When 9-month-old Hanah contracted life threatening meningitis it left her with irreversible hearing loss. Hope was close by when her parents learned that the cutting edge cochlear implant would restore her hearing. However, at a large cost the transforming solution was out of their reach. Al Jalila Foundation stepped in to fund the procedure and young Hanah, now 7-years-old, is a confident, adventurous, bright young child who excels at school and loves music. The overjoyed parents expressed: “Thank you for changing our child’s life forever. We are eternally grateful to Al Jalila Foundation for giving Hanah the greatest gift of all – the gift of hearing.”

According to the World Health Organization, 32 million children globally are affected by hearing impairment and in the Middle East, hearing loss is one of the region’s top five health problems, estimated to affect 1 in 25 people. Cochlear implants are highly effective in young children as the early stages of brain development maximises the child’s ability to develop speech, language and listening skills, ultimately transforming their life.

Hanah is one of 37 brave little warriors, sponsored by Al Jalila Foundation, who underwent a cochlear implant to restore her hearing. This innovative technology was only made possible by advancements in research and today, we are able to witness the transformative power this medical marvel has had on young lives like Hanah.

12-year-old Muayad Al Arjani was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, better known as ‘brittle bones disease’, and was unable to stand or walk without breaking bones in his legs. He was confined to a wheelchair throughout his childhood, unable to play with his friends or lead a normal life.

Due to the lack of corrective treatment in Palestine life was a struggle for Muayad who was flown to Dubai for treatment with the help of The Little Wings Foundation in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation.

Muayad underwent a complex surgery to insert telescopic steel rods into his legs and repair the repeated fractures which will allow him more independence and, hopefully one day, free him from his wheelchair.

Life was hard for Muayad’s mother Mona Al Tarabeen, raising five daughters and two brothers in war-torn Gaza so when Dr Sinclair, orthopaedic surgeon and founder of The Little Wings Foundation, confirmed they were bringing him to the UAE for treatment, the family were overjoyed.

“It was very difficult to find help in our country. I am so grateful for this life-changing gift and filled with hope that Muayad can walk like other children and be happy.”

The Little Wings Foundation provides medical assistance to children who have musculoskeletal deformities in the Middle East. The foundation is run by volunteers, and since 2018 it has been working with Al Jalila Foundation to help facilitate life-transforming treatment to vulnerable children in the region.

Read more here.

Roderick had always been an active healthy man when he uncharacteristically began to develop a persistent fever, sore throat and nausea that he wasn’t recovering from.

Once he checked in to Dubai Hospital in July 2019 results revealed that he was suffering from acute myeloid leukemia and was in need of life-saving treatment. The doctors began chemotherapy immediately but Roderick discovered his healthcare plan was unable to carry the cost for his entire treatment. Roderick reached out and found support he needed from Al Jalila Foundation to complete the full course of vital medical care.

After 7 months Roderick was discharged from the hospital and while his treatment continues the doctors are very happy as he shows steady progress.

“I am already gaining weight, my hair is growing back and I feel my strength returning. I know that I will win this battle as there are a lot of people supporting my journey including Al Jalila Foundation. Thank you for your kindness.”

Through A’awen, Al Jalila Foundation provides treatment support to patients in need and has to date has given hope and healing to more than 844 adults and children in the UAE suffering from chronic illness.

Kareema, an Emirati mother, recently joined 100 parents of children with intellectual disabilities to graduate from the 19th cohort of Ta’alouf Parents Training Program, the biggest cohort to date held in Dubai. Her 18-year-old daughter, Huda, was born with physical and mental disabilities which has been a driving force behind Kareema’s commitment and passion to support people of determination.

Kareema has tirelessly supported her daughter to finish high school and encouraged her to develop her artistic drawing talents. Huda has participated in several competitions and showcased her artwork in a number of galleries and even has her own Instagram account @artist_huda_karam. Kareema includes her daughter in meetings and social gatherings which helps to lift the stigma in the community encouraging the inclusion of all people in society.

Inspired by her experience with the Ta’alouf Parents Training and as an active member in the RAK Club for People of Determination, Kareema was instrumental in assisting Al Jalila Foundation to register other parents for the cohort held in Ras Al Khaimah.

Kareema is one of 886 families across the Emirates to have graduated from the Ta’alouf program to empower children of determination to live to their full potential.

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.”

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.”

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.