#UnitedInHope for a Stronger Tomorrow

#UnitedInHope for a Stronger Tomorrow

This Ramadan, you and your families remain in our thoughts and I hope that you are healthy and staying positive during these very exceptional times.

The Holy Month is a time of reflection, spending time with family and most importantly, giving to those in need. Whilst this Ramadan may be different, the values remain the same. We have already seen so many acts of kindness as the community rallies together to help people at the frontlines fighting the pandemic and those financially impacted by it. The unprecedented global health crisis has reminded us that humanity has no bounds and unity will be our guiding light towards a stronger tomorrow.

As the coronavirus cases increase around the world, we have been taking steps to respond to the situation. A few weeks ago we opened a new research grants cycle to address COVID-19 and other viral diseases. Earlier this week, we also launched an international scholarship program to prepare a cadre of Emirati specialists to deal with viral diseases in the future.

There has never been a greater need for life-saving treatment and medical breakthroughs that could end this pandemic and save millions of lives; and, Al Jalila Foundation remains steadfast in supporting the government’s efforts to protect human life.

I am filled with immense gratitude to the Ahmed Seddiqi Family for the generous donation of AED 10 million to advance local medical research on diseases affecting mankind. This donation will empower researchers to push the boundaries of science in our mission to combat disease to safeguard the nation’s health and safety.

According to the World Health Organization, people with cancer, heart diseases and diabetes are at increased risk and require extra care during these extraordinary times. We can not forget those most vulnerable in society who continue to need medical treatment for pre-existing life-threatening illnesses. It is our mission to ensure that patients get the medical care and attention they need despite the current pandemic.

As always, we share with you some inspirational stories of Al Jalila Foundation beneficiaries who have triumphed in the face of adversity. I hope that this newsletter brings you good cheer as you read about the lives that have been touched thanks to the incredible support of our partners, like you. Despite these challenging times we remain hopeful that this shall pass and a brighter, stronger tomorrow awaits us.

Before I sign off, in the spirit of Ramadan and the month of giving, I would like to invite you to visit our website to make a donation or please reach out to myself or my team if you need more information on any of our programs.

I wish you a healthy and blessed Ramadan.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama
Chief Executive Officer
Member of the Board of Directors
Al Jalila Foundation

Transforming Lives

Fighting cancer with the help of friends.

Roderick had always been an active healthy man when he uncharacteristically began to develop a persistent fever, sore throat and nausea that he wasn’t recovering from.

Once he checked in to Dubai Hospital in July 2019 results revealed that he was suffering from acute myeloid leukemia and was in need of life-saving treatment. The doctors began chemotherapy immediately but Roderick discovered his healthcare plan was unable to carry the cost for his entire treatment. Roderick reached out and found support he needed from Al Jalila Foundation to complete the full course of vital medical care.

After 7 months Roderick was discharged from the hospital and while his treatment continues the doctors are very happy as he shows steady progress.

“I am already gaining weight, my hair is growing back and I feel my strength returning. I know that I will win this battle as there are a lot of people supporting my journey including Al Jalila Foundation. Thank you for your kindness.”

Through A’awen, Al Jalila Foundation provides treatment support to patients in need and has to date has given hope and healing to more than 844 adults and children in the UAE suffering from chronic illness.

Shaping the Future

Mother champions inclusion in the community.

Kareema, an Emirati mother, recently joined 100 parents of children with intellectual disabilities to graduate from the 19th cohort of Ta’alouf Parents Training Program, the biggest cohort to date held in Dubai. Her 18-year-old daughter, Huda, was born with physical and mental disabilities which has been a driving force behind Kareema’s commitment and passion to support people of determination.

Kareema has tirelessly supported her daughter to finish high school and encouraged her to develop her artistic drawing talents. Huda has participated in several competitions and showcased her artwork in a number of galleries and even has her own Instagram account @artist_huda_karam. Kareema includes her daughter in meetings and social gatherings which helps to lift the stigma in the community encouraging the inclusion of all people in society.

Inspired by her experience with the Ta’alouf Parents Training and as an active member in the RAK Club for People of Determination, Kareema was instrumental in assisting Al Jalila Foundation to register other parents for the cohort held in Ras Al Khaimah.

Kareema is one of 886 families across the Emirates to have graduated from the Ta’alouf program to empower children of determination to live to their full potential.

Inspiring Innovation

Developing solutions to support mental health.

During these uncertain times, mental health support has never been more vital and Al Jalila Foundation is proud to be at the forefront of pioneering research in the UAE by supporting scientists addressing the issue.

Al Jalila Foundation research grant recipient, Professor Leontios Hadjileontiadis from Khalifa University, used cutting-edge technology to develop a first-of-its-kind mobile app to help diagnose and detect depression in users.

The innovative app called ‘Type of Mood’, available on Android and iOS, detects depressive disorders by recording four parameters related to keystroke dynamics while the user interacts with the phone's keyboard. The data calculated is sensitive to the pressure applied on the keys and the time taken to switch between keys while typing. The app also connects to healthcare professionals and encourages those found at risk to consult with doctors for medication, if necessary.

The app is linked to the American Neurology Centre and has been operational for more than two years. Since launching, it has helped detect and record several cases of depression signaling support from professionals.

In 2019, Professor Leontios Hadjileontiadis was recognised for his ground-breaking work with the Applied Sciences Research Award as part of Dubai Healthcare City Authority's Excellence Awards.

Ambassadors of Hope

Spreading joy to children this Ramadan.

Throughout Ramadan, Procter & Gamble (P&G) are donating funds to support Al Jalila Foundation’s paediatric program ‘Farah’ which provides life-saving care, supports cutting-edge research and offers hope to children and their families.

As a corporate force for good, P&G has partnered with Union Co-op retail outlets across the country to launch a retail goodwill campaign ‘Bring Joy to A Child’, where shoppers can buy a range of personal and homecare products with a portion of proceeds being donated to help sick children in the UAE.

Since 2015, Al Jalila Foundation has been P&G’s regional partner on various programs including “1 Pack = 1 Vaccine” Pampers campaign which supported UNICEF to deliver life-saving tetanus vaccines. The partnership provided over 5 million vaccines to eliminate mother and newborn tetanus. It has helped eradicate the disease in 20 countries, saving an estimated 700,000 babies and protecting millions of women.

In these unprecedented times our partnership remains steadfast to support vulnerable children by offering life-saving treatment and investing in vital research to eliminate childhood diseases.

P&G has pledged AED 100,000 to help nurse children back to health, and make sure patients and their families can enjoy a brighter future.

Read more about P&G's Ramadan campaign here.

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation, is dedicated to transforming lives through medical research, education and treatment. Click here to support our healthcare programs and we promise to make your donation count