“I have always wished for my eight-year-old-daughter, Ghadeer that she becomes the best version of herself. The cycle of our wishes tends to collide with the patterns of life. Life is an irregular pattern of highs and lows, and my life lost balance two years back when my daughter started to complain about stomach pain. Initially, the regular tests verified no serious problem or complication. Then in early 2018, my daughter was diagnosed with lymphoma, a type of cancer.
My heart skipped a beat and I went into shock when I heard the word ‘’cancer’’ in the same sentence as my daughter’s name. For a brief period, I did not know what to do next. Then one of my nieces convinced me to visit ShaukatKhanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) but I was worried that I would not be able to cover the expensive treatment cost with my regular income. However, just one visit to SKMH&RC changed my whole perspective. The visit opened doors of hope for me and my daughter.
This hospital is a heaven on earth for family like ours, leaving no financial burden on the patients. The hospital provided my little girl the best cancer treatment available in our country. We consider ourselves lucky that the Hospital took care of our daughter in all aspects through holistic care.
The most beautiful aspect of Ghadeer’s journey to recovery was that she completed class 3 through the hospital’s schooling programme. We were very proud when our daughter walked in the procession at the graduation ceremony of her class, along with other brave cancer patients.
That was an inspiring experience for us all and was a reminder that you should never stop believing no matter what life throws at you. Ghadeer has been very fortunate to receive love and support from everyone. Her teachers and class fellows used to visit SKMH&RC and meet her during her treatment. My daughter underwent chemotherapy for six months and she had to be admitted at the Hospital to receive treatment. She dearly missed her little sister, who is her best friend, during those days. Today, they do not leave each other’s side and I pray that they have each other’s back forever.
It is still hard to believe that we have an institution like SKMH&RC in our country that saved my daughter’s life. The support we received was unconditional, both in financial and emotional ways.”
World Childhood Cancer Day An incredible journey of hope
