Ras Al Khaimah: She has her hands full taking care of three daughters suffering from a severe muscular disorder that renders them incapable of walking. But Khadijah Ali Thani Al Mansouri perseveres thanks to her unwavering faith in Allah.
For the last two decades, this 46-year-old Emirati woman has stood by the girls afflicted by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), physically carrying them around at times. She does not allow a maid to help her with this task.
Far from wallowing in self-pity, Khadijah believes she is being tested by Allah and wants to do her best for her daughters.
Speaking to Gulf News, Khadijah admits she does not understand why three of her daughters were afflicted by the same disease, but dismisses the assumption that it was caused by her marriage to a first degree relative.
She has five other children, all healthy boys. A sixth boy child died a few years back after suffering from the same disorder.
Khadijah's husband married another woman and left her with the responsibility of caring for her three daughters: Abeer, 29, Asma'a, 21 and Fatima, 13.
Dedication
The mother, who has dedicated her life to serving the three girls, says they were born healthy, but fell ill when they were nine years old.
Khadijah says Abeer quit school when she was in grade two because her classmates made fun of her.
Asma'a finished grade seven at the Ras Al Khaimah Centre for Handicapped Rehabilitation and Training. She, however, dropped out after the authorities moved her to a public school.
Asma'a, Khadijah says, is computer literate. She has been honoured and has won several prizes at the centre, but Khadijah feels her talent has not been tapped to its full potential.
Fatima is in her sixth grade in a public school. It's not easy. Khadijah physically carries the girl from the car to her classroom every day.
Khadijah is also saddled with the responsibility of her elderly parents, who live with her. She cannot entertain thoughts of putting them in an old people's home.
Abeer was recently admitted to the ICU of Saqr Hospital after suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes and anaemia.
Providing the best medical care to her daughters is an uphill task for Khadijah. They need wheelchairs and medical attention on a regular basis.
A few years ago, the girls didn't go out at all, as carrying them became impossible. A room with huge windows was then constructed for the girls at the entrance of the house, so that they could see the outside world.
Her daughters' comfort is Khadijah's priority. At night, she moves her daughters from one side to the other at regular intervals so they can sleep comfortably. She believes her daughters are smart and mentally strong.
Definition: Muscle disorder
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe form of muscular dystrophy characterised by rapid progression of muscle degeneration, eventually leading to loss of ambulation and death.
It primarily affects voluntary muscles.
Males are more likely to develop symptoms than women. DMD occurs in approximately 1 out of every 3,600 male infants.
DMD is an inherited disorder.
— Source: Mda.org
