Meet Our Patients: Hira

“At Shaukat Khanum Hospital, a huge weight was lifted off my chest when I found out that Hira’s cancer was treatable and that she would receive the best possible care completely free of charge.” – Hira’s father

Our child patient, Hira bravely battled cancer and won. She was diagnosed and referred to us when she was just four years old. Today, she’s eight and thriving. Here, Hira’s father shares her inspiring story of survival.

“A few days before her fourth birthday, Hira started complaining of tummy aches in the morning. At first, we thought she was trying to avoid going to school. Then one day, she told her mother that there was blood in her urine. We immediately took her to a doctor. The results of the ultrasound showed possible cancer in her right kidney. She was then referred to the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Lahore.

“At Shaukat Khanum Hospital, a huge weight was lifted off my chest when I found out that Hira’s cancer was treatable and that she would receive the best possible care completely free of charge. I drive a rickshaw and make a modest income. Even before my daughter’s illness, we struggled to make ends meet. When Hira was diagnosed with cancer, I felt helpless because I knew I could not afford such expensive treatment. But, after finding out that I no longer needed to worry about medical costs, I was free to focus on my daughter’s health.

“Hira’s treatment plan included chemotherapy, followed by surgical removal of the tumour, and then more chemotherapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Hira was incredibly brave throughout her cancer journey. Watching your child fight cancer is incredibly stressful. The pain is not just theirs. You feel every tear they shed sting deeply in your heart.

“There are ups and downs when hope disappears and reappears repeatedly. One major factor that kept us going through this difficult journey was the compassionate attitude of the staff of Shaukat Khanum Hospital. Not only the doctors and nurses, but everyone we came into contact with, was always kind and respectful, which gave us encouragement to keep going. Hira has now completed her cancer treatment and is back in school.

“We are grateful beyond words to this institution that gave our daughter a second chance at life. I will do everything I possibly can to help my daughter reach her full potential and achieve her dreams. Please support Shaukat Khanum Hospitals by giving your Zakat. Your generosity can save families like ours and help Shaukat Khanum ease the burden of cancer.”

Can you sponsor the treatment of another child like Hira? Your Zakat can give hope to needy families like hers and save lives, while allowing our staff to continue their life-saving work. To find out more about our work and to sponsor the full or partial treatment of a needy patient, click below.