Family Seeks Help for Child Suffering from Cerebral Palsy

DUBAI — With a meagre income and the constant fear of losing his job, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for Razak to sustain his family, which includes ailing children.

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By Afshan Ahmed

Published: Mon 6 Oct 2008, 9:55 PM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 7:28 PM

His eight-year-old son Razeem suffers from Cerebral Palsy and is attending school at the Al Noor Centre for Special Needs.

Cerebral Palsy is a non-progressive condition that causes disability in human development.

At a time when he has been responding to the treatment and is showing signs of wimproving, the financial difficulties are bogging the family down.

Reema, the sister of Razeem who is completing her higher education in Dubai, said, “My brother has just begun sitting with assistance. But we apprehend the treatment may hit a dead end because of our financial difficulties.”

Razak pays the monthly fee of Dh1,850 for Razeem’s education at Al Noor, which is getting difficult given his unstable job.

Said Reema: “My father has shifted from his previous job to one with a lower income. Also, as he will soon turn 55, he might lose his job, which will spell real problem for us,” she sighed.

Reema herself, like her elder brother, suffers from Thalassemia and requires a blood transfusion every three weeks. “Both me and my elder brother have this blood disease, but we are privileged to be getting free treatment in the UAE. That’s why we cannot think of leaving the country. But even here, we are finding it difficult to make ends meet.”

At Al Noor, Razeem is given physiotherapy, speech and occupational therapy. They also have socialising activities for the holistic growth of the child. “In the last one year, we have seen a lot of progress in his condition,” stated Reema, whose strong willpower helps her cope up with the hard times.

The family is grateful to their relatives for their constant support during their hardships.

“Our relatives have been helping us in the past but the sum we need for treatment is too large for anyone to pay,” Reema said.

The family has approached the Al Noor management with their case. “At Al Noor, they have reviewed our situation but they have told us that if only someone agrees to sponsor him can there be a possibility,” she added.

Razeem has just learnt numbers and can understand what his parents communicate.

His progress towards a near normal life depends on a single compassionate gesture.

“We would be indebted to the person who can sponsor my brother’s education at Al Noor,” declared Reema.

afshan@khaleejtimes.com

Afshan Ahmed

Published: Mon 6 Oct 2008, 9:55 PM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 7:28 PM

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