Category Archives: Stories of Hope

Stories

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.

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.

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.

Stories of Hope

Al Jalila Foundation steps in to support cancer-stricken boy

A four-year-old Pakistani boy who could not walk due to cancer has got a new lease of life after Dubai’s Al Jalila Foundation helped his parents with a fund to meet his advanced treatment expenses.

It was in December 2019 that Esa, then aged one, had suddenly stopped walking. The only child of his parents, he had just moved to Dubai with them.

“Amidst our settling down here in Dubai, one day our child woke up with unusual behaviour,” Esa’s mother Rabia told Gulf News.

“He had been a very active kid since his birth. He just could not walk,” she said.

Esa was then taken to the doctor and a series of tests, including a brain and spine MRI, was recommended.

“Our mind was not ready to accept it, but we took a deep breath and agreed on proceeding with the doctor’s recommendations. We had no family and friends in this foreign land, we were heart-wrenched and emotionally drained. We took a decision to go back to our home country where our families could be by our side,” said Rabia.

Shocking diagnosis

Soon after they arrived in their country, the child underwent brain MRI and he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a paediatric solid tumour.

The shocking diagnosis coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic and the international travel ban, due to which Esa and Rabia were unable to return to the UAE.

Esa’s parents pushed for his treatment in Pakistan and thankfully he was able to start chemotherapy, surgery for the tumour removal and radiation. “With Allah’s help, our little body endured all these pains,” Rabia said.

However, Esa still required ongoing treatment including an oral chemotherapy drug. As soon as the flight ban was lifted, they returned to the UAE.

“We managed to find a paediatric oncologist who would take his case forward. But we had enormous challenges waiting for us. My husband, who is a chemist, was on salary cut due to COVID-19, and all our savings were already invested in our child’s treatment. I was jobless.”

The family then reached out to Al Jalila Foundation for support after getting to know about it from a friend.

“We were almost on the verge of breaking down by then. I first emailed them about my concerns. I received a prompt and a positive response from a foundation member. Their team was very generous and enquired from us the detailed case history of our child. It was very hard for us to pay the expenses of his medicine, bimonthly MRI, and fortnightly laboratory tests. But by the grace of the Almighty, Al Jalila Foundation helped us out,” said Rabia.

A’awen patient treatment programme

Thanks to the support from the A’awen programme of the foundation, Esa was able to receive the remaining treatment he so desperately needed. Today, Esa’s condition has significantly improved, and the young boy is in good health.

“He can walk and run around. He was so cheerful and participated in the ‘superhero’ event organised by the foundation for children undergoing treatment,” said Rabia.

She profoundly thanked the foundation for the life-changing support for her son.

“We, as a family, have no words to thank this great organisation. Of course, it goes without saying that it is because of the benevolence of the leaders of this country that such programmes have been initiated to support not only the citizens, but also the expatriates. No wonder expatriates love this land,” added Rabia, who has now got a job as a teacher in Dubai.

Help for young cancer patients

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, pointed out that every three minutes, a child is diagnosed with cancer around the world, according to the World Health Organisation.

“It is heartbreaking to imagine children suffering from cancer and at Al Jalila Foundation, we are dedicated to helping young cancer patients whose families are unable to afford life-saving treatment. Through the generosity and support of our partners and the wider community, we are able to give children like Esa a second chance,” he said.

“Every day, we witness the culture of giving that is embedded in our nation’s DNA – something that we are very proud to be part of. Nothing gives us greater joy than to see a child beat cancer and grow up healthy and strong after successful treatment. This makes our job rewarding,” Dr Abdulkareem added.

Note: Esa’s story was  published by Gulf News on 26 September 2022.

Stories of Hope

InstaShop utilises their platform for good

InstaShop is recognised as one of the leading online marketplaces for supermarkets, pharmacies, pet shops and other businesses in the Middle East. Since establishment in 2015 InstaShop has gathered a large and loyal customer base who rely on their services daily.

As a company headquartered in the UAE, InstaShop was looking for the most efficient ways to give back to the community through their CSR initiative while also delivering solutions to their customers.  In true InstaShop innovative style, they moved forward with a plan that not only fulfilled their CSR goals but also encouraged their vast network to donate by making a special donation option on their platform so customers could donate to Al Jalila Foundation to support the treatment of sick children at the click of a button.

To get the ball rolling, they notified their customers of this option and during Ramadan ramped up their efforts to increase donations. InstaShop placed inspiring advertisements on social media and various digital platforms around the country to highlight some of the children that Al Jalila Foundation had supported as a way to encourage customers to support more children.

Thanks to InstaShop’s dedication and commitment to help others they managed to raise an astonishing AED 100,000 to support children’s treatment in the UAE.

InstaShop stands as a wonderful example of how corporate organisations can use their network and business platform to make a difference in the community and save lives.

Stories of Hope

Muhammad’s world is full of possibility

14-year-old Muhammad with autism has a loving and supportive family who do everything they can to provide him a meaningful happy life and completely support him to attend mainstream school. However, his mother Najia couldn’t help but feel that her son was capable of so much more. She was resolved to take every opportunity to enable Muhammad to flourish in life.

When Najia heard of Al Jalila Foundation’s Ta’alouf Parents Training Program, which enables parents of children of determination to gain life-changing skills to enhance their children’s unique abilities, she signed up immediately.

The Ta’alouf program allowed Najia to gain a great deal more confidence to present better opportunities to Muhammad and strengthened her skills and ability to apply them daily.

Thanks to Najia’s knowledge and nurturing she has watched her son blossom before her eyes. Muhammad has significantly progressed in his self-control of emotions, movement and sound which is demonstrated by his increased confidence with eye contact and improved concentration. In addition to this she is noticing that Muhammad is gaining more self-reliance by self-actioning and has become far more articulate and expressive during discussions.

Najia is delighted with the positive changes, “There is a lot of ambiguity around autistic children, but we as a family are determined to learn how to be the best support for Muhammad. A child with autism is a beautiful person who only needs his surrounding world to highlight the beauty within him. Thank you, Al Jalila Foundation, for your tireless pursuit to serve children of determination.”