Marriott’s Road to Awareness
All posts by Abdullah Zafar
Exploring the mysteries of disease
Dr Bashair Mussa from University of Sharjah (College of Medicine) is a cutting-edge researcher leading a study, with the support of Al Jalila Foundation seed grant, investigating the role of FOS and BECLIN1-inducing autophagy in pathogenesis of hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure (HAAF) in diabetes.
HAAF is a serious complication of diabetes which is associated with unawareness of hypoglycemia (low levels of blood glucose) in patients with diabetes. The main cause of this condition is the absence of physiological homeostatic counter-regulatory mechanisms that are controlled by the hypothalamus (a critical region within the brain).
FOS is a sensitive marker of neuronal activity in the hypothalamus which possesses significant responses to hypoglycemia. Expression of autophagic adaptor proteins such as BECLIN 1, is associated with cognitive dysfunction in diabetes. It has been suggested that FOS mediates the regulatory effect of BECLIN1 on autophagic processes in the brain.
This project aims to identify the role of FOS and BECLIN 1 in the pathogenesis of HAAF and to profile the involvement of autophagic markers in HAAF.
Identification of novel biomarkers for early detection of HAAF will help patients with diabetes to prevent hypoglycemic episodes, to improve their quality of life and to preserve their cognitive functions.
Walking into a new beginning
Callum was born with an abnormality of his left leg that requires an ortho-prosthesis to enable him to walk and move around independently which must be consistently refitted as he grows.
Callum’s parents have always endeavoured to do everything they can to make sure their son is completely mobile enjoying an active life like other young children.
By the age of 6, Callum had already been fitted with multiple prostheses, however, the expense began to weigh heavily on the family. Not knowing how they were going to be able to provide their son’s next artificial limb, Callum’s parents reached out to Al Jalila Foundation and to their delight, their son was able to receive the much-needed support for his growing body.
“We are forever grateful to Al Jalila Foundation for giving Callum the greatest gift and most importantly for assuring my family that we are not alone in this journey with our son. Thank you very much for making a difference to our lives!”
It is with gratitude to the support from our generous donors that Callum is able to enjoy his days running around the playground with his friends at school.
Click here to see more children whose lives have been transformed.
Emirati doctor inspires students
As a promising Emirati student, Dr Mohamed Jamal dreamt of becoming a dentist and leading ground-breaking research to improve lives.
His journey began at Ajman University where he gained a Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 2005; he then continued to Boston University Institute for Dental Research and Education in Dubai where he obtained a CAGS and MSD in Endodontics in 2011 and received recognition for his outstanding work to isolate dental pulp stem cells for the first time in UAE.
A prestigious scholarship from Al Jalila Foundation allowed Dr Mohamed to obtain his PhD in 2017 from Boston University (BU) in USA. During the scholarship his work gained ‘Best Research Award’ from BU and the American Association of Endodontics (AAE). He also received the ‘Young Emirati Researchers Prize’ from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
“Al Jalila Foundation scholarship opened the door for me to explore science beyond what I imagined. It was a lifetime opportunity and I am thankful for it.”
An Assistant Professor of Endodontics at MBRU and member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Journal of Endodontics, Dr Mohamed Jamal hopes to contribute to the vision of moving towards a knowledge-based economy and developing top notch research themes in the Emirates.
Early detection saves lives
It had been less than a year since Dubai resident, Sirine Fadoul, had done her annual wellness check which included a breast ultrasound when she detected a very small lump.
As a young, healthy and fit woman with no history of the disease in her family, nothing suggested cancer but she took action and went to get checked quickly. To her shock, the doctor confirmed that she had stage one breast cancer. Although the cancerous tumor was discovered early Sirine still underwent two surgeries including a complete mastectomy, dozens of scans, tests and biopsies and the much-dreaded chemotherapy.
Now 1-year cancer-free, Sirine is unstoppable in her advocacy of the importance of early detection to not only save lives but to make the challenge ‘easier’.
Throughout #PINKtober Brest Friends member, Sirine has been instrumental in supporting Al Jalila Foundation by tirelessly conducting talks at schools, government entities and corporates highlighting the importance of awareness, helping others and investing in local medical research.
Sirine has a great network of friends and knows firsthand that “A strong support system in the way of friends and family and groups such as Brest Friends are invaluable to recovery.”
Watch Sirine’s Story of Hope here.
Research Matters
November 2019
Once again, this October, we found ourselves witnessing the incredible philanthropic spirit that spreads across the nation uniting us in the fight against breast cancer. We are delighted that our 5th #PINKtober Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign drew incredible support from hundreds of partners, thousands of supporters and the greater UAE community coming together in solidarity for a cause that affects millions of women around the world. Together with our #PINKtober Champions of Hope, Al Jalila Foundation celebrates another record-breaking month with over 170 pink-themed events.
Brest Friends CNN Panel Discussion
Breast cancer survivors from Brest Friends share their personal experience.
Stories of Hope with Al Bayan
Zain is given a chance at life
Still in his mother’s womb doctors detected a serious problem with Zain’s growing heart. Zain’s parents anticipated his welcome with a mixture of joy and anxiety unsure of what lay ahead as there was no choice but to wait until his arrival to discover how severe the situation was.
Unfortunately, upon his birth it was confirmed that Zain had a congenital heart defect, Tetralogy of Fallot, and his survival was dependent on critical open-heart surgery.
“With advice from the doctors we sought help from Al Jalila Foundation and were thrilled to receive speedy response approving our request for Zain’s treatment. We were overwhelmed with relief and grateful for the end to our sleepless nights.”
At 10-months, Zain underwent the vital surgery conducted by specialist cardiologists at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital. Today Zain, almost 2-years-old, is regularly monitored by the medical team and is a happy, healthy toddler with a full life ahead of him.
Cardiovascular disease is the world’s number one cause of death and Zain’s inspiring story is one of hundreds who have overcome heart disease with the support of Al Jalila Foundation.