Syrian child with rare genetic disease begins treatment at Al Jalila Hospital in Dubai
Yaqeen's father told "Al Khaleej", "We started Yaqeen's treatment at Al Jalila Hospital, where we found that the entire medical staff were treating her with a high level of care. They are working to complete all the necessary assessments in preparation for the treatment plan."
He added, "His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum's humanitarian gesture will never be forgotten and will remain etched in our memories for as long as we live. This is not surprising given the UAE leadership's numerous urgent relief initiatives to assist those in need."
He further pointed out that His Highness has always supported and backed every person in need in the country, setting an example in the fields of charity and humanitarian giving.
Yaqeen's mother, whose little girl suffering from spinal muscular atrophy — a rare genetic disease requiring urgent treatment, expressed her happiness on the start of her daughter's treatment at Al Jalila Hospital. She thanked His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his generosity and for taking a noble and humanitarian stance in supporting Yaqeen's treatment. She also expressed her gratitude for the donation, saying that it reflects His Highness's commitment to alleviating suffering and his boundless support for humanity. She added that his initiatives have had a profound impact on the lives of many people in the UAE and beyond.
With the support of friends, the Kanaker family launched a moving appeal through the International Charity Organisation. In a moving video, Yaqeen's uncle urged the UAE and Arab leaders to donate in order to save the child's life, emphasising that time is running out and treatment is urgent.
In 2021, Sheikh Mohammed undertook to provide for the medical treatment of an 18-month-old Iraqi girl suffering from spinal muscular atrophy.
The girl's mother had posted a video to Sheikh Mohammed, in which she asked him to provide for the treatment of her daughter in Al Jalila Hospital in Dubai.
She said that her child was suffering from a rare disease and muscle atrophy that may reach the bronchi and turn her into a doll.
According to preliminary information, the treatment is one of the most expensive treatments in the world and its cost may reach Dhs8 million.
Linking her appeal to Sheikh Mohammed to the Hope Probe, the mother said: 'I arrived in the UAE when the Hope probe reached Mars. I hope that you can meet my need.'
The generous Dubai Ruler has always stands up for humanitarian situation.
In June 2020, Sheikh Mohammed covered the expenses of a surgery of an Indian child in Dubai.
Pritvik Sinhad, 15, who was suffering from kidney failure.
Sheikh Mohammed sent a message to Pritvik.
He said, 'To my dear Pritvik, this is a small gesture from me to you to remind you that you are here at home and that you are in safe hands, and I will pray to God to keep you in good health and safe… keep smiling little warrior.'
The message was accompanied by a bouquet of flowers and a personal gift.
Pritvik said that the gesture of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid means a lot to him.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Filipino Times
3 hours ago
- Filipino Times
Filipino nurse receives gift from UAE President for service during COVID-19
A Filipino nurse in the UAE has received a special token of gratitude from none other than UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in recognition of his selfless service as a frontline healthcare worker during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a TikTok video posted by @ Tito Michael shared his surprise and gratitude upon receiving a gold coin and a letter of appreciation—an initiative from the UAE leadership to honor the bravery and dedication of medical frontline workers. He shared that the letter, which accompanied the coin, expressed the President's appreciation to those who played a vital role in the country's pandemic response. 'It says here, 'To all of our frontline heroes, it is a great privilege to extend my sincere and heartfelt thanks to you for the vital role that you played in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,'' he read in the video. Tito Michael recalled how he served as a team leader in the ICU of his facility, stepping up during a time when critical care nurses were urgently needed. He said he had no idea how he managed to survive the ordeal, describing it as one of the most difficult periods in his nursing career. 'There were so many adjustments, and every shift was full of uncertainty,' he continued. 'Every single day, every single shift, lagi kaming nawawalan ng pasyente, and it was completely devastating.' He also opened up about the anxiety he felt each time he went to work, and how prayer became a source of strength amid the daily emotional toll. 'Grabe na lang talaga yung pag-pray ko every time ako papasok sa trabaho kasi hindi ko alam kung ano yung i-e-expect ko,' he added. Despite the hardship, Michael said the experience taught him a valuable lesson—that believing in oneself is essential, especially during a crisis. He noted that while support from family and friends is important, personal resolve is what ultimately sees someone through. As of writing, the video garnered 350K views and 11.5K reactions, earning praises both from Filipinos and Emiratis. 'Emirati here — You're not just frontliners, you're apart of us too. You have no idea how much we respect and appreciate you. I hope you know we have so much love towards all of you nurses. You were and still are our heroes,' a TikTok user commented.
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Gulf Today
Syrian child with rare genetic disease begins treatment at Al Jalila Hospital in Dubai
The family of Yaqeen Ibrahim Kanaker, a Syrian child, confirmed that she began treatment on Thursday at Al Jalila Children's Hospital, which is part of Dubai Healthcare City. This was a swift response to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Yaqeen's father told "Al Khaleej", "We started Yaqeen's treatment at Al Jalila Hospital, where we found that the entire medical staff were treating her with a high level of care. They are working to complete all the necessary assessments in preparation for the treatment plan." He added, "His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum's humanitarian gesture will never be forgotten and will remain etched in our memories for as long as we live. This is not surprising given the UAE leadership's numerous urgent relief initiatives to assist those in need." He further pointed out that His Highness has always supported and backed every person in need in the country, setting an example in the fields of charity and humanitarian giving. Yaqeen's mother, whose little girl suffering from spinal muscular atrophy — a rare genetic disease requiring urgent treatment, expressed her happiness on the start of her daughter's treatment at Al Jalila Hospital. She thanked His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his generosity and for taking a noble and humanitarian stance in supporting Yaqeen's treatment. She also expressed her gratitude for the donation, saying that it reflects His Highness's commitment to alleviating suffering and his boundless support for humanity. She added that his initiatives have had a profound impact on the lives of many people in the UAE and beyond. With the support of friends, the Kanaker family launched a moving appeal through the International Charity Organisation. In a moving video, Yaqeen's uncle urged the UAE and Arab leaders to donate in order to save the child's life, emphasising that time is running out and treatment is urgent. In 2021, Sheikh Mohammed undertook to provide for the medical treatment of an 18-month-old Iraqi girl suffering from spinal muscular atrophy. The girl's mother had posted a video to Sheikh Mohammed, in which she asked him to provide for the treatment of her daughter in Al Jalila Hospital in Dubai. She said that her child was suffering from a rare disease and muscle atrophy that may reach the bronchi and turn her into a doll. According to preliminary information, the treatment is one of the most expensive treatments in the world and its cost may reach Dhs8 million. Linking her appeal to Sheikh Mohammed to the Hope Probe, the mother said: 'I arrived in the UAE when the Hope probe reached Mars. I hope that you can meet my need.' The generous Dubai Ruler has always stands up for humanitarian situation. In June 2020, Sheikh Mohammed covered the expenses of a surgery of an Indian child in Dubai. Pritvik Sinhad, 15, who was suffering from kidney failure. Sheikh Mohammed sent a message to Pritvik. He said, 'To my dear Pritvik, this is a small gesture from me to you to remind you that you are here at home and that you are in safe hands, and I will pray to God to keep you in good health and safe… keep smiling little warrior.' The message was accompanied by a bouquet of flowers and a personal gift. Pritvik said that the gesture of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid means a lot to him.
The National
4 days ago
- The National
‘A father to all children': Sheikh Mohammed funds life-saving treatment for Syrian girl
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, will cover Dh7 million ($1.9 million) in medical treatment for a young girl suffering from spinal muscular atrophy. The announcement came after Yaqeen's uncle posted a video on social media appealing for help to save her life. In the video, he said the Syrian girl, who will soon turn two, suffers from a degenerative and debilitating disease. Doctors had diagnosed her with spinal muscle atrophy (SMA) – a genetic disorder that weakens and wastes muscles away, and her uncle asked for help in the cost of her treatment, which is available in only a few countries, including Al Jalila Hospital in Dubai. Yaqeen's father, Ibrahim Kankar, 27, told The National he couldn't believe it when someone from the office of Sheikh Mohammed informed him that the Ruler of Dubai would cover the costs in full. 'Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid is the father of all children. This action is not strange from the UAE and its rulers,' Mr Kankar said. 'I couldn't believe that three days after posting the video, with the help of the UAE's Charity International Organisation, my daughter will survive and live a normal childhood. You don't know how that feels.' Critical need Mr Kankar, who lives in Sharjah, said doctors gave Yaqeen only months to live if she could not undergo the expensive treatment. 'Her health condition is very critical and she needs urgent treatment which we can't afford,' he added. 'Me and her mother are thrilled and full of joy knowing she will now get it. These unforgotten moments will last long in our memory.' Yaqeen is Mr Kankar's only child. 'She has symptoms that we couldn't understand like not being able to interact with her surroundings. After many failed attempts to diagnose her disease, we came to the UAE where we found care and mercy,' he said. Dr Khaled Abdul Wahab Al Khaja, secretary general of the International Charity Organisation, praised the generous gesture. 'Sheikh Mohammed represents a model for unlimited humanitarian work,' Mr Al Khaja said. The organisation sponsored the girl's case by posting a plea on their website and social media. 'Her family has a poor income and it was impossible for them to pay the cost of treatment,' Mr Al Khaja added. "Sheikh Mohammed is the supporter for any person in need in the UAE." Looking to the future Dubai Health's Al Jalila Children Hospital welcomed Yaqeen on Thursday and examined her with the necessary tests. "The medical team has commenced essential diagnostic procedures, including genetic and antibody testing," a statement read. "All necessary evaluations are under way in preparation for administering gene therapy. Throughout this process, Yaqeen's condition will be closely monitored and managed to maintain the highest standards of paediatric care." SMA is a condition that affects the motor neurons (nerve cells that transmit impulses to the muscles) and weakens the limbs. It makes walking difficult or impossible and creates problems with swallowing, as well as breathing. The treatment offered by Al Jalila Children's Hospital, called Zolgensma, is given once and is a form of gene therapy. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration four years ago and has been described as the most expensive drug in the world.
