“I feel that we are fortunate to be in a position in which we can give and spare the time to raise awareness and funds for the needy.”
Fida Baig is one of our dedicated fundraising volunteers at Imran Khan Cancer Appeal (IKCA). His efforts over the month of Ramadan have gone a long way towards helping us raise vital funds and awareness of cancer in Pakistan. Fida started fundraising for cancer patients after he lost his father to cancer some years ago. Here’s what he has to say about why he chose to support IKCA.
I have first hand experience of watching a cancer patient suffer through the disease, and I know how painful it is for the patient’s family too. I’ve made a few visits to Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital (SKMCH). There I met many families who were going through the same dilemma as mine. We were lucky because money wasn’t an issue for us, with regards to my father’s treatment. However, his was last stage cancer, and could not be cured. Yet at SKMCH there are patients who are diagnosed with early stage cancer and have a chance at recovery if they can afford to get proper treatment. But too many cannot afford it.
There are limited funds with which a hospital can offer to treat patients for free. The number of free treatments offered can only increase through donations. Meanwhile, thousands of people must be turned away due to insufficient funds.
I feel that we are fortunate to be in a position in which we can give and spare the time to raise awareness and funds for the needy.
I have decided to do charity work till the day I die. Inshallah, I have bigger plans to organise events to raise awareness about cancer, as well as other life threatening diseases in third world countries. Meanwhile, I will continue fundraising for IKCA, because I trust SKMCH, and I know the funds will reach the needy.
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