For 12 years, Faten Riyad Abu Nahla dreamed of motherhood, but her happiness was swiftly tested when her newborn, Mohammed Anwar, was diagnosed with a rare condition. Her journey became one of resilience, gratitude, and hope.
Faten finally embraced her long-awaited joy when Mohammed was born, only to be met with concern. “I never imagined it would be this challenging,” she expressed. “After 12 years, I was delighted to be pregnant, but upon Mohammed’s birth, we learned he had a rare condition.”
Mohammed was born with spinal, leg, and internal organ deformities, needing immediate surgery within 24 hours. He was quickly transferred from Ras Al Khaimah to Al Qasimi Hospital in Sharjah. “It was tough,” Faten shared, “but I thank God. His mind is intact, and that strengthens me.” Despite the challenges, she stays positive and compassionate.
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Make-A-Wish UAE brought joy to Faten’s family. “This initiative was uplifting,” she told Khaleej Times. “It reminds us that others face their own struggles, teaching patience and gratitude.”
Make-A-Wish UAE granted 54 wishes for children with chronic conditions, celebrating the upcoming 54th Eid Al Etihad.
Japan Visit, iPhone
Sultan, an 11-year-old Emirati with diabetes since age 8, was among the wish recipients. He dreamed of visiting Japan, inspired by anime and video games. “He wanted to visit Universal Studios Japan for Super Nintendo World,” his mother, Sheikha Ibrahim, shared.
The diagnosis was initially challenging for the family. “It was hard, especially explaining dietary restrictions and the need for injections,” Sheikha recalled. “But we adapted together. Sultan’s wish gave him hope, reminding him life continues despite his condition.”
Twelve-year-old Ahmed also had a heartfelt wish: an iPhone “to call my parents in emergencies.” He wished for an Apple Watch to better manage his diabetes. “It will monitor my glucose better than the current device,” he explained.
‘Happiness Heals the Spirit’
Hani Al Zubaidi, CEO of Make-A-Wish UAE, stated that over 7,950 wishes have been granted since 2010. These wishes support children with cancer, tumors, diabetes, and other serious conditions, but their impact goes beyond gifts or trips.
“Treatment involves both physical and emotional aspects,” Al Zubaidi said. “Medicine heals the body, but happiness heals the spirit.”
This year’s wish recipients, aged 4 to 18, come from diverse backgrounds and face various medical conditions. Al Zubaidi highlighted that bringing these children together allows them to gain strength from one another. “Seeing a peer with a similar illness gives them courage, uplifting their spirits.”
He noted that over 90% of children show significant improvement in happiness and vitality after their wishes are fulfilled. “Boosting a child’s spirits makes healing smoother,” he observed. “When happy, they fight harder.”
