Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, is to cover Dh7 million ($1.9 million) in medical treatment for a young girl with spinal muscular atrophy.
The announcement came after Yaqeen Kankar’s uncle posted a video on social media appealing for help to save her life.
In the video, he said the Syrian girl, who will soon turn two, suffers from a degenerative and debilitating disease. Doctors diagnosed spinal muscle atrophy (SMA) – a genetic disorder that weakens and wastes muscles - and her uncle asked for help with the cost of her treatment, which is available in only a few centres globally, including Al Jalila Hospital in Dubai.
Yaqeen’s father, Ibrahim Kankar, 27, told The National of his surprise when the office of Sheikh Mohammed informed him that the Ruler of Dubai would cover the costs in full.
“Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid is the father of all children. This action is not strange from the UAE and its rulers,” Mr Kankar said.
“I couldn’t believe that three days after posting the video, with the help of the UAE’s Charity International Organisation, my daughter will survive and live a normal childhood. You don't know how that feels.”
Critical need
Mr Kankar, who lives in Sharjah, said doctors gave Yaqeen only months to live if she could not undergo the expensive treatment.
“Her health condition is very critical and she needs urgent treatment which we can’t afford,” he added. “Me and her mother are thrilled and full of joy knowing she will now get it. These unforgotten moments will last long in our memory.”
Yaqeen is Mr Kankar's only child. “She has symptoms that we couldn’t understand like not being able to interact with her surroundings. After many failed attempts to diagnose her disease, we came to the UAE where we found care and mercy,” he said.
Dr Khaled Abdul Wahab Al Khaja, secretary general of the International Charity Organisation, praised the generous gesture. “Sheikh Mohammed represents a model for unlimited humanitarian work,” Mr Al Khaja said.
The organisation sponsored the girl’s case by posting a plea on their website and social media.
“Her family has a poor income and it was impossible for them to pay the cost of treatment,” Mr Al Khaja added. "Sheikh Mohammed is the supporter for any person in need in the UAE."
Looking to the future
Dubai Health's Al Jalila Children Hospital welcomed Yaqeen on Thursday and examined her with the necessary tests.
"The medical team has commenced essential diagnostic procedures, including genetic and antibody testing," a statement read. "All necessary evaluations are under way in preparation for administering gene therapy. Throughout this process, Yaqeen’s condition will be closely monitored and managed to maintain the highest standards of paediatric care."
SMA is a condition that affects the motor neurons (nerve cells that transmit impulses to the muscles) and weakens the limbs. It makes walking difficult or impossible and creates problems with swallowing, as well as breathing.
The treatment offered by Al Jalila Children's Hospital, called Zolgensma, is given once and is a form of gene therapy.
It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration four years ago and has been described as the most expensive drug in the world.
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
BACK%20TO%20ALEXANDRIA
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETamer%20Ruggli%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENadine%20Labaki%2C%20Fanny%20Ardant%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Three ways to boost your credit score
Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:
1. Make sure you make your payments on time;
2. Limit the number of products you borrow on: the more loans and credit cards you have, the more it will affect your credit score;
3. Don't max out all your debts: how much you maximise those credit facilities will have an impact. If you have five credit cards and utilise 90 per cent of that credit, it will negatively affect your score.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
The past winners
2009 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
2010 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
2011 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2012 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus)
2013 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
2014 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2015 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
2016 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2017 - Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)
Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”
Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
Our Time Has Come
Alyssa Ayres, Oxford University Press
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
