All posts by Carla Duarte

Stories of Hope

Al Jalila Foundation steps in to support cancer-stricken boy

A four-year-old Pakistani boy who could not walk due to cancer has got a new lease of life after Dubai’s Al Jalila Foundation helped his parents with a fund to meet his advanced treatment expenses.

It was in December 2019 that Esa, then aged one, had suddenly stopped walking. The only child of his parents, he had just moved to Dubai with them.

“Amidst our settling down here in Dubai, one day our child woke up with unusual behaviour,” Esa’s mother Rabia told Gulf News.

“He had been a very active kid since his birth. He just could not walk,” she said.

Esa was then taken to the doctor and a series of tests, including a brain and spine MRI, was recommended.

“Our mind was not ready to accept it, but we took a deep breath and agreed on proceeding with the doctor’s recommendations. We had no family and friends in this foreign land, we were heart-wrenched and emotionally drained. We took a decision to go back to our home country where our families could be by our side,” said Rabia.

Shocking diagnosis

Soon after they arrived in their country, the child underwent brain MRI and he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a paediatric solid tumour.

The shocking diagnosis coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic and the international travel ban, due to which Esa and Rabia were unable to return to the UAE.

Esa’s parents pushed for his treatment in Pakistan and thankfully he was able to start chemotherapy, surgery for the tumour removal and radiation. “With Allah’s help, our little body endured all these pains,” Rabia said.

However, Esa still required ongoing treatment including an oral chemotherapy drug. As soon as the flight ban was lifted, they returned to the UAE.

“We managed to find a paediatric oncologist who would take his case forward. But we had enormous challenges waiting for us. My husband, who is a chemist, was on salary cut due to COVID-19, and all our savings were already invested in our child’s treatment. I was jobless.”

The family then reached out to Al Jalila Foundation for support after getting to know about it from a friend.

“We were almost on the verge of breaking down by then. I first emailed them about my concerns. I received a prompt and a positive response from a foundation member. Their team was very generous and enquired from us the detailed case history of our child. It was very hard for us to pay the expenses of his medicine, bimonthly MRI, and fortnightly laboratory tests. But by the grace of the Almighty, Al Jalila Foundation helped us out,” said Rabia.

A’awen patient treatment programme

Thanks to the support from the A’awen programme of the foundation, Esa was able to receive the remaining treatment he so desperately needed. Today, Esa’s condition has significantly improved, and the young boy is in good health.

“He can walk and run around. He was so cheerful and participated in the ‘superhero’ event organised by the foundation for children undergoing treatment,” said Rabia.

She profoundly thanked the foundation for the life-changing support for her son.

“We, as a family, have no words to thank this great organisation. Of course, it goes without saying that it is because of the benevolence of the leaders of this country that such programmes have been initiated to support not only the citizens, but also the expatriates. No wonder expatriates love this land,” added Rabia, who has now got a job as a teacher in Dubai.

Help for young cancer patients

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, pointed out that every three minutes, a child is diagnosed with cancer around the world, according to the World Health Organisation.

“It is heartbreaking to imagine children suffering from cancer and at Al Jalila Foundation, we are dedicated to helping young cancer patients whose families are unable to afford life-saving treatment. Through the generosity and support of our partners and the wider community, we are able to give children like Esa a second chance,” he said.

“Every day, we witness the culture of giving that is embedded in our nation’s DNA – something that we are very proud to be part of. Nothing gives us greater joy than to see a child beat cancer and grow up healthy and strong after successful treatment. This makes our job rewarding,” Dr Abdulkareem added.

Note: Esa’s story was  published by Gulf News on 26 September 2022.

Newsletters

Every heartbeat matters

September 2022

World Heart Day is celebrated every year on 29 September as a reminder that every heartbeat matters. Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death globally and continue to affect millions of lives. World Heart Day is a worldwide campaign designed to promote heart health and encourage people to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

Stories of Hope

InstaShop utilises their platform for good

InstaShop is recognised as one of the leading online marketplaces for supermarkets, pharmacies, pet shops and other businesses in the Middle East. Since establishment in 2015 InstaShop has gathered a large and loyal customer base who rely on their services daily.

As a company headquartered in the UAE, InstaShop was looking for the most efficient ways to give back to the community through their CSR initiative while also delivering solutions to their customers.  In true InstaShop innovative style, they moved forward with a plan that not only fulfilled their CSR goals but also encouraged their vast network to donate by making a special donation option on their platform so customers could donate to Al Jalila Foundation to support the treatment of sick children at the click of a button.

To get the ball rolling, they notified their customers of this option and during Ramadan ramped up their efforts to increase donations. InstaShop placed inspiring advertisements on social media and various digital platforms around the country to highlight some of the children that Al Jalila Foundation had supported as a way to encourage customers to support more children.

Thanks to InstaShop’s dedication and commitment to help others they managed to raise an astonishing AED 100,000 to support children’s treatment in the UAE.

InstaShop stands as a wonderful example of how corporate organisations can use their network and business platform to make a difference in the community and save lives.

Press Release

Al Jalila Foundation partners with America’s NIH and major UAE universities to establish a collaborative scientific research initiative

In a move set to provide a boost to Dubai’s scientific research capabilities, the Al Jalila Foundation, together with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), and three UAE universities have announced the establishment of the UAE-NIH Collaborative Research Initiative (UAE-NIH-CRI).

Al Jalila Foundation is a non-profit healthcare organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation. The UAE universities participating in the collaborative initiative include Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, and UAE University. The partnership between Dubai’s Al Jalila Foundation, NIH, and three of the UAE’s most reputable academic institutions is the first of its kind in the Arab world.

The UAE-NIH-CRI will support ongoing and new meritorious UAE-US research cooperation. It will foster cooperative research among UAE and US researchers with shared priorities related to infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases. The initiative will also boost the UAE’s capacity in biomedical research through scientific training opportunities, with the partner organisations contributing combined funding of almost AED14 million over three years.

The UAE-NIH-CRI is expected to fund up to six meritorious awards over three years to support pioneering research collaborations among UAE and US scientists, bringing the brightest minds together.

While announcing the initiative, Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Science has no borders and will flourish through global collaboration, knowledge transfer, and continuous innovation. Our vision is to foster world-class medical research to deliver medical breakthroughs. This partnership will further enhance our efforts to advance scientific discovery and be a leader in medical innovation. We are confident that our work together will promote better health outcomes and improve patients’ quality of life.” Dr Abdulkareem encouraged researchers in the UAE and the US to work together to apply for collaborative research funding.

Merit-based funding

A council representing the five participating organisations will oversee the UAE-NIH-CRI, review the scientific merit of applications, make funding recommendations, and review progress reports. The merit review process will be handled independently by a panel of unconflicted experts.

Application process

A request soliciting proposals from researchers for the UAE-NIH-CRI awards [https://www.crdfglobal.org/funding-opportunities/uae-nih-collaborative-awards-2023/] was released on 31 August 2022 by CRDF Global, an independent non-profit organisation. The application deadline is 16 December 2022. Grant recipients will be announced in the spring or early summer of 2023.

Stories of Hope

Guido spreads message of hope with cycling challenge

Nobody wants to hear “you have cancer”, nobody.

An avid cyclist, Guido De Wilde, approached his cancer journey like a challenging bike ride – an endurance race – and when he recovered it was important to him to give back. Guido knows first-hand the impact of a cancer diagnosis and, with Cycle Against Cancer, he wanted to deliver a message of hope to other cancer patients and raise funds for Al Jalila Foundation to help patients in need.

The 7-day charity cycling challenge from Guido’s home country of Belgium to Italy (from Waterloo to Bergamo) covered 1,200 kilometres and climbing 14,000 metres. The team faced torrential rains, high speed winds and steep climbs but remained determined to achieve their goal. Their efforts paid off! The campaign raised an incredible AED 370,000 to support the fight against cancer.

“I am so proud we were able to deliver on our promise. It was a result of doing the right thing as one team and of the tremendous response we received from the community. We are hugely grateful and thank all donors for their generosity.”

Congratulations to the team: Guido De Wilde, Luc Vercruyssen, Filip De Grauwe, Filip Lauwers, Jan Dhont, Servee Palmans, Tim Derry, Walter Roelants and Wim Tavernier. We are incredibly proud of how they used their passion for cycling for the greater good.

Guido is proof that “there is life after cancer” and his story spreads hope and inspiration to others on the same journey.

Click here to watch a recap of Cycle Against Cancer.

Press Release

Al Jalila Foundation receives first donation in cryptocurrency to support Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, announced that it has received the first donation in cryptocurrency to support Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital.

The donation, the first of its kind in the UAE, was made by the founders of QUINT, a revolutionary token championing mainstream adoption of DeFi and cryptocurrencies by bringing real-world rewards and perks to investors. QUINT has donated an equivalent value of USD 16 million to support Hamadan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital. The funds will be made available to Al Jalila Foundation through a specially devised locking and vesting mechanism over a 3-year roadmap aligned with the bone marrow transplant centre’s construction plan.

After complete realisation of the donation, the facility will be named “QUINT Bone Marrow Transplant Centre” on launch, and will cater for cancer patients who could otherwise not afford specialised medical treatment. Quint’s development team and strategic partners have also contributed generously towards this donation.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO at Al Jalila Foundation, said: “As a philanthropic organisation we rely on charitable donations and we are always seeking innovative ways to expand our donation channels for ease of convenience for donors from all around the world to support our programmes. Crypto philanthropy has emerged as an important and sustainable source of fundraising for charities, giving donors greater opportunities to support humanitarian causes. We are grateful to QUINT for their generous contribution that will have a great impact on the lives of adults and children suffering from cancer.”

Bone marrow transplant (also known as stem cell transplant) is a medical procedure that infuses healthy stem cells to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow. This treatment is usually for cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma, or other similar life-threatening conditions. The replacement bone marrow or stem cells can come from the patient themselves (autologous transplantation) or from a donor (allogeneic transplantation).

QUINT, a flagship crypto and DeFi project on the BSC chain, has innovated the idea of super-staking pools that allow investors to benefit from real-world perks, rewards and investment opportunities. The Quint boutique NFT Market Place brings digital art to real-world collectors and connoisseurs, displayed in beautiful Token Frames. In May 2022 Quint partnered with Galaxy Racer (GXR), a transmedia powerhouse focused on esports, content creators, music, and sports, headquartered in Dubai, and became the native token for the GXR ecosystem. The Quint ecosystem is supporting the Dubai Blockchain Strategy and Emirates Blockchain Strategy, and is establishing new standards for ESG, transparency, accountability and deliverability within the cryptocurrency space.

Mr Mohammed Al Bulooki, Chairman of Quint, said: “Quint’s founders, developers and partners support Al Jalila Foundation’s aim of transforming lives through medical research, and are delighted to be able to contribute to this mission. Quint prides itself on contributing to community well-being and holding itself to high standards of governance and ethics. As part of our mission of connecting the metaverse to the real world, and boosting mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies and DeFi, we are pleased to be amongst the first to embrace crypto philanthropy in the UAE and the Middle East.”

Quint’s founding team and strategic partners are all industry veterans with strong track records. It is noteworthy that Quint’s CEO Mr Rahul Chaudhary sits at the helm of CG Corp Global, a multi-billion-dollar multinational conglomerate spanning 140 years of operation, 160 companies and 123 brands in over 35 countries.

In less than a year, Al Jalila Foundation has already raised AED390 million, towards the AED750 million fundraising target, with major donations received from a number of philanthropists, government and non-government organisations, UAE businesses and corporates to support the development of the UAE’s first cancer charity hospital.

To learn more about Quint’s Ecosystem, visit:  https://quint.io/

Stories of Hope

Dubai mother thanks Al Jalila Foundation for life-saving support to beat breast cancer

When Dubai resident Shayani Madushika felt a slight itch and pain in her left breast last July, she quickly feared the worst.

Initially brushing it off as nothing untoward, the mother-of-two decided to consult a doctor, mainly for reassurance, as the pain persisted and a lump had formed.

Ms Madushika, 44, had only recently moved from Sri Lanka to Dubai with her two children to join her husband but her life was turned upside-down only days after that initial appointment, when she received a diagnosis that the small lump was a cancerous tumour.

“Life was normal in Dubai,” she said. “The kids continued their schooling online and we were happy to be together again as a family. But on July 28, I felt a slight itch on my left breast above the nipple area. I then felt it was a little hard, like a lump. I felt numb [with worry].”

After several tests, doctors confirmed the presence of a tumour and informed Ms Madushika that it needed to be removed.

“The radiologist’s test results came back and showed a suspicious lump,” she said. “[I was advised to get] a biopsy to confirm what exactly it was. Everything was happening so fast and additional test results confirmed that the lump was cancerous. I felt like I was given a death sentence.”

Having only recently moved to Dubai, she had no medical insurance and limited funds to hand.

Sri Lanka was in the midst of its worst economic crisis in decades and although the couple had put in a request to withdraw their savings from their bank back home, it was rejected.

Fearing this would delay her recommended treatment, she began to feel helpless.

“Doctors confirmed I did not need to undergo chemotherapy but said I needed to start a three-week bout of radiation,” she said. “When I inquired about the costs of treatment, it was extremely expensive.” Her doctor recommended she get in touch with the Al Jalila Foundation in Dubai, which could help with the costs of the treatment.

After attending the foundation’s Majlis Al Amal, a cancer drop-in centre dedicated to supporting female patients, she met many women who were in a similar situation.

“The foundation is absolutely amazing,” she said. “In a matter of a few days, my request was approved and I was set to have my radiation treatment in the best hospitals in UAE. I felt blessed.”

Not only did the foundation cover the cost of the treatment, she said the emotional support she received through the Majlis helped her to maintain a positive attitude throughout.

“I am ever so grateful to the Al Jalila Foundation for funding the total cost of my radiation treatment. I was blessed to have been in UAE for the treatment. The doctors, nurses and all medical staff have been nothing but wonderful. I have never received or seen that kind of kindness and patience.”

In December, Ms Madushika underwent her last radiation session and doctors confirmed that the cancer had not spread.

Speaking to The National, Dr Abdulkareem Al Olama, chief executive of Al Jalila Foundation, said breast cancer was the most common form of the disease affecting women in the UAE.

“[It makes up] 38 per cent of all female cancers. A breast cancer patient knows first-hand just how valuable having the right treatment to fight the disease is. Al Jalila Foundation consider it a privilege not only to be in a position to provide financial medical assistance to patients like Shayani, but also to offer emotional support through our Majlis Al Amal community.”

Ms Madushika has since returned to Sri Lanka so her children can attend in-person classes but said being in Dubai at the time of her diagnosis saved her life.

Note: Shayani’s story was  published by The National on 23 August 2022.

Press Release

Moafaq Ahmed Al Gaddah pledges AED10 million to Al Jalila Foundation for the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital

Al Jalila Foundation, a nonprofit healthcare organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, and a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced that Moafaq Ahmed Al Gaddah & Sons had pledged AED10 million to support the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital, the UAE’s first charity hospital aimed at helping cancer patients in need.

Named after the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the hospital will provide best-in-class outpatient, ambulatory and diagnostic services as well as inpatient and surgical services in a nurturing environment that prides itself on personalised patient care. With a capacity to treat 30,000 patients a year, the comprehensive charity hospital aims to redefine cancer care for those in need and become a beacon of hope for cancer patients and their families.

In the 14 months since the hospital’s announcement, Al Jalila Foundation has already raised AED390 million, surpassing the 50% milestone of the AED750 million fundraising target. Al Jalila Foundation has received significant donations from philanthropists, government and non-government organisations, UAE businesses and corporates.

According to the World Health Organisation, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for one in six deaths. The cancer burden continues to grow globally, exerting tremendous physical, emotional and financial strain on individuals, families, communities and health systems. Studies show that low-income cancer patients cannot access timely quality diagnosis and life-saving treatment. Survival rates are dependent on accessible early detection and quality medical care.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “The health and wellbeing of the UAE’s citizens and residents is one of Al Jalila Foundation’s top priorities. The Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital will become a leader in cancer care, serving patients unable to afford quality care. Donor support is integral to our success in developing the state-of-the-art hospital. We are grateful to MAG Group for their generous donation that will greatly impact the lives of adults and children with cancer. The hospital will offer unparalleled cancer expertise and make an invaluable contribution to the country’s healthcare sector, putting patient care first.”

MAG Group Holding has a strong philosophy underpinned by the belief that every individual plays a vital role in developing, preserving, and sustaining their communities.

Moafaq Ahmed Al Gaddah, Chairman and Founder of MAG Group Holding, said: “The world grows in kindness when we give in kindness. It is with pride that we give to the future of our community and this nation. The unconditional gifts of time and money are a life-changing force for good in the world. As people become more prosperous and economies grow stronger, it is our duty to create an opportunity to build an ever-stronger culture of giving the right to live across the world. The UAE and Dubai governments encourage the spirit of generosity. They have created an environment where a strong civil society can flourish, allowing people to reach out to those less fortunate than themselves. We are proud and honoured to support Al Jalila Foundation in its noble efforts to establish the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital to improve the lives of cancer patients.”

 

Research Matters, Stories of Hope

Scientist develops diagnostics for diabetic retinopathy

In the UAE, there are nearly 756,000 people diagnosed with diabetes and reports suggest that about 300,000 are undiagnosed. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major complication of diabetes and can lead to vision loss if untreated. Innovative and comprehensive approaches are urgently needed to reduce the risk of vision loss by prompt diagnosis and early treatment of DR.

To address this issue, Al Jalila Foundation invested in a research study lead by Dr Mohammed Ghazal from Abu Dhabi University to develop a computer-aided diagnostic system for early assessment of retinopathy in diabetic patients.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) are noninvasive imaging techniques that are widely used to diagnose and manage a variety of retinal diseases. The novel computer-aided diagnosis system for the early diagnosis and optimal management of diabetic retinal diseases uses OCT and OCTA scans.

This technology will revolutionise how scans are currently used and allow unbiased, standardised diagnosis of DR based on automated interpretation of OCT and OCTA scans. This will expand the use of these technologies from retina specialists to other community-based physicians to save all patients’ sight, regardless of their ability to see a specialist.

An unbiased automated system would significantly tailor the individual patient’s retinal disease treatment regimen to improve outcomes and minimise treatment costs. With this approach, ophthalmologists may accurately and objectively detect diabetic retinopathy promptly and possibly monitor its progression without needing the traditional subjective physical assessment that may lack sensitivity or precision.

Newsletters

Sheikh Mohammed: Humanity is our compass

August 2022

Our lives are enriched by the good we do in the world and my team and I consider it a great privilege to be in a position to help those in need. Since 2013, Al Jalila Foundation with the generous support of our partners and donors has invested millions to deliver innovative healthcare programs to empower researchers and the medical community to focus on pioneering medical breakthroughs and treatments to improve patients’ lives. From funding research across a number of focus areas to sponsoring aspiring medical students or providing financial assistance for quality care to patients in need – the patient is at the heart of everything we do, every day.