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Hope Connects Us All

I trust that you had a blessed, joyful and healthy Eid Al Adha.
 
Eid Al Adha is known as the 'Feast of Sacrifice' and over the last months we have all had to make immense sacrifices at work, at home and in our communities to stay safe and healthy. Life amid the global pandemic continues to evolve as we adapt to the changing times armed with resilience and filled with hope for better days ahead.
 
Whilst people around the world continue to struggle with the impact of COVID-19 hope inspires us to imagine a brighter future. The UAE leadership remains unwavering in its efforts to protect human life and they have reminded us that there is so much to be hopeful for, so much to look forward to – from the launch of the Hope Mars Mission to the significant progress made in the fight against the coronavirus and the generous humanitarian aid that has been sent to 71 countries to help fight the coronavirus outbreak. We are blessed to live in a country where the leaders see the world as one, a world where hope connects us all. In the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum: "We work to bring hope to people of all races, ethnicities, cultures and religions, and we promise that our giving will endure as long as there is need in the world."
 
With everything that is going on in the world it is evident that our work at Al Jalila Foundation is more important than ever. Now, we continue with more fervor and dedication and we are grateful to our partners, donors and supporters who have stood by us through these challenging times. Thanks to your support, we are able to keep moving forward to realise our goals to transform lives: from investing in our Ta'alouf program to empower children of determination; sponsoring life changing medical treatment to patients in need and funding important medical research to ensure that science remains at the forefront of our mission.
Every day we are reminded that we are stronger together and our collective efforts have the power to empower generations.  I would like to share with you some inspiring stories made possible with your support; testament of what is possible when we work together for the greater good. Incredible things do happen when people unite in hope.
 
Wishing you good health and prosperity.


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

Taking the first steps towards hope.

By mid-January 2020, 3-year-old Wed had already been to what felt like hundreds of doctor’s appointments. She suffered from severe knee pain as a result of worsening genu varum (bilateral leg deformities or ‘bow legs’). 

After visiting Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, it was apparent that this condition was also affecting her mental health as much as the physical. Young Wed was sad and withdrawn and refused to play with other children.

Although it was clear that surgery would profoundly improve her condition, the family was struggling to proceed due to financial constraints. Wed was referred as a candidate to receive support from Al Jalila Foundation’s A’awen program that supports patients in need and she was able to undergo surgery in March 2020. 

Throughout postoperative-care Wed has proven to be an extraordinary young patient who alerts doctors to any discomfort she experiences allowing them to intervene at opportune moments. 

Much to Wed's delight the last x-ray showed her bones have healed nicely and after these few short months her personality has changed completely and the once withdrawn child is an extrovert who enjoys wearing dresses and playing with friends.

Read more about Wed's life changing story here

Shaping the Future 

Teachers breaking boundaries of inclusion.

Despite challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic we are very proud that the end of the 2020 academic year saw the graduation of the 6th cohort of Ta’alouf Teachers Training Program comprising of 73 teachers from 23 schools.

Through Ta’alouf Teachers Training Program, in partnership with Zayed University, Al Jalila Foundation equips teachers from public and private schools with skills to broaden inclusivity in their classrooms and empower children of determination. 

During these unprecedented times teachers have been remarkable at adapting their skills to teach remotely and ensure that no child is left out. For the first time the Ta’alouf program was delivered with a blended learning approach with face to face sessions and online sessions. 

Dr Anna Ferreira, the program lead, said “The 6th cohort  participants showed us that UAE teachers are flexible and creative; they meet new challenges with such a positive spirit.” 

The program which is delivered in English and Arabic was born out of the principle that every child, no matter their ability, has enormous potential and that potential should be harnessed to empower the child to live a happy and productive life.

To date the Ta’alouf Teachers Training Program has trained 416 educators from 116 schools in the UAE.

Inspiring Innovation

Researchers delve into diabetes and fasting.
 
Data shows that 1 in 5 people in the UAE has diabetes making it one of the most pressing healthcare challenges today. Fasting as part of religious practice is keenly observed in the region and many people with diabetes fast throughout Ramadan with no negative impact on their health while some are considered high risk. 

Al Jalila Foundation grant recipients, Dr Fatheya Alawadi and Dr Mohammed Hassanein from Dubai Hospital, lead a novel study to get a better understanding on the exact level of risk by recruiting a cohort of 180 diabetic patients to monitor glucose levels continuously over a six-week period. 

The study provided unique data as patients with high risk diabetes who fasted did not show significant biometric changes and no significant change in lipids profile nor in renal function. While glycemic control improved, nonsevere hypoglycemic episodes increased during fasting. 

Optimum diabetes care, including Ramadan focused diabetes education, glucose monitoring and dose adjustments could be the key for reducing the complications of fasting in high risk diabetes patients. 

The team’s detailed data analysis has already been published in 5 medical research journals and they continue to investigate the field to conclude medical recommendations.

Learn more about Dr Fatheya and Dr Mohammed’s study here.

Ambassadors of Hope

Dubai runner on a charitable quest.
 
Around the globe sport has proven to be one of the greatest charitable avenues with running holding a strong lead in charitable fundraising and participation.  

Although the global pandemic meant many running events were canceled, Dubai resident Ahmed Ali was not about to let that stop him supporting his favourite charity. 

Ahmed got creative and initiated the #Eid2EidChallenge to raise funds for Al Jalila Foundation’s paediatric treatment program ‘Farah’ to give hope to sick children. Despite the heat and humidity, Ahmed ran 5 kilometers every day for 67 days from Eid Al Fitr to Eid Al Adha and invited the UAE running community to join him on his quest.

Every day different runners joined him at various locations across Dubai including local celebrity Big Rossi from Virgin Radio. The 5:30 Run club organised a charity run to support Ahmed raising almost AED 5,000.

The #Eid2EidChallenge has raised AED 12,850 with MonViso, Al Jalila Foundation longstanding partner, matching the funds raised.

In addition to this incredible feat, Ahmed is a true inspiration with a long list of humanitarian projects and has been volunteering on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic since mid-March 2020.  

Read more about Ahmed's running challenge here.

Community Flashes
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
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