Pics: Russell Photography
Dubai, Jan 3 (7 Days in Dubai): Three families who could not afford the crippling costs of cancer treatment for their children are facing a happier year ahead after a singing group raised a whopping Dhs333,000 for them.
Carol singing group the Jingles performed at parties across Dubai in return for donations to raise money for Daudjan Al Maty, aged four, from Kazakhstan and Ammar Ibrahim Ali, from Nigeria, aged two, both of whom have leukaemia. However, they have raised enough cash to be able to help a third youngster, Ismail Aslam, aged two, from Pakistan, who is also in Dubai Hospital with leukaemia.
The Jingles handed over the cash at the hospital last Tuesday night. Daudjan’s mother Dilyaram, who says her boy is slowly getting his strength back, said: “This is unbelievable. We did not know what we were going to do.”
Daudjan’s parents faced a bill of Dhs140,000 to cover vital treatment, while Ammar’s family needed Dhs40,000. Aslam’s parents have already used their savings and owe the hospital Dhs18,000. Indian expat Rajiv David and wife Jessica formed the Jingles after learning of the children’s plight through a friend. The money will cover the three families’ debts at the hospital, with the remainder going towards their future treatment.
Dilyaram Al Maty wept as she held her beloved child in her arms. Just last week, the mum was still facing a hospital bill of Dhs140,000 for her four-year-old son’s cancer treatment. Now, thanks to the generosity of the Jingles carol singers, she has hope for her family and son Daudjan.
Jingles consists of Rajiv David, his wife Jessica and about 40 performers – aged between two and 60. Originally hopeful that they would come up with the Dhs180,000 needed to pay for the leukemia treatment of Daudjan and Ammar Ibrahim Ali, 2, the group say they’re stunned to have nearly doubled that total. And from the amount raised they have been able to help another child, Ismail Aslam, 2. Jingles thanked 7DAYS readers who opened their hearts and wallets to the cause.
Rajiv said: “It really does feel like a miracle. We crossed our target so we were able to help Ismail too.” And Rajiv added that because Dubai Hospital – in a terrific gesture – were aware of the fundraising drive, they let the children go home early, knowing that the money was on its way. The Dhs333,000 has been split between the three children’s accounts at the hospital, as prepayment for their on-going treatment. Rajiv said: “We spoke to their doctor who advised us on the treatment they still require and the costs. “We were told that little Ismail needs the most funding as he still has several chemo and radiations ahead. So we put in Dhs115,000 in his account, Dhs138,000 in Daudjan’s account and Dhs80,000 in Ammar Ali’s account.”
In a poignant moment on Tuesday night, the three families were left overwhelmed as Jingles handed them the payment receipts.
Ismail’s tearful mum Aliaa said: “This is a huge relief for us.” She added: “We are so worried about Ismail, but more than that we worry how we will be able to help him if we cannot pay for his treatment. “I don’t even know how to say thank you, because how does one believe that strangers have shown so much kindness and love for my little boy? “I am so grateful. I will bless them forever.” Holding his son tight, Ammar’s father, Ali, could not stop saying thank you to members of the Jingles as his eyes welled up. And Dilyaram, who says her baby is slowly getting his strength back, could not stop smiling.
Rajiv said: “Everyone in the group is so happy to have done this. Of late, Christmas just seems to be about parties and buying presents. This experience has taken us all back to the true meaning – which is the spirit of giving.”