Dubai
Shiuli Begum, a 39-year-old Bangladeshi homemaker in Dubai, was diagnosed with colon cancer on July 23 and cannot afford to pay the bills for the treatment. The doctors gave her just six months to live, unless she undergoes at least eight chemotherapy sessions. Each session costs over Dh8,000.
She told Gulf News: “When I first found out about my illness, I wasn’t even sure what it was. I wasn’t aware of any support groups, but there was another patient in the same hospital and I started talking to her. She has been my support. My major concern was my children and how we would be able to afford the treatment. Even though she herself was suffering from cancer, she was very supportive and always told me to be patient and have faith. I always felt better after speaking to her.
“A few days ago, I had a chemotherapy session and had really bad side effects. She understood what I was going through and was there for me throughout. She always keeps telling me to eat properly, because I need all the strength to fight the cancer. People who are suffering should find someone to speak to; it helps relieve some stress.”
She is a mother of four, with her youngest being just a year old. Her husband, a port foreman, is unable to raise enough funds and is desperate for help.
