity in recent years as a way for artists and creators to monetise their digital creations and for collectors to own one-of-a-kind digital assets.

Stories of Hope

Brave little fighter on the road to recovery

Meet Kairo, a brave little fighter who, at just 7 weeks old, was diagnosed with ventricular septal defect, also known as a hole in the heart. His strong spirit never wavered, and he faced each day with a smile, despite his pain and suffering.

As Kairo grew older, his condition began to take a toll on his body. By the time he was 4 years old, he had very little energy and was unable to enjoy the activities that other children his age took for granted. His parents were heartbroken to see him struggling and longed to see him running and playing with his friends. Unfortunately, they did not have the sufficient funds, or insurance, for the life-saving treatment Kairo desperately needed.

Hope came in the form of Al Jalila Foundation and long-time partner Emirates NBD who rallied their network to raise funds for Kairo’s medical care. The operation was a success and Kairo’s life was transformed. His heart grew stronger and he was filled with energy and joy.

Over the school holidays, Kairo was finally able to travel to see his extended family, where he had such a wonderful time and was so full of energy that he could even outrun his cousins.

Kairo’s parents were overwhelmed with gratitude to everyone who helped make Kairo’s recovery possible. “It has now been three months since the operation and our precious boy is getting stronger every day. We cannot express our gratitude enough to everyone who stepped in to help us. In our darkest time we were given the greatest gift of all: the gift of having our child with us, healthy, happy and full of life.”

Newsletters

Giving is at the heart of the nation

January 2023

Giving is what stands us apart. Giving is what makes our community stronger. Giving is at the heart of the nation.

Year on year, we at Al Jalila Foundation are continually in awe of the incredible support we receive, whether it be from large organisations adopting a charitable cause or individuals doing their best to ensure that everyone in our community is cared for. With your generosity we were able to help 337 patients receive life-saving medical care through our patient treatment support program.

Stories of Hope

Saja can walk for the first time

Since birth, 4-year-old Saja suffered from limb abnormalities which meant that she could not stand or walk without assistance. Unfortunately, due to her medical condition, Saja was a very quiet and shy little girl and grew more self-conscious as she became more aware that she was unable to walk, run and play like other children.

Saja’s parents were eager to improve her quality of life and sought out experts’ advice who recommended that their daughter would greatly benefit from specialised orthoses for her legs and feet to give her mobility.

The knowledge that there was a solution to Saja’s immobility was great news to her parents, but they were at a loss as to how they would be able to fund the highly advanced leg splints and medical shoes. They appealed to Al Jalila Foundation who launched a fundraising campaign on the A’awen Giving patient crowdfunding website. The positive response from the community was overwhelming and the full amount needed for the orthoses was raised in a very short period of time.

Thanks to the generous support of donors Saja has been fitted with cutting-edge leg splints and shoes that allow her far greater mobility and confidence.

Saja’s mother is in awe of the positive change she has seen in her daughter, “I cannot offer my appreciation enough to Al Jalila Foundation and the incredible UAE community who contributed to drawing a smile on the face of my child. It is thanks to your goodness and generosity that Saja who lacked confidence is now full of life and eager to explore the world. The happiness I see on her face every day is a constant reminder for the great gift we have been given.”