All posts by Carla Duarte

Stories of Hope

Talia has regained her spark

4-year-old Talia’s parents noticed that she was always tired, lacked energy for simple tasks and did not want to play anymore. She had even lost her happy spark and had become withdrawn.

After several doctor visits, it was discovered that she suffered from a perforated atrial septal defect and mitral valve prolapse – also known as a hole in the heart – and needed urgent open-heart surgery.

Talia is one of two daughters and with only one income in the family her parents were unable to afford Talia’s medical expenses.

Talia’s parents were desperate to get her the life-saving treatment she needed to regain her health and joyful spirit so Al Jalila Foundation stepped in to set-up an A’awen Giving crowdfunding campaign to raise awareness and funds for Talia’s treatment. The campaign gained great momentum from the community with donors offering funds and words of encouragement for Talia and to her parents’ delight one generous anonymous donor fulfilled the full remaining amount needed.

Talia’s parents are overjoyed, “We are so thrilled that our daughter will be healthy again. Thanks to all the support we received we will see her sweet smile light up the room once more.” 

Talia’s operation was successful, and she is now in full recovery with a bright future ahead.

Stories of Hope

Ali gets access to life-saving treatment

In 2019, husband and father Ali Kakaire began feeling unwell and daily life was becoming more and more of a struggle. In 2020, after many doctor appointments and tests Ali was diagnosed with ‘refractory Hodgkin lymphoma of nodular sclerosis subtype’. This meant that Ali needed to undergo treatment right away.

Ali’s insurance was able to cover much of the costs of his treatment, but it didn’t cover two vital new medications he needed which were very expensive. With a small salary and a family to support back home, this life-saving treatment seemed to be out of reach.

He was advised by his medical team to apply to Al Jalila Foundation’s A’awen treatment program to support his much-needed medication. Ali was overjoyed when his request was approved, and he was able to start his medication in February 2021.

Today Ali’s condition has improved greatly, he is responding very well to the treatment and is able to life a full life.

Ali expressed “I want to offer great appreciation to Al Jalila Foundation for their support and encouragement throughout my healing journey. I would also like to offer thanks to the donors of the Foundation for their generosity of heart and spirit to make a difference in the lives of patients like me.”

Research Matters, Stories of Hope

Identifying susceptibility to diabetes after pregnancy

Approximately one in five women develop gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy, which has serious complications for both baby and mother, but fortunately reverses after delivery.

Women with this condition are at seven-fold higher risk of developing adult diabetes within 7-10 years after childbirth. However, it is difficult to predict which women with gestational diabetes would develop adult diabetes.

Professor Riad Bayoumi from Mohamed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) is leading a gestational diabetes research study “A novel model for investigating the genetic and environmental components of type 2 diabetes mellitus; a proof of principle’ to help foresee future diagnosis.

The study looked at Emirati women with a history of gestational diabetes who either developed or did not develop adult diabetes 10 years later. The team established a modified oral glucose tolerance test that enabled them to predict which of the women would develop adult diabetes in the future.

The analysis showed that women with predominant peripheral resistance to insulin, with raised fasting blood glucose levels during pregnancy, were at a greater risk of developing adult diabetes, compared to women with raised blood glucose following a meal.

The outcome suggested that women who identify at higher risk for diabetes, should follow a certain regimen after childbirth through frequent follow-ups, lifestyle modifications, and specific treatment protocols, to slow down the development of diabetes and improve their quality of life.

To learn more about this study please click here.

Press Release

Chalhoub Group partners with Al Jalila Foundation to advance local medical research and improve lives

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, announces that the Chalhoub Group, the leading partner for luxury across the Middle East since 1955, partners with the Foundation to support in the advancement of local medical research to improve patients’ lives.

Al Jalila Foundation CEO, Dr Abdulkareem Al Olama, welcomed Patrick Chalhoub, the Group President of the Chalhoub Group, his family, and team of volunteers to the Foundation to tour the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute and learn more about the Foundation’s healthcare programs. Patrick Chalhoub thanked Al Jalila Foundation for its humanitarian contributions and for giving Chalhoub Group the opportunity to be part of its mission to make a difference to patients’ lives.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Our investment in medical research reaffirms our commitment to embed research and innovation in the fabric of the nation’s long-term healthcare strategy and to adapt to the changing landscape. We are extremely grateful for our partnership with Chalhoub Group who, like us, believe that investing in medical research is critical to the longevity and sustainability of future generations.”

Patrick Chalhoub, President of Chalhoub Group, said: “Impacting the lives of people and communities around is deep-rooted into our values since the Group inception in 1955, it is close to our family’s heart and part of Chalhoub impact. We are proud to be a key contributor to Al Jalila Foundation, to extend our support for advance local medical research and improve patients’ lives. Our Chalhoub Impact strategy was created to support our community needs in the regions we operate and will always count on the participation of family members and employees to create a positive impact.”

“Medical and scientific advancements can change the course of history for the better, and sustainable funding is vital to developing better treatment options and cures to diseases affecting mankind. Today, thanks to advances in medical research, people are living longer and healthier lives. With sustainable funding we can respond to the emerging health needs and pursue research opportunities that will make the greatest impact.” Dr Abdulkareem continued.

Since its inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has lead opportunities to increase innovative and impactful medical research investing AED 28 million to award 100 research grants and 9 international research fellowships to discover solutions for the region’s biggest health challenges: cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, mental health and emerging diseases.

As a non-profit organisation Al Jalila Foundation relies on the support of its partners and donations are invested in healthcare programs to transform lives.

Stories of Hope

Mohammad’s adventurous spirit is blossoming

The Ta’alouf program has had a transformative effect on many families in the UAE who have become empowered to guide and support their children of determination to flourish and live to their full potential.

Mohammad Abdulla Alshehhi is a 16-year-old boy with autism whose mother, Alya, had the opportunity to attending of the Ta’alouf Parents Training in 2020.

Throughout the training Alya learned various strategies and technics and implemented them at home to discover which approach best worked for Mohammad to be successful and independent.

“The Ta’alouf program gave me great hope and tools that today I can use which have proved to be so beneficial for Mohammad and our family. It is wonderful to see how we now communicate and thrive together as a family.” Alya shared.

Mohammad has a passion for exploring the world around him and loves to travel. Alya is enthusiastic to nurture his adventurous nature and takes every opportunity to encourage his free spirit. With the World Expo 2020 held in Dubai is like a dream come true for Mohammad who is delighted to explore each pavilion and partake in activities.

Mohammad is always looking to expand his horizons and is even now applying to participate and compete in various sports activities alongside other children of determination to see how far he can really go.

Press Release

Al Jalila Foundation establishes Majlis Al Amal, the UAE’s first Cancer Drop-In Centre to support cancer patients

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, today announced the launch of Majlis Al Amal (Hope Lounge), a unique ‘cancer drop-in centre’ and the first of its kind community centre dedicated to female cancer patients and their wellbeing.

In the UAE, approximately 4,500 new cases of cancer are reported annually, making cancer the third leading cause of death affecting more women than men. Due to the high prevalence of the disease, Al Jalila Foundation is building Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility in Dubai to provide quality specialist care to cancer patients who cannot afford treatment expenses.

The announcement of the new centre marks the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Al Jalila Foundation’s month-long #PINKtober campaign in partnership with ‘Brest Friends’, the UAE’s first cancer support group, founded by Dr Houriya Kazim in 2005. The cancer drop-in centre draws on the success of Brest Friends support group that has proven a strong support network is integral to the patient’s healing journey.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Cancer remains one of the most serious health challenges and in addition to investing in medical research and supporting patient treatment, Al Jalila Foundation is also committed to supporting patients and survivors’ wellbeing. Around the world community drop-in centres have proven to contribute greatly to the healing process and now we look forward to contributing to bring this unique, life-changing community service to the UAE for the first time.”

Al Jalila Foundation has been working with Brest Friends since 2015 and the inspiration for the cancer drop-in centre was modelled on the support group which has helped hundreds of women across the Emirates.  Medical intervention plays a significant role in the treatment process while the emotional fragility of the patient is often overlooked. Individuals affected by cancer, and their families, are impacted psychologically and emotionally during the process and even after treatment ends.

Located on the ground floor of Al Jalila Foundation, the cancer drop-in centre is a safe space for cancer patients and their family members to enhance their emotional health in a relaxed, supportive environment. The Centre is ready to receive patients who can drop-in at any time for information, a chat over tea or coffee, use the in-house library, take part in classes, or attend educational sessions presented by specialists volunteering their time to make a difference to the lives of women affected by cancer. All services are offered free of charge. The Centre is run by volunteers and many opportunities are available for people in the community to donate their time and expertise to support cancer warriors.

Dr Houriya Kazim, President & Founder of Brest Friends said: “Dealing with cancer is one of the hardest challenges that patients and their families could face. With the opening of Majlis Al Amal women now have a place to drop-in at any time for the emotional support they need in a safe and comforting environment. The first of its kind cancer drop-in centre in the UAE is another milestone in our journey of hope to support cancer patients.

The UAE Marriott Business Council, a longstanding partner and supporter of Al Jalila Foundation’s healthcare programs, sponsored the design and fit-out of the Centre.  Marriott strives to be a force for good and encourages its employees to make a positive, sustainable impact in the communities they operate in.

Pam Wilby, Chair of the UAE Marriott Business Council, said: “On behalf of the UAE Marriott Business Council, it gives us such pleasure to unite as a team of 62 Marriott International hotels and 13,000 associates in the UAE to enable the design and fit-out of the cancer drop-in centre. We have been on an immensely gratifying, philanthropic journey with Al Jalila Foundation for several years now, and with many fundraising initiatives planned for this year and beyond, we remain committed to the relationship and to saving the millions of lives of those suffering from cancer.”

Earlier this year, Al Jalila Foundation announced that it will open the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital in 2024 to provide life-saving treatment to cancer patients unable to afford quality care.

“Al Jalila Foundation puts patients at the heart of everything we do and we believe that everyone should have access to emotional support to help navigate their illness and improve the way they live with it. As cancer is one of Al Jalila Foundation’s healthcare priorities, Majlis Al Amal is the perfect complement to the cancer hospital providing holistic 360 patient care.” Dr Abdulkareem concluded.

Stories of Hope

ADCB rallies the community in the fight against breast cancer

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) is a leading financial institution in the UAE driving innovation and service excellence in the industry that also spearheads impactful locally relevant CSR initiatives. Every October for the past 12 years ADCB has dedicated the Pink Month initiative to support breast cancer awareness.

The ADCB Pink Run is held at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi annually and is one of the most popular sports events to mark #PINKtober. The Pink Run is more than just a run, it is a highlight on the UAE sporting calendar with as many as 1200 people from different backgrounds and abilities participating to show their solidarity with breast cancer patients and survivors. The Pink Run, now in its 10th edition, has raised hundreds of thousand of dirhams for Al Jalila Foundation to support breast cancer research.

In addition to the Pink Run, ADCB offers a host of other pink-themed initiatives.

The ADCB Tree of Hope is available at pink events throughout October and spreads the message of hope while raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research. With a minimum donation of AED 10, guests can leave messages of hope on pink leaves on the branches of the tree bringing the tree to life.

ATM users can ‘Donate A Dirham’ when using ADCB ATMs throughout the month of October and online customers can donate through ADCB’s Internet Banking to support Al Jalila Foundation all year-round.

Research Matters, Stories of Hope

Research is the answer to curing breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women affecting 1 in 8 women and studies show the average age of diagnosis in the UAE is 10 years younger than elsewhere in the world.

In efforts to fight breast cancer, Al Jalila Foundation invested in an important study with Dr Farah Benyettou from New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) who is working on a drug delivery system to target the cancer directly and minimise the side effects.

Potent chemicals have long been used to fight cancer. These drugs are a vital mode of treatment, but they have a major drawback: they kill both healthy and cancerous cells, and patients who undergo chemotherapy experience serious side effects, such as hair loss and nausea.

Dr Farah Benyettou collaborated with Dr Ali Trabolsi, assistant professor of chemistry at NYUAD, to create a magnetic nanoparticle that can carry the chemotherapy drug Doxorubicin straight to tumour sites.

Breast cancer tumors tend to be accessible and localised and nanoparticles tend to naturally accumulate when injected into the bloodstream. The approach uses therapeutic magnetic nanoparticles that travel directly to the tumor when injected into the bloodstream and destroy it without damaging healthy tissues, thus avoiding the systemic toxicity usually associated with chemotherapy.

A new nanoparticle could change the future of how drug delivery systems are used, and help doctors directly target cancer cells, thus increasing the efficacy of chemotherapy and avoiding damage to healthy cells.

Stories of Hope

First Emirati female surgeon leads the fight on breast cancer

Dr Houriya Kazim, the UAE’s first female surgeon, has spent more than 20 years campaigning to raise awareness of the importance of early detection in saving lives.

Dr Houriya was inspired to become a breast surgeon as a young doctor in her hometown of Dubai after seeing many patients with advanced stages of breast cancer due to lack of awareness of the disease and cultural barriers that prevented them from seeking life-saving medical attention.

After obtaining her fellowship in general surgery and specialising in breast surgical oncology from the Royal College of Surgeons in the UK, Dr Houriya returned home inspired to help her community and established the Well Woman Clinic.

In 2005 Dr Houriya launched Dubai’s first breast cancer support group, Brest Friends, to support women through their journey. Brest Friends provides a safe space for patients and survivors to learn, share experiences and offer emotional support to each other which has proven to be instrumental in a woman’s healing process.

In 2015 Al Jalila Foundation partnered with Brest Friends with a joint mission to encourage early detection of breast cancer, facilitate medical treatment and fund locally-based research. The partnership lead to the annual #PINKtober campaign which rallies the community together to fight breast cancer, honour survivors and bring hope to patients.

Dr Houriya underlines “I cannot emphasise enough the importance of early detection is in the treatment of the disease – it saves lives.”

Press Release

Al Jalila Foundation partners with MBRU to advance local medical research on diseases affecting mankind

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, today announced that Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute, a subsidiary of the Foundation, has established a partnership with Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) to advance biomedical research in the UAE.

As part of the partnership agreement, Al Jalila Foundation has pledged AED8 million of funding annually to support MBRU research efforts. The partnership aims to inspire collaborative research and enhance the quality of both entities’ research programmes to contribute to the UAE’s thriving medical research ecosystem.

The partnership will foster collaboration among the research community, create opportunities for students and faculty to further their education and explore ways to support each other’s research objectives.

Her Excellency Dr. Raja Al Gurg, Member of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Al Jalila Foundation, commented: “Al Jalila Foundation’s investment in medical research reaffirms our commitment to embed research and innovation in the fabric of the UAE’s long-term strategy to safeguard the health of the nation.  We are proud to partner with MBRU, a leading academic and research institution in the UAE, to strengthen and complement the research conducted by Al Jalila Foundation.”

Al Jalila Foundation and MBRU have been working together since inception. To date, the Foundation has provided scholarships for 18 postgraduate students and 17 undergraduate students pursuing medicine at MBRU investing AED13 million to advance the UAE’s medical expertise. The Foundation also awarded six research grants in the areas of cardiovascular disease, cancer and mental health.

Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, added: “Scientific research is a critical resource for discovering new ways to diagnose and treat diseases affecting mankind. Al Jalila Foundation and MBRU share a commitment to advance medical research on treatments that will benefit the UAE population. This agreement combines the strengths of our institutions and we are confident that it will have a positive impact on the lives of people.”

Dr Amer Sharif, Vice Chancellor MBRU, commented, “Al Jalila Foundation and MBRU have a long-standing history of collaboration. They have supported our mission since inception, and we are very honoured to join hands once again to advance health through an integrated academic health system.”

“We recognise the significant role scientific research plays. This pledge is a valuable resource that will further stimulate research in the UAE and enable scientists at MBRU to further progress in their work. It will also enhance the supportive environment for scientific and clinical research which will improve health outcomes for individuals and communities, in alignment with the objectives of the Dubai Academic Health Corporation. Together with Al Jalila Foundation, we will reinforce Dubai’s position on the global map.”

Since inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has provided opportunities to increase innovative and impactful medical research investing AED28 million to award 100 research grants and nine international research fellowships at leading global institutions in the UK, USA and Japan to discover solutions for the region’s biggest health challenges. In line with the vision to position the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation, the Foundation established the first independent multi-disciplinary biomedical research institute with an investment of AED300 million solely funded by philanthropic partners.

By supporting talented scientists and investing in groundbreaking research, Al Jalila Foundation is developing the next generation of innovators in health sciences.