Meet Our Patients: Subhan
Eleven-year-old Subhan from Gujranwala was admitted to our Lahore Hospital five years ago. He was treated for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, recovered and is now in remission. Today, he is thriving at school and loves playing with his pet birds.
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is a type of cancer that is common among children, but Subhan’s diagnosis was still a big shock to his family. His father shares: “My son was seven years old, a student of Year 2 when we noticed a lump in his neck. We took him to a local clinic where the doctor prescribed some medicines. But the problem did not go away. After further tests, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.”
The family’s concerns were first for Subhan’s health and recovery. But whether or not they’d be able to afford the costly treatment worried his father a great deal. As a house painter, he earned very little in daily wages.
“The thought of the exorbitant cost of cancer treatment made me worried sick,” he explains. “But the moment I arrived at the hospital’s Walk-in Clinic, and they explained the way forward, my heart was immediately filled with hope. I received an orientation, along with other parents and guidance on how to take care of my child’s nutrition. Exercises were also recommended. It made me feel I was not alone.”
“Once Subhan’s treatment started, which mainly included chemotherapy, I felt extremely relieved. The entire system was so well organised that I think I could have sent my son alone, without worrying about him navigating the system.
“I am grateful for this hospital and everyone who supports this place for giving my son a chance to fight cancer and celebrate life beyond cancer. He is in Year 6 now and loves to take care of his pet birds.”
Subhan’s father concludes with this message for other parents: “If you detect anything unusual in your child’s health that could be indicative of cancer, please visit your nearest Shaukat Khanum Walk-in Clinic.”
We agree with him wholeheartedly. While childhood cancer is common, it is curable and also has the highest survival rate. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly increases the chances of recovery.
It’s your support that allows us to help children like Subhan. Thank you! Please continue to donate your Zakat and Sadaqah to give needy families hope for the future. Click below to find out about sponsoring the full or partial treatment of a child patient.