“May God grant me and all of my friends in 57357 cure.” This is the prayer Asser learned before he could even talk.

 

Asser is a 5-year-old boy who has spent more than half of his life at Children’s Cancer Hospital 57357, receiving treatment for leukemia. Diagnosed at the tender age of 2, Asser began his long treatment journey on February 4th, 2021, and completed it just four months ago.

 

Eman, his mother, shares their experience with 57357: “My son was a normal child, actively playing and laughing with his twin brother Mazen. I noticed that he got tired quickly, didn’t eat well, his face was pale, and he couldn’t be as active as before. I felt it was serious and had him take a blood test before going to the doctor. When the doctor saw the results, he said Asser needed a blood transfusion immediately and requested more tests. Afterward, he told us Asser had leukemia and referred us to Hospital 57357.”

 

Eman continues, “We were admitted to the hospital when our turn came, and his case was critical. We were informed that he had lymphocytic leukemia and that his treatment would take about three years. He started his treatment in 2021, which was a tough time as the coronavirus was active, but the hospital provided good protection and infection control.”

 

During Asser’s treatment, they frequently visited the emergency department due to the side effects of the treatment and his low immunity. “The emergency department saved my son’s life and that of many other children as they offer emergency care and the latest equipment,” Eman says.

 

“During last Ramadan, my son fell on our house stairs and needed stitches. The doctor requested an x-ray on the brain, which showed light bleeding. I was shocked and didn’t know where to take him. I thought of 57357, as it is our refuge. I called the treating consultant who advised taking him to the emergency department immediately. They quickly ran x-rays and tests, discovering that the bleeding was increasing. They admitted him to the operating room the same day and saved his life.”

 

“The leukemia treatment was so long that I stopped counting the number of chemotherapy sessions he had. Thanks be to God, he received the best treatment without us having to bear the cost, as it was all free, including meals for my son and the accompanying person.”

“During the treatment period, Asser used to ask me, ‘Why am I always sick and admitted to the hospital?’ I would answer him, ‘We will earnestly pray to God for your cure.’ God responded to our prayers, and Asser completed his treatment four months ago. He still comes to the hospital for follow-up. Asser likes the hospital; when he goes, he hurries to the garden to play with cars and take pictures among the greenery.”

“This hospital needs a lot of support so that they can treat more children. I know they are expanding the emergency department and other departments such as the BMT. I have been through this tough experience and understand the importance of the emergency department for each child with cancer. It saves lives of children who face crises during their different treatment stages, as every second makes a difference. When I talk with our friends, relatives, and neighbors, I ask them to support the hospital. I wish everyone could support this place as much as they can.”

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