Making a difference to disabled boy's life

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.