‘There’s always light at the end of the tunnel’

Cancer patients and survivors attend AKUH’s annual children’s oncology haematology party

KARACHI:

Doha Sarfaraz, 9, a cancer survivor, was eagerly waiting to meet Dr Naureen Mushtaq, who treated her almost two years ago for intestinal cancer, at the annual children's oncology haematology party for cancer survivors and patients at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) on Friday afternoon.

Cancer survivors and patients, their families, friends and hospital staff were all present at the event.



"The colourful event gives hope to patients and their families," said a mother of a survivor, adding that her son eagerly awaited the event. She expressed appreciation for the care and support doctors and staff extend to families of the patients and survivors.

The party had a number of children-friendly activities such as a magic show with mindblowing tricks and an aerobic session in which kids showed lots of interest. There was also a taekwondo show.

The children seemed to be having a good time playing games, solving crossword puzzles, getting their faces painted and watching the magic and puppet shows. Some children also learned how to dance, while others posed for pictures at the photo booth. Every child that attended the party received a gift as well.

Two-year-old Ziaul Aarifeen, who was recently treated by the oncology department, sat on his mother's lap and looked around in wonder. Another patient being treated by the paediatric oncology department, five-year-old Shifa, smiled brightly while getting a red heart painted on her cheek. Hube Ali, 10, and Salman Khan, 14, were busy colouring fish and chicks at one of the stalls set up to keep the children occupied.

Associate professor and section head of the paediatric oncology department, Dr Zehra Fuddu, said, "We all have gathered here today to share happiness". "It's time to encourage and salute cancer survivors and patients for being very brave in fighting this life-threatening disease," she said, calling all of the children superheroes.



Assistant professor of paediatric oncology Dr Naureen Mushtaq said the get-together would develop hope amongst the survivors and the patients currently undergoing treatment.  "We should believe that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and we should not lose hope," said Dr Sada Altaf, a consultant specialist.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 19^th, 2016.