Twelve-year-old Shahd (Iranian) is set to undergo a kidney transplant in the coming days at Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital in Dubai, using an organ from a deceased donor. This transplant is part of the "Your Donation Saves Lives" initiative in its second season, launched by Emarat Al Youm in collaboration with the Al Jalila Foundation, under Dubai Health Authority, and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, aimed at restoring her health after she reached kidney failure.
Shahd's father, Mohammed, shared, "My daughter was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2020 and has been going to hospitals for dialysis at such a young age. She underwent a kidney transplant that same year, but her health deteriorated significantly, leading to the failure of the transplanted kidney. Currently, she undergoes dialysis three times a week at Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital in Dubai, suffering greatly and living a reality very different from other children."
He continued, "The illness has been a nightmare for my daughter, and her struggle with it has taken a toll on her and her mother's mental health after the first transplant failed. Her name was included in the beneficiaries of the 'Your Donation Saves Lives 2' initiative, and we were overjoyed to learn that she would be among the first cases to receive a kidney transplant, thanks to the contributions of donors and organizations involved in this pioneering community initiative."
He explained that the management of Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital informed him that Shahd needed a kidney transplant due to her worsening condition, and they confirmed her inclusion in the "Your Donation Saves Lives 2" initiative. "This news made us very happy because my daughter will return to living her life normally, with joy and happiness," he added. The father expressed his overwhelming joy, stating, "Words cannot fully convey our gratitude for the community solidarity and collaborative efforts from all parties to help patients with kidney failure."
He extended his heartfelt thanks to the organizers of the "Your Donation Saves Lives 2" initiative, which has restored hope for the included patients, affirming that the UAE is a land of goodness, generosity, and humanity, with its benevolent hands reaching the farthest corners.
Recently, Emarat Al Youm, the Al Jalila Foundation, and the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department launched the "Your Donation Saves Lives" initiative in its second season, in activation of the memorandum of understanding among the three entities, to treat and perform kidney transplants for patients with kidney failure in Dubai.