UAE: ‘My friends became my only family’; why cancer patients need you to overcome shock and support them – News

The nonprofit FOCP’s Zakat campaign will bridge the shortfall in funding for treatment.You need to make up for the lack of moral support for your loved ones

Dubai resident Mohammad Hassan was diagnosed with cancer while living away from the love, warmth and support of his family. However, when he faced his fears alone, he found family in his friend Nasr Al Islam, who provided him with emotional and physical support throughout his treatment for lung cancer.

Despite not being related by blood, Nasr was dedicated to Muhammad’s well-being. “Mohammad became my only family and when he was diagnosed with lung cancer I became his only family.”

Photo: Muhammad Hassan with his friend Nasr Al Islam

Muhammad contacted the nonprofit Friends of the Cancer Patient (FoCP) for financial help to cover the shortfall in his health insurance plan. His friend Nasr made up for his lack of home care to beat the disease. “Since Mohammad is the father of three children who live far away from him, I am committed to his well-being,” Nasr said.

Mohamed’s case highlights how important moral and material support can be in helping cancer patients overcome the emotional burden of the disease. Recognizing this, the FoCP emphasizes the important role of patient support in cancer care.

Under the theme “Than Words,” the nonprofit’s Zakat fundraiser during Ramadan seeks donations to support cancer patients. Among its various initiatives, Ramadan Mir aims to provide poor and low-income families with essential food for Eid, “complementing the unwavering support of family and friends who are closely monitoring the condition of their loved ones.”

When UAE resident Ahmed Abdel Khalek, 53, first learned that his wife Rafah Sawan had breast cancer, he was in a state of shock. However, the burden of the future of five children has prompted him to find strength in his 20-year marriage and face the challenges with his wife.

Photo: Rafa and her family

“It’s definitely a difficult situation, but family relationships are essential at times like this because they represent 90 per cent of the support a patient needs. So, we have no choice but to hold hands with the family.”

He emphasized the importance of his role as a husband and father. “I have a daunting task ahead of me to protect my family [during this] test. I believe that illness is a necessary stage in the continuation of life. “

Sudanese driving instructor Ahmed Jamal El Din cared for his friend and colleague Osman Ahmed during his battle with colon cancer. The presence of Osman’s first-degree relatives in the country never stopped the decade-long friend from continuing to serve as Osman’s housing partner and carer until the FOCP provided him with additional support.

Photo: Osman Ahmed and Ahmed Jamal El Din

Osman’s friends provide vital moral support as he undergoes a major and dangerous operation. “We must normalize the illness and provide humor and social activities to reduce the psychological burden. Being there for patients, even a simple message or phone call, is essential to reduce their loneliness.”