Nahla, Egypt

At a very young age, I discovered a lump in my breast. Given my family's medical history, I expected the worst..." Breast Cancer". To be certain, I went to Baheya Foundation, where they reassured me that it was a benign tumor, not malignant, though it required regular follow-ups.

Shortly after, our family was struck by a series of tragedies: my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer and fought it for five years before passing away, and my uncle passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Then, last Ramadan, my mother was diagnosed with uterine cancer and underwent surgery.

Because of my frequent visits to Baheya for follow-ups, I grew to love the place. I witnessed the humane treatment and felt a unique energy that makes patients feel at home rather than in a strange clinical environment. Consequently, I insisted that my mother continue her radiation and chemotherapy at Baheya as a private patient.

One day, while I was with my mother, I met a specialist from the Psychosocial Support Department. I was visibly anxious and terrified for my mother’s chemo session. She sat with me to calm me down and told me, "You have a strong faith and you are an excellent communicator. It would be a great opportunity for both us and you if you volunteered with us to help cancer fighters like your mother."

That moment completely changed my life. The fear and tension I carried due to my family's history of illness and loss vanished. I began volunteering, providing moral and emotional support to the fighters. I found true joy in helping them and trying to make them happy in any way I could. I became deeply connected to them, constantly giving them hope that healing is possible and that this is just a phase that will pass.

On a personal level, I have become a more creative and positive person, always trying to spread joy wherever I go. I am now a volunteer team leader, training others on how to best support and empower these brave fighters.