Fathimath Nidhau, Maldives

At first, we thought she was just teething, but soon she developed a high-grade fever and lost all interest in food. She became extremely weak, started losing weight, and eventually couldn't even walk. She was only 18 months old. We were worried, but never imagined it could be cancer. When we finally received the diagnosis, everything around us seemed to stop.

The biggest challenge was facing my daughter's cancer diagnosis while I was eight months pregnant. Soon after she began chemotherapy, I delivered my baby through a C-section. Not even three weeks after my surgery, I had to start carrying and caring for my daughter, despite still recovering, because she needed me. Physically and emotionally, it was overwhelming, but I kept going because my children needed me.

My children helped me the most. My daughter's courage during treatment and my newborn gave me a reason to keep moving forward. The support from doctors, nurses, family, and even small acts of kindness from others carried us through days that felt impossible. I am also deeply grateful for the support we received from other parents whose children were undergoing treatment alongside ours. Their understanding, shared strength, and quiet encouragement meant more to us than words can express.

Our experience with the healthcare system in the Maldives was a journey in itself. When she first developed a high-grade fever, we admitted her to our island hospital, where she received two blood transfusions and antibiotics, but her condition did not improve. As she continued to have high fevers, we traveled to Malé for further examinations. By the time we arrived at IGMH, she couldn't even walk. She was admitted to IGMH, where many tests and samples were taken, including TB tests done several times. They also tried to insert a catheter since they couldn't get a urine sample. She was treated for influenza and given multiple antibiotics. During this time, I had to repeat her symptoms, history, and condition every day to different doctors, while not receiving updates about her test results. This was emotionally exhausting for me as a mother, especially watching her go through all these procedures. After being discharged, she was admitted again three days later to Hulhumalé Hospital due to another high grade fever. There, she received one blood transfusion and several antibiotics, but her condition still did not improve. After all these visits and procedures, my 18 month-old daughter was understandably scared, anxious, and overwhelmed -just as any toddler wouldbe in such unfamiliar and frightening situations. We as a family were exhausted and extremely frustrated asthere was yet no diagnosis made for her condition despite multiple visits to the hospitals. Doctors then began to suspect leukemia, and we urgently traveled to India, where she finally received her diagnosis. Since coming to India, we have been receiving her treatment at KIMS Hospital. When we were informed of her diagnosis, we were also guided to meet a psycho-oncologist, who supported both me and my husband in understanding and coping with the emotional impact of that moment. Hearing her diagnosis was overwhelming and emotionally devastating for us as parents.Our experience at KIMS hospital has been very positive. The doctors, nurses, and staff cared not only for my daughter but also supported us as a family. Their compassion, patience, and guidance made this incredibly difficult journey more manageable, and we always felt seen, heard, and supported throughout her treatment. Alhamdulillah, after a long and difficult journey, she completed her chemotherapy in December. Reaching this milestone has filled our hearts with deep gratitude and renewed hope.

Take it one day at a time, sometimes even one hour at a time. You don't have to be strong all the time, and it's okay to feel anxious or emotionally overwhelmed. Even now, I'm still learning how to cope with my emotions while caring for my two young children. Keep faith and trust that Allah sees every tear, every silent prayer, and every moment you think you can't go on. Ask questions, accept help when it's offered, and be gentle with yourself. Healing takes time, and that's okay. I am incredibly proud of my daughter and of every child fighting childhood cancer, for the courage and strength they show every single day.