UAE | General
Making a difference to disabled boy's life
Seven-year-old Mazhar Atef would love to play football, but he can't because he suffers from crippling rheumatoid arthritis.
- By Ameer Al Marzouqi, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:14 February 7, 2008
- Image Credit: Megan Hirons/Gulf News
- Bin Thaniah (right) presents a cheque for Dh40,000 to Dr Leibman (left) and seven-year old Mahzar. Leela Alvares (second from right) will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise additional funds for Mahzar's treatment.
Dubai: Seven-year-old Mazhar Atef would love to play football, but he can't because he suffers from crippling rheumatoid arthritis.
On Wednesday, DP World's Executive Vice-Chairman, Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, presented a Dh40,000 cheque to Mazhar which will enable him to receive another year of treatment.
"While rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful and disabling illness, it can be treated and we are very happy to have the opportunity to make a difference to Mazhar's life," said Bin Thaniah.
Accompanying Mazhar to collect the cheque was his mother.
"It's wonderful that there are still people out there who care for the well-being of others," she said.
The cost of the treatment for Mazhar is too much for his family to afford, so with the help of the Emirates Arthritis Foundation, funds and awareness of the disease are growing.
"To further highlight the issue of RA and raise funds for RA sufferers, a team of four volunteers, three from the USA and one from the UAE, are shortly embarking on a fundraising and awareness trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The team, including 33-year-old Leela Alvares, will begin their trek on the 10th of February and it will last seven days," Dr Cathy Leibman, Director of Operations at EAF said.
Mazhar's treatment is a major part of him defeating this disease.
"He has been receiving treatment for two years now. There are great signs of improvement, he can attend school, but he can't do physical education which he really loves, but the treatment will have to continue, and it is very costly for us, so all the help we receive from charities is vital."
Key facts: Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks itself, causing a chronic inflammation of the joints.
It is a progressive illness causing deformity, disability and sometimes death. There are treatments however that can help people with RA lead a normal life.
Latest news
- Youngsters dance and raise cash for charity
- Dubai departments upgrade services
- Get yourself a free test for diabetes
- Ensuring a safety net for intellectual property
- Reader's issue addressed
- 5,552 illegals held in Dubai this year
- Man cleared because he took drugs in France
- Man charged with trafficking women
- Auditors to probe Mizin graft case
- Breaking down cultural barriers with photographs
- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Islamic centre
- Police's secret source scheme reaps rewards
- Transfusion centre launches new toll free number
- Mirror, mirror show me the way
- Smart e-Gate system launched
Community Reports
-
Mirror, mirror show me the way
Driver on Salam Street had so many boxes and fruits piled into car, he would not be able to view rear or right side mirrors
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
