Hassan was an energetic child who was always on the go. But just before Norooz of 2013, his parents noticed their little boy was sleeping more and didn't want to eat or play. When his skin took on a yellowish cast, his parents took him to the local Infirmary Health care unit at Tonekabon, Mazandaran.
His mother initially thought the symptoms might be related to the molded basement apartment they lived in. Blood work revealed the crushing news. Hassan suffered from acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of childhood cancer. "I kept saying ‘no, no, no.' it was devastating," Hassan’s mom remembered. His family was referred to MAHAK hospital for his treatment and care.
Hassan immediately began chemotherapy at the hospital and his mom was relocated at the MAHAK dormitories.
Hassan’s treatment was at times difficult, but he was resilient. His parents appreciated the fact that MAHAK does everything they can to let the kids be kids. "He's very energetic, not one to sit still," said his mom. "Here, they make sure kids aren't scared. They understand kids."
Hassan’s parents are grateful for people who support MAHAK. "I hope the people who donate know they're saving strangers' lives, kids' lives, every day," said his mom. "That's a selfless act. Words can't express how much thanks we have."
Today Hassan is back in Tonekabon attending school and visits MAHAK quarterly for follow up visits.
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