Hope 2008

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B

isma was 5 years old when she was admitted for treatment at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) in 1997. She had started complaining of constant headaches some months before and doctors in Sargodha were of the opinion that these were due to meningitis. However, after a series of tests in Lahore, she was diagnosed to be suffering from Germ Cell Tumour of the brain.

continued for a year and a half but, by the grace of Allah, the doctors at Shaukat Khanum were able to give the family the tremendous news that Bisma had been cured. Bisma’s entire treatment was financed by the Hospital, thanks to the generosity of our large number of supporters and donors. Her mother stated, at the end of her daughter’s treatment, that she had been touched particularly by the devotion and friendliness of the Hospital staff, who worked day and night to take care of her daughter. They have developed friendly ties with a number of staff members, and pay them a visit whenever they are in Lahore.

Bisma is the youngest and only sister amongst her 3 siblings. Her father is a spare parts supplier in Sargodha and her brothers are college students. Her family was devastated to learn of her diagnosis as they were unable to support the cost of her treatment. However, they refused to lose hope and were determined to face the struggles necessary to save Bisma’s life.

Bisma Riaz

A relative, who was being treated at SKMCH&RC at that time, suggested that they bring Bisma to the Hospital for treatment. After staging investigations, treatment was begun with

chemotherapy. Later, surgery was also required to place a shunt into her brain, to relieve excessive pressure caused by a build-up of fluid. The testing treatment

Bisma is now 16 years old, and being the only daughter is an integral part of her family. She is studying privately for her examinations for grade 5, and likes to help her mother around the house in her free time. She loves to watch TV, and smiles in remembrance of some of her happy moments at SKMCH every time she hears about the Hospital.

Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Lahore - Pakistan 1


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