Category Archives: Stories of Hope

Stories

Research Matters, Stories of Hope

Developing solutions to support mental health

During these uncertain times, mental health support has never been more vital and Al Jalila Foundation is proud to be at the forefront of pioneering research in the UAE by supporting scientists addressing the issue.

Al Jalila Foundation research grant recipient, Professor Leontios Hadjileontiadis from Khalifa University, used cutting-edge technology to develop a first-of-its-kind mobile app to help diagnose and detect depression in users.

The innovative app called ‘Type of Mood’, available on Android and iOS, detects depressive disorders by recording four parameters related to keystroke dynamics while the user interacts with the phone’s keyboard. The data calculated is sensitive to the pressure applied on the keys and the time taken to switch between keys while typing. The app also connects to healthcare professionals and encourages those found at risk to consult with doctors for medication, if necessary.

The app is linked to the American Neurology Centre and has been operational for more than two years. Since launching, it has helped detect and record several cases of depression signaling support from professionals.

In 2019, Professor Leontios Hadjileontiadis was recognised for his ground-breaking work with the Applied Sciences Research Award as part of Dubai Healthcare City Authority’s Excellence Awards.

Research Matters, Stories of Hope

An inspiring role model for women in science

Dr Habiba Alsafar, a two-time Al Jalila Foundation research grant recipient, was a curious youngster who dreamed of becoming a scientist. Encouraged by her parents, she pursued her scientific aspirations gaining her PhD in Forensics and Medical Sciences and fulfilled her dream to ‘build the UAE’s capability in genetic research’.

Today, Dr Habiba is a faculty member at Khalifa University with research interests aimed at constructing Arab race genomic structures and identifying segments that carry genes predisposed to disease.

“My research is about discovering personalised preventive medicine for early detection. I am very grateful to Al Jalila Foundation for giving me the opportunity to pursue my passion and make my country proud.”

Dr Habiba was appointed to the Emirates Scientists Council in 2016 and has received numerous accolades for scientific contributions including the UAE First Pioneer Medal for Genomics Research in 2014 and the L’Oreal-Unesco For Women in Science Award in 2016.

An inspiring role model for young women, Dr Habiba is passionate about women entering the scientific field and takes pride that the majority of her students are female which is testament to the UAE’s leadership which empowers women.

Read Dr Habiba’s Story of Hope here.

Stories of Hope

Cancer patient plays football with heroes

7-year-old Mohammed suffered from headaches and vomiting for three months and after careful observation the MRI scans showed a large cystic mass in his brain and he was at risk of losing his vision. He underwent immediate surgery with success and the biopsy results revealed that it was a rare brain benign tumour (craniophyryngioma).

Unfortunately, a year later, the scans showed residual tumour and Mohammed needed continued treatment. Al Jalila Foundation stepped in to support Mohammed’s radiotherapy treatment to which he responded very well.

Though Mohammed was enduring a great deal of pain from the treatment it did not break his spirit and the brave young boy continued his studies, played with friends and practiced his various hobbies which included football.

As part of an initiative by Mediclinic City Hospital where he was receiving his treatment, Mohammed was invited to attend a special football match honouring young patients with cancer.

Mohammed’s family expressed great joy at being able to share this special day with him: “Thanks to the great care and support Mohammed has been given he had the opportunity to kick the football with some of his heroes.”

Stories of Hope

Delivering results for students of determination

Our Own English High School Fujairah took part in the 6th cohort of Al Jalila Foundation Ta’alouf Teachers Training program in partnership with Zayed University. The program trains educators to champion inclusivity within classrooms so students of determination can learn to their full potential.

Since enrolling in the program, the team implemented several new inclusion initiatives at the school across early years to grade 12. The initiatives include: putting comprehensive special needs systems in place; conducting orientation activities to highlight positive individual difference; and actively encouraging students of determination to participate in extracurricular activities.

One of the most impressive systems implemented is the Buddy System where the students ‘buddy up’ with children of determination to ensure they have a partner from school to rely on. The students make sure their buddy has someone to talk to, motivates them to complete classwork, shares notes and gives any feedback to the teacher that may be helpful.

Principal Ms Saleema Mahmoodi “Thanks to the training from Al Jalila Foundation we can ensure our school community is equipped for inclusive education even during times of distance learning. The Ta’alouf program has transformed our school and empowered people of determination.”

Stories of Hope

Adam receives life-saving kidney transplant

Adam was diagnosed with renal dysplasia after birth which led to atrophy in both kidneys and severe deficiency in renal functions. He underwent dialysis for five years at his home in Ras Al Khaimah, before his condition deteriorated. At this point, his family took him to Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital where Adam received hemodialysis with up to five hours of treatment three to four times a week.

The need for a kidney transplant was evident and in July 2019 his parents’ prayers were answered, and thanks to a kidney donor young Adam underwent the successful surgical procedure. The operation was conducted in cooperation with the Mohammed Bin Rashid University for Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) and was supported by Al Jalila Foundation.

Adam’s father expressed “It is a dream come true and with God’s grace that Adam is here with us today. Thank you to the incredible medical team and the generosity of the foundation.”

Al Jalila Foundation is dedicated to investing in medical research as it is only through advances in medicine that patients like Adam can receive life-saving treatment. With the support of donors we are able to sponsor pioneering treatment and alleviate some of the financial burden so that patients can focus on regaining their health.

Read about Adam’s reunion with his donor’s family here.

Research Matters, Stories of Hope

Improving women’s health and happiness

According to World Health Organization depression affects 350 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of disability, affecting more women than men.

In the Arab world, it is estimated that 17.7 percent of the population suffers from depression. With these alarming statistics, mental health is a top priority on the UAE National Agenda and a focus for Al Jalila Foundation research.

One Al Jalila Foundation funded research project, led by Dr Wegdan Bani Issa from University of Sharjah, is an in-depth population-based study among healthy adult women living in the UAE. This research studies the relationship between stress levels, sleep quality, physical activity and dietary habits.

Mental health is related to mental and psychological well-being. It affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Women are at great risk for increased stress levels due to hormonal differences and pressure related to engaging in multiple roles in life.

Research like Dr Wegdan’s takes us a step closer to understanding how a woman’s stress relates to her lifestyle choices and will help develop evidence-based interventions geared toward improving her mental health, happiness level and productivity.

Stories of Hope

Pursuing a career to save lives

Growing up in an underprivileged community, Farah Ennab was inspired to pursue medicine as a profession to make a difference in people’s lives.

In 2016, based on excellent academic achievements, Farah was awarded an Al Jalila Foundation scholarship to follow her dream. Through the scholarship, Farah became the first person in her family to attend medical school and incidentally, was one of the first students enrolled in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU).

“Thanks to Al Jalila Foundation I have embarked on a journey of a lifetime. The scholarship has allowed me to explore the field of medicine and I am in awe of the diversity, complexity, and humanity that stems from such a noble profession. To have the trust of patients and the opportunity to change lives on a daily basis is an absolute privilege.”

Now in her fourth year, Farah is going through clinical rotations at various hospitals and was recently accepted as a student member of the American College of Surgeons. Upon graduation in 2022 Farah will be among the first MBBS graduates from MBRU and hopes to pursue a surgical specialty.

Stories of Hope

Running toward a life of freedom

Mohammed was diagnosed with Blount’s disease at a young age, a growth disorder characterised by lower limb deformity that slowly worsens over time. By the age of 11, the pain and deformity had become so severe that Mohammed was no longer able to stand, much less walk or play with his siblings causing a great deal of psychological distress along with the physical.

Surgery was needed to get Mohammed back on his feet; however, the solution seemed far out of reach for his mother who was raising three children alone. Desperate to improve his quality of life, Mohammed’s mother sought out help and was directed to Al Jalila Foundation who sponsored the corrective surgery at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital.

“It is with great joy that I share my gratitude to the incredible doctors at Al Jalila Children’s and the team at Al Jalila Foundation for their compassion. I cannot describe my happiness for the success of Mohammed’s operation and to be supported at a time of need.”

Since his operation in July, Mohammed is unstoppable and finds so much joy in sports at school and kicking the ball around with his friends. Everyday brings a new world free from pain and limitations.

Research Matters, Stories of Hope

Dr Saba, a leading woman in science

Worldwide, lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality in both men and women and in the UAE it is ranked the second deadliest disease among UAE nationals.

Al Jalila Foundation research grant recipient, Dr Saba Al Heialy, Assistant Professor of Immunology at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, is a brilliant researcher who aims to identify genes involved in severe asthma and their correlation with the development of early lung cancer.

Interestingly, recent data from Dr Saba’s study has identified common genes, such as TLR4 and FCγRIIIB, between asthma and lung cancer which are both heterogeneous diseases of the lungs. Many studies have focused on the genetic alterations in asthma and lung cancer separately; however, there are no studies on the common genetic alterations in both lung cancer and asthma which she is exploring through her pioneering research.

Dr Saba Al Heialy was one of 15 female scientists worldwide honoured as ‘International Rising Talent’ at the 21st L’Oréal-Unesco For Women In Science Award Ceremony. The award is Dr Saba’s second L’Oréal-Unesco for Women in Science recognition; last year, she was one of only four ‘Outstanding Female Scientists’ from the GCC awarded a Middle East Fellowship.

Dr Saba’s father, an accomplished researcher, her inspiration and mentor, instilled “the core values and self confidence that have allowed me to become the researcher I am today. I hope my story will inspire many girls and young women in the Middle East to pursue their scientific dreams and reach their full potential.”

Research Matters, Stories of Hope

Uncovering the sleep and weight loss connection

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 4.8 million people in the UAE suffer from obesity. These numbers underscore the need for long-term funding into scientific research to develop discoveries in the field of obesity.

Al Jalila Foundation research grant recipient, Dr Teresa Arora from Zayed University, is conducting a pilot study to assess the feasibility of sleep improvement intervention for weight loss, and its maintenance in sleep impaired obese adults.

There is a well established association between sleep and obesity. However, the approach that has not yet been explored is the possibility and effectiveness of treating sleep impaired obese patients with sleep improvement to enhance weight loss and its maintenance.

The study takes obese, sleep impaired adults into two groups to receive lifestyle intervention to improve dietary and exercise habits using evidence-based psychological approaches. One group will additionally undertake a six-week training program to improve sleep targeting sleep duration, quality and timing. Should the twelve-week lifestyle intervention be feasible, secondary outcomes including weight loss and its sustainability will be assessed over six months along with other outcomes, such as mood, sleep, food intake and quality of life