Maha’s Story: Continuing Cancer Treatment While Raising Five Children
Maha is a mother of five receiving treatment for breast cancer in Lebanon. She has undergone surgery and continues treatment while raising her children and managing family life. Treatment has been painful, and its cost has placed added pressure on a household supported by one income.
This is Maha’s story.
Al-Ihsan Foundation
Humanitarian Aid Team
Maha Is a Mother of Five
Maha is a mother of five.
Her life is made up of her children, her family and all the ordinary responsibilities and moments that come with being a mother.
Then she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Maha underwent surgery to remove the tumour. Now, she is continuing the treatment prescribed by her medical team as part of her care after surgery.
And while treatment continues, so does family life.
Privacy note: Maha’s name has been changed to protect her and her family’s privacy.
What Has Cancer Treatment Been Like for Maha?
Maha speaks openly about how difficult treatment has been.
She has experienced pain while going through it. As a mother, she has also seen the emotional toll her illness and treatment have taken on her children.
Cancer has entered their family life in ways that go far beyond hospital appointments.
Yet as Maha speaks about what she is going through, she says:
“Alhamdulillah for everything.”
All praise is due to Allah in every circumstance.
How Has Cancer Treatment Affected Her Family?
While Maha goes through treatment, her family still has the everyday needs of any household.
There is rent to pay, food to buy and five children to care for.
Her husband is the family's sole provider. But his income also has to stretch to cover the cost of Maha's treatment.
Maha says they have fallen behind on rent because money that would normally help cover their household expenses has had to go towards her treatment.
Helping with the cost of her chemotherapy takes one of those expenses off their shoulders. It means more of the family's income can go towards their rent, food and the everyday needs of their children while Maha continues her treatment.
Helping With the Cost of Maha’s Chemotherapy
As Maha continues her treatment, we can stand beside her and her family by helping with one of the practical pressures they are facing: the cost of her care.
Through Al-Ihsan Foundation, we can come together to help cover the cost of her chemotherapy.
Together we can fund one chemotherapy session for Maha or another eligible patient receiving treatment in Tripoli.
A Dua for Maha and Those Facing Cancer
Behind every chemotherapy session is a person whose life extends far beyond their diagnosis.
For Maha, there are five children to raise, a family around her and a life that continues alongside treatment.
May Allah ﷻ grant Maha and every person going through cancer treatment complete shifa, strength through every difficult day and ease in what lies ahead. May He give their families comfort, strength and beautiful patience, and place peace in the hearts of the children walking beside them. Ameen.
Understanding the Cost of Cancer Treatment in Lebanon
Maha's story is her own, but financial pressure during cancer treatment extends beyond one family.
We looked at recent research on household income, treatment delays and financial barriers to cancer care in Lebanon.
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