When Jumar Donayre Fabroa received the call that a kidney had become available, it was a moment he and his family had been hoping for after years of living with chronic kidney disease.
With support from Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, the 38-year-old resident from the Philippines was able to undergo a life-saving kidney transplant at Dubai Health’s Dubai Hospital through the Foundation’s A’awen program, which supports treatment for patients across the UAE.

A husband and father living in the UAE, Jumar was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 2022. By 2025, the illness had reached stage five, requiring regular dialysis sessions that increasingly affected his health and daily life. Unable to secure support, Jumar turned to Dubai Health for help.

Maha Al Taher, Clinical Transplant Coordinator at Dubai Health, recalled meeting Jumar and his wife. Their anxiety was evident, but so was their determination. During the meeting, Jumar spoke of his wish to receive a kidney transplant that would help him return to daily life. From there, Maha assisted him in applying for support through Al Jalila Foundation and coordinated the medical and administrative requirements. In time, the approval came through, bringing Jumar one step closer to his transplant.

“When I called him to tell him the news, there was a brief silence, as though he could not quite believe it,” she said. “Then I heard his wife crying with joy. It was a deeply moving moment, and I felt hope had returned to this family.”

Following the approval, Jumar began preparing for the transplant. The transplant coordination team closely followed his appointments, facilitated procedures, and provided emotional support at every stage.

Maha Al Taher highlighted that the role of transplant coordinators extends beyond procedures. It involves providing compassionate, patient-centered support across every stage of the journey, easing the emotional burden and strengthening patients’ confidence.

Reflecting on the moment, Jumar said: “It felt like being born again. They gave me and my family hope in life once more.”
Today, Jumar is recovering well and looking forward to returning to a more normal life with his family. He expressed deep gratitude to Al Jalila Foundation and everyone whose generosity gave him a new chance at life.

Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, has supported the treatment journey of young patient Lily Abdelghani, covering the full cost of her cancer care through A’awen, the Foundation’s program dedicated to supporting treatment for UAE-based patients.

At the age of three, Lily was diagnosed with a left renal tumor known as Wilms tumor. She underwent surgery to remove part of her left kidney and received chemotherapy as part of her treatment. Three months after completing therapy, close monitoring revealed that the disease had recurred in her lungs and abdomen. This required further intervention and an intensive treatment protocol under the supervision of a multidisciplinary medical team at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, where she received compassionate, comprehensive care.

Lily’s mother said: “At the beginning, we were living with constant worry and the financial burden of treatment costs. After applying for support from Al Jalila Foundation, Lily’s case was accepted, with the Foundation covering the full cost of care.”
She added: “The treatment journey was not easy, but the Foundation’s support gave us stability and allowed us to focus on standing by Lily through every stage of her recovery as a family.”
She continued: “The most emotional moment was when we were told her treatment was over and that she was cancer-free. It felt like life was beginning again. We are deeply grateful to Al Jalila Foundation, the medical team at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, and everyone who stood by us during Lily’s treatment. Today, our daughter has fully recovered and is back to living a normal, happy life.”

The multidisciplinary medical team at Al Jalila Children’s worked closely with Lily’s family throughout her journey. They provided clear guidance on the disease, explained the diagnosis, and involved the family in treatment decisions, helping them feel empowered and more in control of Lily’s care.

Read more in Press: Khaleej Times

Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, supported Manhal Al Sharif, 47, a Syrian national, through his treatment journey for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), one of the most common forms of skin cancer. Al Jalila Foundation covered the full cost of his care at Dubai Health Dubai Hospital, through its A’awen program, which provides vital support to UAE-based patients in need.

What started as a small growth near Manhal’s left eye slowly began to spread, leading him to seek answers from several hospitals. When doctors confirmed it was basal cell carcinoma, he was faced with a devastating possibility: losing his left eye. With the need for specialized care and the high cost of treatment, Manhal turned to Al Jalila Foundation following a friend’s recommendation.

Within days, his case was reviewed and approved, and his treatment pathway was arranged, ensuring timely access to the care he needed.
Manhal began treatment at Dubai Hospital in 2025, undergoing comprehensive assessments and multidisciplinary consultations to evaluate his condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan, including imaging and specialist evaluations.

He underwent a complex procedure, during which the medical team was able to successfully remove the affected tissue while preserving his sight, a moment of immense relief for him and his family. As part of his treatment plan, he also received radiotherapy.
Looking back, Manhal said the case evaluation and approval process by Al Jalila Foundation was completed smoothly within five days. The speed, he noted, helped contain the disease and protect his eye.

He remembers the most difficult moment when he was first told that removing his eye might be the only option. “It was a shock”, he said. “But once I was transferred to Dubai Hospital, the doctors reassured me they would do everything they could to save my eye. That reassurance meant everything to us, it brought hope back to my family.”

He added: “I advise anyone going through this experience not to let fear take over, and to face the illness with confidence and faith in recovery.” He continued: “I thank Al Jalila Foundation for covering the treatment costs, and I appreciate the medical team at Dubai Hospital for their exceptional care.”

During treatment, Manhal stepped away from work for approximately 15 months to focus on his health, supported throughout by his wife, son, and parents. According to his latest medical report, he has achieved approximately 98% improvement, with ongoing follow-up visits, including continued eye monitoring.

Read more in Press: Gulf News

The Ta’alouf program, an educational program offered by Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, has played a pivotal role in the journey of Huda Karam, a young Emirati woman of determination. Through Ta’alouf, Huda gained the support and confidence to participate fully in her community, empowering her to become an athlete with Special Olympics UAE while pursuing a degree in Mass Communications.

Launched in 2013, the Ta’alouf program is part of Al Jalila Foundation’s enduring commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive community, equipping parents, teachers, and caregivers with the knowledge to understand children’s individual needs through a range of training sessions, specialized programs, events, and community initiatives delivered in English and Arabic.

For Huda’s mother, Reem Abdelkader, Ta’alouf became a turning point. As a mother of two daughters of determination, she sees her mission as championing their abilities and ensuring they receive the opportunities they deserve. With dedication and persistence, she has worked to integrate her daughters into social and educational environments, opening broader horizons for their future.

Reem explained that she and Huda joined the Ta’alouf program in 2019, an experience that profoundly enriched their life and social skills and empowered them to participate more actively in the community. She emphasized that integrating children of determination is essential to building a truly inclusive society, saying: “We should never hesitate or feel embarrassed to showcase their abilities. On the contrary, we must highlight their potential, which deserves every form of support, care, and development.”

Huda echoed her mother’s sentiments as she expressed her gratitude for the program. “Ta’alouf gave me a deeper understanding of what inclusion really means. It helped me build my skills, taught me strength and patience, and instilled in me the belief that I am an active member of society.” She added that people of determination possess unique talents that deserve recognition and nurturing as part of the community’s core values of solidarity and support.

Her journey as an athlete is one of the clearest reflections of her growth. Huda credits her sporting journey to her involvement with Special Olympics UAE, where she has demonstrated exceptional ability, earning medals in running and football.  Her accomplishments are a testament to her passion, ambition, and determination. Today, she serves as an Athlete Leader with Special Olympics UAE and sits on the Athlete Leadership Council at both regional and national levels. Alongside her athletic pursuits, she is completing her higher education in media, which she sees as a powerful platform to amplify the voices of people of determination, and raise awareness.

Huda emphasized that participating in programs and initiatives offered by government and private institutions is essential to fostering meaningful inclusion. Educational, sports, and cultural activities, she noted, play a crucial role in refining abilities, and nurturing talent.

This story is issued in Arabic, to read please refer to the Arabic page.

As part of its ongoing efforts to empower women recovering from cancer, Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, continues to support their rehabilitation through the Revive & Thrive returnship program. The initiative aims to empower women to resume their professional careers after an interruption caused by their treatment journey.

The program offers structured support through three core pillars: training, mentorship, and six months paid returnships. This enables participants to gradually reintegrate into the job market, rebuild their self-confidence, and gain practical experience under the guidance of mentors from participating organizations. It also facilitates pathways toward long-term employment for those seeking to resume their careers. To date, the program has successfully placed nine women in roles across various sectors.

Several program participants shared how Revive & Thrive served as a transformative bridge, helping them regain confidence and purpose following recovery.

A Renewed Opportunity

Janet Njoroji, a Kenyan national who has lived in the UAE for 21 years, shared that being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma resulted in the loss of her job.
“Joining the Revive & Thrive program, after completing treatment with Majlis Al Amal in 2023, gave me a renewed opportunity for professional growth,” she said. “Returning to work as an IT coordinator restored my confidence and motivated me to keep progressing.”

Restoring Balance

Hanan Al Razem, a Jordanian mother of two, shared her experience with the program after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023.
She faced considerable challenges in regaining focus and resuming her professional career.
“The practical training I received through the Revive & Thrive program, not only rebuilt my sense of capability, but also opened the door for me to work as a personal assistant,” she said, noting that the guidance and support she received throughout the program were instrumental in preparing her to return to the job market with confidence.

Renewed Confidence

Lekha Jaisankar, from India and a resident of the UAE for more than four decades, expressed her appreciation for the support she received from Majlis Al Amal after being diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2022.
This support continued with the Revive & Thrive program, which offered her a valuable internship opportunity within an organization, enabling her to gain experience and sharpen her skills. She expressed her gratitude for the training, sharing how it played a pivotal role in strengthening her self-assurance and facilitating her reintegration into the workplace.

Supportive Environment

Maria Teresa, from the Philippines, who has lived in Dubai for 26 years, stated that the Revive & Thrive program helped her regain a sense of professional integration and connection to the workplace, especially after years of absence due to her cancer treatment in 2022. She explained that returning to work marked a turning point in her career, as it allowed her to regain her skills and truly feel engaged in a real work environment.

Professional Flexibility

Mandy Daswani, a 63-year-old from India, confirmed that joining the Revive & Thrive program after years of recovering from breast cancer provided her with a career opportunity that fit her lifestyle. “With the program’s support, I found a job within a supportive and understanding team that welcomed me with genuine warmth and appreciation,” she said, noting that this new role provided her with a balance in her work life, helping her maintain her energy and spend more time with her grandchildren.

A New Beginning

Manisha Singh, from India, shared that her diagnosis with a rare form of breast and lung cancer two years ago compelled her to leave her full-time job. She added that joining the Revive & Thrive program gave her a meaningful opportunity to rebuild her life and embark on a fresh start.

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The National

Dubai Health has successfully treated a heart valve condition in 24-year-old Abdulhadi Ahmed, helping him regain his health and return to his sporting activities, as part of the “Nabadat” campaign.

Led by Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, the “Nabadat” campaign was launched in 2012 to provide advanced, life-saving cardiac care, including complex surgeries and catheterization procedures, for patients with congenital and chronic heart conditions who cannot afford treatment.

What began as a routine visit to a hospital in Dubai for a minor health concern turned into a life-changing journey for Abdulhadi. Medical tests revealed a serious heart valve issue that required urgent surgical intervention to prevent further complications.

Speaking about his journey, Abdulhadi Ahmed said he has always enjoyed sports, particularly football, and was committed to regularly visiting the fitness club. These routines became a natural part of his daily life, but following his diagnosis, he was advised to temporarily step back from physical activity to avoid overexertion, and prevent complications. He acknowledged that while the adjustment was difficult, he faced it with strength and determination, drawing support from his family and friends, who stood by him every step of the way.

Driven by his determination to regain his health and return to normal life, Abdulhadi, accompanied by his parents, turned to Al Jalila Foundation for support. He applied for treatment through the “Nabadat” initiative, and his request was approved, marking the beginning of a new journey toward recovery at Dubai Hospital.

Dr. Obaid Mohammed Al Jassim, Consultant and Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Dubai Hospital and Medical Director of the ‘Nabadat’ initiative, said that the medical team successfully performed a pulmonary valve repair for the young patient, Abdulhadi Ahmed. He noted that the procedure was crucial in restoring normal heart function and preventing future complications that could have endangered the patient’s life without timely surgical intervention.

Recovery Journey
Speaking about the moments after his surgery, Abdulhadi said: “I woke up to the nurse gently waking me, and moments later, the doctor came in with the good news, the surgery was a success. No words can describe how I felt at that moment. I was filled with relief and sincerely moved by the care and support of my family and friends.”

He expressed his sincere gratitude to Al Jalila Foundation and Dubai Hospital team for their significant role in his recovery, adding that he intends to give back by volunteering in medical initiatives. Abdulhadi emphasized that his experience taught him that cooperation is the path to achieving social solidarity and strengthening the impact of giving, an approach deeply embraced by the UAE.

It was not easy for the family of 14-year-old Youssef Jasheem, an active, energetic child to see him reliant on a dialysis machine. The exhausting treatment took a toll on his health and disrupted his daily routine. At a time when he should have been focused on school and play, Youssef instead had to follow a strict medical regimen.

He struggled with persistent fatigue, limited mobility, and restrictive dietary guidelines. The physically demanding dialysis sessions also impacted his mental well-being, further distancing him from a normal childhood.

Doctors informed Youssef’s family that a kidney transplant was urgently needed to improve his condition. However, while the procedure was critical, the high cost posed a significant financial burden, making the decision both emotionally and financially overwhelming.

In the midst of this challenge, Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, offered a lifeline. After Youssef’s application met the required criteria, he was referred to Al Jalila Children’s Hospital for the transplant. The Foundation’s support extended beyond financial aid, offering emotional comfort and reassurance to the entire family.

Following the successful surgery, Youssef’s health improved dramatically. He regained his energy and was able to return to a normal life, free from dialysis sessions and dietary restrictions. The transformation brought immense relief to his family, lifting the constant cloud of worry that had hovered over their lives.

His mother shared: “Today, we live a completely different reality. Youssef is back at school and has reconnected with his friends. The entire atmosphere at home has changed. We never imagined such a transformation could happen in such a short time, and we are truly grateful to Al Jalila Foundation for standing by us and offering priceless support.”

She added: “The medical team was outstanding, providing attentive care and continuous follow-up. Most importantly, this experience taught us that hope is always possible, and that community support can truly save lives.”

For several years, Rola Tabbaa endured a difficult health journey that deeply affected her physically, emotionally, and financially. She underwent dialysis sessions three times a week, a routine that drained her body and weighed heavily on her spirit.

Diagnosed in 2016 at the age of 42, Rola’s condition gradually worsened until a kidney transplant became the only viable medical option to improve her quality of life. Despite the high cost of the procedure, she remained hopeful and submitted an application to Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, in search of support.

After meeting all the requirements, Rola was accepted into the kidney transplant program at Dubai Hospital. Al Jalila Foundation stepped in to cover the full cost of the transplant, along with her dialysis sessions and necessary lab tests, marking a turning point in her long medical journey.

“I was living on the sidelines of life,” Rola said. “Everything was postponed because of dialysis appointments. I was constantly exhausted, and recurring complications led to multiple surgeries to change the catheter and redirect the artery.”

She added: “I was shocked when I received the call from the medical team telling me I had been accepted for the transplant. It was a moment filled with joy and anticipation, and when the day of the operation came, everything went smoothly.”

Following the surgery, Rola’s life transformed dramatically. She regained her energy and independence, free to engage in everyday activities and travel without the burden of medical equipment. The change was not only life-changing for her but also brought relief and joy to her family, who had supported her through every step of her treatment.

Reflecting on her journey, she shared: “A kidney transplant is truly a new life. From the bottom of my heart, I thank Al Jalila Foundation and the medical team at Dubai Hospital for giving me a renewed sense of hope. I urge everyone to support patients in need of such life-changing procedures, they bring about real, tangible improvements in people’s lives and overall well-being.”

Abdullah’s treatment is just one of the many success stories of the Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health. By providing the treatment needed for a congenital cranial condition, the organisation has successfully helped young Abdullah to lead a more fulfilling childhood. This would simply not have been possible without “The Child Fund”, which provides financial aid for treatment and medical caretothose who cannot afford it.

A Journey of Hope

The birth of their first child, Abdullah, an Egyptian national born in 2023, was a moment of great joy for his parents. However, this happiness soon gave way to grave concern, when they learned that he had been born with a cranial birth defect.

Abdullah’s mother had been dreaming of her son’s future as one of boundless possibilities but, with this diagnosis, she found that she had to temper these expectations. Instead, she was now concentrating solely on ensuring that her son could live with as few constraints in life as possible. This unforeseen challenge has undeniably turned her world upside down, but she stood strong alongside her husband and they remained hopeful that their child could enjoy the same quality of life that all children deserve.

According to Abdullah’s father, nothing seemed out of the ordinary at birth. However, when Abdullah had his first vaccine at Al Aweer Health Centre in Dubai, a paediatrician noticed an irregularity in the formation of his head and it was advised that treatment should commence before Abdullah turned six months old. This devastating news was enough for the family to contend with, but it was made all the more difficult when it was realised that the treatment required would not be covered by the family’s health insurance.

Seeking reassurance, Abdullah’s father consulted another doctor, hoping for a different diagnosis, but the second opinion supported the findings of the paediatrician at Al Aweer Health Centre—Abdullah had a congenital cranial deformity that required urgent medical attention. As such, the doctor suggestedthat Abdullah’s treatment should continue at a major hospital. It was at this point where Abdullahwas referred to Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropicarm of Dubai Health, known for its advanced medical capabilities through Al Jalila Children’s Speciality Hospital.

The Turning Point

After a thorough case review, the Al Jalila Foundation confirmed the approval for Abdullah’s treatment, with full financial coverage. This support was provided through Al Jalila Children’s Speciality Hospital under “The Child Fund”.For the beleaguered family whose hopes rested solely on the foundation’s financial aid to help their son, the news came as some relief and allowed them to begin to see a way forward.

At Al Jalila Children’s Speciality Hospital, Abdullah underwent a comprehensive medical assessment, including cranial imaging to precisely determine the extent of the condition. Based on the findings, the doctors recommended a treatment plan involving a medically designed helmet to gradually reshape his head and restore it to its natural shape. The six-month treatment plan called for frequent check-ups to guarantee the intended outcome.

The treatment plan was initiated with hopeful anticipation from Abdullah’s parents, who prayed for their only child’s full recovery. Their prayers were answered, as the medical team successfully fitted the helmet, explaining that the reshaping process would take approximately six months.

Abdullah underwent regular medical check-ups throughout this period to track his development and ensure there were no unforeseen issues. The results continued to be positive with every examination and, six months later, the medical staff were able to announce his full recovery, allowing Abdullah the opportunity to enjoy the same happy childhood as his friends and peers, without limitations.

A New Beginning

The announcement of Abdullah’s full recovery was a moment of unbridled joy and relief for his parents and they expressed their profound gratitude for the exceptional care provided by Al Jalila Children’s Speciality Hospital. The hospital was instrumental in their son’s recovery, being there at every step of his journey to recovery—from initial diagnosis and necessary medical imaging to fitting the helmet and providing six months of continuous medical follow-ups.

Today, Abdullah embarks on a new chapter of life, free from restrictions, with a future as bright as his parents had always dreamed.