Breaking the taboo and discovering healing and hope
Consider how difficult it would be to conceal a cancer diagnosis, even from people closest to you. For many, it is the case.
Born and bred in Dubai, 33-year-old Farzana Mohammed has up until now kept her illness a secret.
Farzana is a homemaker, a loving wife, and the mother of a stunning three-year-old girl named Hind. She enjoys taking care of her family and pursuing her hobbies, which include cooking, traveling to new places, and taking pictures.
The joy of parenting took an unexpected turn when Farzana was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, following a nine-year battle with infertility. The thrill of welcoming her daughter was abruptly eclipsed by worry and uncertainty after receiving this shocking news.
Her once-bright spirit had darkened due to the harsh reality of her sickness, and the treatments had left her feeling weak and powerless. “I was unable to identify the person gazing back at me in the mirror.”
Farzana was alone, lost, and devoid of hope. It seemed impossible for Farzana to overcome her cancer struggle on her alone, but then a stranger’s Facebook comment introducing her to Majlis Al Amal gave her some hope. “Everything changed after receiving that message!” Farzana found a welcoming group of ladies at the center who were sympathetic to her situation and gave her the courage to confront each day head-on.
Majlis Al Amal evolved from being Farzana’s support network to her lifeline, helping her grow as a person and restoring her optimism for the future. “Going back, I wish I had discovered this supportive group of people sooner. They now feel like family to me.
Farzana learned the value of showing her vulnerabilities and the necessity of speaking up. Farzana is no longer plagued by dread and concealment, and she now serves as a source of inspiration for others by promoting early identification and highlighting the priceless assistance that is accessible to those in need.
Being pitied, condemned, or shunned because of my cancer was one of my worst concerns. All of this was altered by joining Majlis Al Amal. I now confidently share my experience as a cancer survivor and emphasize the idea that “early detection saves lives.” It’s critical to pay attention to our bodies’ signals and to the wonderful people and support system available to us.
Patients deal with the stigma associated with cancer on a daily basis. Majlis Al Amal, a “safe space” and a source of strength and hope, is at the center of this conflict. Our members can discover empathy, comprehension, and comfort in this place—that they are not alone and that sharing any “secret” is not too scary.
Farzana found the strength to “speak her truth” in order to dispel stigmas and raise awareness of the facts surrounding cancer.
Farzana comes to the realization that “every story is unique but we are united by the shared experience of overcoming adversity” after giving her experience some thought.
Source : Al Jalila Foundation,
TAGGED :
HER STORY
FARZANA
DUBAI
HEALING AND HOPE
