All posts by Carla Duarte

Research Matters, Stories of Hope

Biochip technology shows potential for improved diagnostics

Globally, diabetes is estimated to affect 420 million adults. Studies show that the prevalence of diabetes in the UAE is estimated to affect a quarter of the local population.

Hematological (blood) disorders that occur in diabetes patients are found to put them at a higher risk for developing atherosclerotic coronary and peripheral arterial disease. Therefore, developing new technologies that offer alternative approaches to understand disease progression is of high importance for assessing risks and providing improved treatment in the future.

Al Jalila Foundation research grant recipient, Professor Mohammad Qasaimeh from New York University Abu Dhabi, aims to tackle this problem by developing biochip technology for monitoring and diagnosing diabetes through exploring the mechanical properties of red blood cells (RBCs). The new technology was tested with patients’ blood samples in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

The biochip, developed with technologies used for manufacturing transistors and electronic devices such as phones and computers, utilises a tiny blood drop to assess the stretchability of red blood cells at the single cell resolution. RBCs were stretched by means of controlled electrical fields; a microscale phenomenon called electrodeformation. The experiments looked at stretching RBCs from individuals with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) and compared the results to those RBCs from healthy donors.

Interestingly, RBCs from T2DM samples were easily distinguished from healthy ones as they are shown to be stiffer and less stretchy in comparison to RBCs from healthy subjects. By looking at the stretchability of RBCs, the biochip was shown to rapidly identify T2DM cells with 90% accuracy, demonstrating its potential as reliable diagnostic tool for T2DM, as well as a high throughput technique for evaluating the biomechanical properties of cells obtained from clinical samples.

Newsletters

Join us to create a better future for every child

November 2022

On the occasion of World Children’s Day we are reminded to work together to create a better future for every child. On this day we stand with every child suffering from a chronic illness, devastating diagnosis or debilitating disorder. We pay tribute to every parent and the sacrifices they made to protect, nurture and do whatever it takes to give their child every opportunity to live a healthy, happy life – despite all odds. At Al Jalila Foundation we believe that every child deserves to grow up strong, happy and healthy to reach their dreams.

Stories of Hope

Ghala and her mother ‘share happiness’ everyday

Due to severe complications which caused atrophy in the brain cells at the time of her birth, Ghala, now 15-years-old had developed an intellectual disability which affects her speech.

Initially Ghala’s mother, Suhad, had concerns if Ghala could live a normal life and have access to all the services available to other children. Suhad took every opportunity to educate herself on how to work with her daughter’s strengths so she could live a full life. Thanks to her mother’s guidance and nurturing, Ghala was included into mainstream school to learn with her peers where she acquired many skills and developed a passion swimming. Suhad’s motto is “We will share happiness together.”

As Ghala grew, Suhad felt she needed to further expand her knowledge in the field of special education. In 2019 she was given the opportunity to enrol in Al Jalila Foundation’s Ta’alouf Parents Training Program which equips parents with the skills to empower their children of determination. Suhad absorbed so much knowledge and developed strong skills from the program which she put to use right away.

“The program helped me so much with a variety of topics particularly the issue of puberty and how to prepare my daughter for this phase. I do not have enough words to thank Al Jalila Foundation for empowering me with greater understanding to support my amazing daughter and for developing my abilities and experience to work with people of determination.”

Stories of Hope

Aadvika is energetic and happy once again

4-year-old Aadvika’s parents became concerned when they saw her behaviour change. Their once bubbly and energetic girl no longer enjoyed socialising or playing with other children, she was tired all the time and did not have any energy.

Upon further medical examinations her parents were devasted to hear that their first child had been diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

In addition to the shocking news Aadvika’s parents were overwhelmed with the cost of the life-saving treatment desperately needed for their daughter. Their plight for help came to the attention of Al Jalila Foundation and a special campaign was placed on the patient crowdfunding platform A’awen Giving. Much to the family’s delight the community were there to support young Aadvika with the full amount needed for her treatment was raised in a short time.

Aadvika’s parents were overjoyed, “It was heart-breaking to see Aadvika suffer. We felt so helpless. Now we feel so supported from our amazing community who are always by our side and have helped us get our precious daughter the treatment she needs. Now Aadvika is once again our athletic and social girl who loves to play with her little sister.”

Al Jalila Foundation held a Superhero Day as part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month for the children who received support through the A’awen patient treatment program. We were delighted to see Aadvika so eager to take part in all the fun activities throughout the day. She truly has blossomed into a talkative, active and happy young girl.

Research Matters, Stories of Hope

Uncovering mechanisms to inhibit cancer cell growth

According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally with about 1 in 6 deaths due to cancer. The main reason why it is so lethal is that cancer cells spread from their primary growth site to different body organs, a process known as metastasis. This process is intricately regulated by tumor-intrinsic and host-specific factors.

Al Jalila Foundation research grant recipient, Professor Basel Al-Ramadi from United Arab Emirates University, is studying novel ways by which cancer metastasis can be controlled and prevented. Professor Al-Ramadi and his team have been investigating the possibility of using a class of drugs, known an endothelin receptor antagonists (ERA), to stem the ability of cancer cells to spread. If successful, this research could translate to repurposing these drugs, which are normally used to regulate blood pressure, to fight cancer.

As proof of concept of their approach, the team tested ERA in a preclinical model of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), one of the most intractable and most difficult-to-treat breast cancer types. Breast cancer tends to spread to the bones, liver, lungs, chest wall and brain. In collaboration with colleagues in Germany, the study has so far demonstrated that ERA can in fact inhibit the metastasis of TNBC cells to vital organs such as the liver and lungs. The investigation is now focused at uncovering the precise mechanisms through which ERA can inhibit cancer metastasis, which is necessary before these drugs can be utilized in the clinic.

To learn more about this ongoing research study, please click here.

Stories of Hope

Benefit Cosmetics raises the bar of corporate giving

At Al Jalila Foundation our partnerships are integral to our mission to transform lives. Benefit Cosmetics is one of these valued partners who have held a number of fundraising campaigns to support our healthcare programs.

Globally Benefit, through the Bold is Beautiful program, is dedicated to supporting charities that empower women and girls through education and mentorship, access to wellness and economic self-sufficiency.

Over the past 4 years in the UAE, Benefit has chosen Al Jalila Foundation as their local charity partner and dedicated their CSR initiatives towards funding medical research and supporting breast cancer treatment and support for survivors.

Every year Benefit dedicates a product or a service to be a part of the Bold is Beautiful campaign where the proceeds from the sales are donated to Al Jalila Foundation. Since 2019, Benefit has raised an astonishing AED 610,000 to transform women’s lives in the UAE.

In addition to fundraising, Benefit always comes through with special treats, pampering sessions and goody bags for the wonderful breast cancer survivors who make up the Brest Friends support group and Majlis Al Amal community.

Benefit is a shining example of positive corporate culture where ‘giving back’ is a core value. We are proud of our continued partnership and inspired by their dedication as a global united team making a difference to the lives of women and girls around the world.

Press Release

Brest Friends celebrate 17 years of giving hope to breast cancer patients in the UAE

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, celebrated the 17th anniversary of longstanding partner Brest Friends acknowledging the impact the home-grown program has contributed to breast cancer awareness in the UAE.

It is estimated that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and it is the second leading cause of death among women. Studies show that when breast cancer is detected and treated early the survival rate is 99 percent. Al Jalila Foundation and Brest Friends work together to raise awareness on early detection.

Brest Friends was established in 2005 as the first breast cancer support group in the UAE, by Dr Houriya Kazim, the UAE’s first female surgeon, with the mission to save lives by increasing awareness of breast cancer and providing a platform where patients and survivors can learn, share experiences and offer moral and emotional support to each other which has proven to be instrumental in a woman’s healing process. It is thanks to Dr Houriya’s dedication and foresight, almost 20 years ago, to create a special movement that has impacted thousands of women and inspired the community. What was once a taboo subject has transformed into a national conversation promoting breast cancer awareness nation-wide.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Brest Friends is an organisation that is a shining example of what can be accomplished when you nourish one small seed with courage, dedication and passion. Today we see the astonishing growth of that seed as the movement against breast cancer has never been bigger with a wider community reach. It is undeniable that the incredible work of Brest Friends over the last 17 years has saved more lives than we will ever know. We commend Dr Houriya, the Brest Friends Board and the community of breast cancer warriors on their dedication and we could not be more proud of the great impact their work has had on the lives of women.”

Dr Houriya Kazim, Founder and President of Brest Friends, said: “When I started Brest Friends, the only qualifications that I brought to the task were the experience of treating breast cancer patients and the desire to help my patients survive the experience. But here we are – 17 years of giving our members a nurturing, safe and fun environment where women are supported as they go through the difficult breast cancer journey. Cancer is an individual experience; each person has a unique path and we are in awe of all the incredible women who have been a part of the Brest Friends family who have met challenges with such a strength of spirit and grace. It takes my breath away. These women are testament that breast cancer can be beaten and that there is life after cancer.”

The anniversary luncheon was held at Rhodes W1 at Grosvenor House, sponsored by Marriott Business Council, commemorating the positive impact Brest Friends has had on women in the UAE. It was a celebration of 17 years of friendships and an opportunity to honour the brave women who have faced breast cancer with incredible courage, grace and hope.

Pam Wilby, Chair of the UAE Marriott Business Council, said: “My team and I were thrilled to once again host the Brest Friends anniversary and share in the celebrations of such a joyous occasion – it’s so inspiring to be among so many incredible women and to be able to celebrate each of them and their triumphant journey.”

Pam added: “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 including the partnership with Brest Friends. I am very proud that that we now have 69 Marriott hotels and 16,000 Marriott associates working passionately to make a difference to the lives of women in the UAE.”

To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Al Jalila Foundation launched the 8th edition of #PINKtober in partnership with Brest Friends. The month-long community campaign unites hundreds of partners – ranging from schools, corporates, hospitality, retailers and government entities – who host pink-themed events across the UAE to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and patient treatment.

Press Release, Uncategorized

Latifa bint Mohammed visits Majlis Al Amal, the UAE’s first cancer drop-in centre established by Al Jalila Foundation

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), Member of the Dubai Council and Member of the Board of Trustees of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, visited Majlis Al Amal, the UAE’s first cancer drop-in centre, established by Al Jalila Foundation. Majlis Al Amal is the first community centre of its kind that provides a ‘home away from home’ for female cancer patients and survivors.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed was welcomed at the offices of Al Jalila Foundation by Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Foundation, and Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of the Foundation. Her Highness was briefed about the organisation’s healthcare programmes transforming patients’ lives. She was also briefed on the progress of the project to build ‘Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital’, the UAE’s first cancer charity hospital, being developed by Al Jalila Foundation with the mission of redefining cancer care in the region.

Her Highness toured Majlis Al Amal where cancer patients can drop in anytime for information, take part in art workshops, and attend educational sessions conducted by medical experts. The centre features several other activities designed to enhance the wellbeing of its members. The services of the centre are offered free of charge by volunteers passionate about making a difference to the lives of women affected by cancer. Less than a year since opening its doors, Majlis Al Amal has developed into a 400-strong community of women with cancer. The centre’s members come from all backgrounds united in their mission – to beat cancer.

During her visit, which supports international breast cancer awareness month being marked in October, HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed commended the Foundation’s various teams that work behind its programmes. Her Highness met with women who know first-hand the realities of cancer and its impact on their lives and that of their families, friends and their community.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed said: “Al Jalila Foundation’s philanthropic medical initiatives have brought significant benefits to the community. Majlis Al Amal is one of the Foundation’s exceptional programmes that supports the physical and mental well-being of female cancer patients and survivors. It was very inspiring to meet and hear the incredible stories of some of the strong women who have found a sense of community and belonging in Majlis Al Amal. I look forward to the continued positive impact of the Foundation’s medical, education, support, and research programmes on people’s lives.”

Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg said: “Majlis Al Amal supports cancer patients and survivors as they navigate the disease and its challenges. A cancer diagnosis has significant impact psychologically and emotionally and knowing that ‘you are not alone’ and that there is a community to lean on has a huge impact on the wellbeing of patients and their loved ones. Al Jalila Foundation aims to provide a support network in a safe, nurturing environment to women coping with the disease. The centre aims to keep the message of hope alive and improve the wellbeing of women during a very difficult time in their life.”

Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Studies show that emotional support is integral in the healing journey and Majlis Al Amal provides a platform where women can speak openly about their fears, share experiences and lean on each other for comfort and support that they may otherwise not find outside of the ‘cancer community’.  When we established Majlis Al Amal we knew it would be a very special place for women but we never imagined how much our members would come to depend on their new ‘circle of hope’. We are inspired by their stories and it is a privilege for my team and I to be a small part of their journey.”

“All the services and activities are designed to inspire, nurture and support women as they navigate their cancer journey. We are proud to have created this unique, life-changing community service in the UAE for the first time,” concluded Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama.

Since inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has extended AED10 million worth of support to 168 women with cancer unable to afford quality medical care, through its A’awen programme.  One in six patients supported by Al Jalila Foundation have cancer. With the rising incidence of cancer and the consequent need for charity support for patients, Al Jalila Foundation is establishing ‘Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital’, the first comprehensive cancer charity hospital in the UAE, which brings together leading experts to manage prevention, diagnosis and treatment under one roof. The hospital is set to open in 2026 with a vision to redefine cancer care in the region.

As a member of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), which aims to improve the Arab world through humanitarian, developmental and community work, Al Jalila Foundation has, since inception, provided life-saving aid, locally and internationally, contributing to MBRGI’s mission to improve human life.

Stories of Hope

Teacher’s classroom is transformed through Ta’alouf training

As the flagship program, the Ta’alouf Training program has a special place in the heart of Al Jalila Foundation. Ta’alouf focuses on empowering teachers and parents of children of determination to nurture their abilities so they can achieve their full potential.

Teachers across the UAE have experienced major transformation in their classrooms thanks to their participation in the Ta’alouf Teachers Training program.

Ruqaya Al Gburi from Dubai National School in Al Barsha was part of the 7th Cohort of Ta’alouf Teachers Training, and she is the first to recommend the program to other teachers who are working to embrace inclusivity to support all the children in their classrooms.

“I look back at my time during the Ta’alouf course and can clearly see all of the amazing strategies and skills that I am now equipped with because of the course! It has shifted my mind when teaching students of determination. I highly recommend the course for Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) teachers.”

To date, in partnership with Zayed University, we are proud to have seen 548 teachers who have grasped the invaluable skills and translated their knowledge to gifted children who have gone on to be creative, empowered and confident young people.

Nothing makes us prouder than when we see these children blossoming and taking every bite out of life and living their dreams.

Stories of Hope

Jessa’s courage is her greatest strength

Jessa was only 33 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The news came as a shock for the young administrative assistant who began to feel hopeless and like this would be the end of the road.

To make matters more difficult, Jessa’s insurance ran out quickly after beginning the treatment plan and she did not know how she was going to be able to fund the remaining medicine that she desperately needed to save her life.

Through the A’awen Giving website, Al Jalila Foundation set up a crowdfunding campaign for Jessa and the community quickly jumped in to help cover her treatment.  The support she received was incredible and soon all the funds were in place for Jessa’s healing journey to continue.

Jessa is now looking forward to the future with a heart filled with hope and appreciation, “After the initial shock, reading stories of other patients inspired me and gave me hope. Thanks to the support of Al Jalila Foundation and all those special people who helped me, I can continue living a normal life despite this disease. My message to those who are newly diagnosed, is that it is normal to feel down at first but we need to fight this battle. ‘Be positive, stay hope-full and lean on friends and family for support.’” 

Today, Jessa’s treatment is working and her pain has greatly reduced. She is following a very healthy diet and exercise plan and living a normal life with less worry, less stress and building stronger connections to her loved ones.