Eating away: Ravaged by cancer, a mother worries about her children’s future

Diagnosed with lung cancer in March, Sarwat Masood Akhtar is now appealing to philanthropists for help.

PESHAWAR: Sarwat Masood Akhtar’s ordeal began in March 2014 when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Despite her critical condition, the only thing which continues to haunt her is the future of her children.

“I know I will not be able to fight the disease for too long,” the 34-year-old cancer patient says.

Hailing from Kakshal area, Akhtar is a mother of two. Her husband has remained jobless for a long time. He was employed at a bank but was sacked after he was unable to attend to his duties because of her illness. At this critical stage, she often worries what will become of her children if anything were to happen to her.



“We live in a rented house,” she explains. “The landlord is generous enough to let us live in the house without paying rent. But how long can we take advantage of this favour?”

Akhtar fears that one day their landlord will ask them to pay their rent. At this critical stage, when the future seems bleak and threatening, she can only hope for the best.

According to the 34-year old cancer patient, she often forgets about her illness when confronted by the challenges life has thrown her way. Her nine-year-old son Abdul Majid is a heart patient and often finds it difficult to breathe due to severe pain. Akhtar has been told by doctors that the total cost for her treatment is at least Rs3 million whereas her son’s treatment would amount to Rs0.8 million.

“I have sold all my belongings and have nothing more to sell,” Akhtar says. “What is more, there is no one I can appeal to help us.”

Akhtar’s disease was diagnosed in its final stages.

Fortunately for Akhtar, she has received enormous support from her loved ones. Her brothers and neighbours have helped her shell out for utility bills and other expenditures. Moreover, Bahria Town Chairman Malik Riaz Hussain and other philanthropists came forward to assist Akhtar through these difficult times.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th, 2014.