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.

Growing up in an underprivileged community, Farah Ennab was inspired to pursue medicine as a profession to make a difference in people’s lives.

In 2016, based on excellent academic achievements, Farah was awarded an Al Jalila Foundation scholarship to follow her dream. Through the scholarship, Farah became the first person in her family to attend medical school and incidentally, was one of the first students enrolled in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU).

“Thanks to Al Jalila Foundation I have embarked on a journey of a lifetime. The scholarship has allowed me to explore the field of medicine and I am in awe of the diversity, complexity, and humanity that stems from such a noble profession. To have the trust of patients and the opportunity to change lives on a daily basis is an absolute privilege.”

Now in her fourth year, Farah is going through clinical rotations at various hospitals and was recently accepted as a student member of the American College of Surgeons. Upon graduation in 2022 Farah will be among the first MBBS graduates from MBRU and hopes to pursue a surgical specialty.

Mohammed was diagnosed with Blount’s disease at a young age, a growth disorder characterised by lower limb deformity that slowly worsens over time. By the age of 11, the pain and deformity had become so severe that Mohammed was no longer able to stand, much less walk or play with his siblings causing a great deal of psychological distress along with the physical.

Surgery was needed to get Mohammed back on his feet; however, the solution seemed far out of reach for his mother who was raising three children alone. Desperate to improve his quality of life, Mohammed’s mother sought out help and was directed to Al Jalila Foundation who sponsored the corrective surgery at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital.

“It is with great joy that I share my gratitude to the incredible doctors at Al Jalila Children’s and the team at Al Jalila Foundation for their compassion. I cannot describe my happiness for the success of Mohammed’s operation and to be supported at a time of need.”

Since his operation in July, Mohammed is unstoppable and finds so much joy in sports at school and kicking the ball around with his friends. Everyday brings a new world free from pain and limitations.

Mohammed Alraidi and his wife have long been the greatest supporters of their son who was born with Down syndrome. Always on the lookout for ways to improve their son’s reality and life experiences, they came across Ta’alouf, Al Jalila Foundation’s flagship program that equips parents with the best possible tools to nurture children of determination.

Enrolling in Ta’alouf Parents Training, they eagerly absorbed the knowledge delivered in the course and began implementing it in the family’s daily life. Upon completing the program, Mohammed Alraidi received the certificate with great joy and appreciation for the invaluable knowledge.

“We are so grateful to Al Jalila Foundation and Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination for delivering this special educational program taught by passionate instructors to empower children of determination. We have learned so much and leave prepared with better skills to interact with, educate and empower our son. Our son shines in his own way and we hope to inspire other parents with special children to nurture these strengths.”

The Alraidi family moves forward as a positive example encouraging their son’s integration into all areas of society, championing him to participate in hobbies that spark his interest and guiding him to be confident, independent and empowered.

It was the beginning of summer 2019 when 6-year-old Vinit Vasandani was devastatingly diagnosed with acute blood cancer (leukemia). The specialists at Dubai Hospital began treatment immediately. However, the family’s medical insurance had reached its annual limit by August. More funds were needed to complete Vinit’s medical plan and his father, Anil, was steadfast in his commitment to provide the best possible treatment for his son.

Undeterred by circumstance, Anil reached out to various channels for support and when the case arrived at Al Jalila Foundation’s door he found the much needed assistance to facilitate the continued treatment.

“As a parent your greatest wish is that your children are healthy and happy. We were heartbroken to learn of our son’s illness, but knowing that Vinit is supported with the greatest care is the ultimate gift for our family.”

Today, Vinit’s treatment continues with positive progress bringing him a step closer every day to a full recovery.

In addition to offering treatment to young patients, Al Jalila Foundation focuses on medical research as it is only through research that illnesses like leukemia are able to be treated successfully today.