Support event

‘Cancer is not a death sentence’: patients in Basra share messages of hope

BASRA — A special event aimed at supporting over 100 children with cancer was held in Basra on Tuesday, featuring activities such as drawing, sculpting, and sewing to enhance their social and psychological skills. The event provided a motivational boost to help children face challenges and work toward recovery.

Haider Jabbar, director of the Ghaith Al-Ehsan Foundation, told 964media, “This is the first event of its kind organized by the foundation to support children with cancer, following many charitable programs for orphans and underprivileged families.”

He continued, “The event aims to support this vulnerable group socially, psychologically, and medically by equipping them with the resilience needed to overcome their challenges.”

Jabbar called on governmental health and humanitarian agencies in Basra to increase medical and psychological support for cancer patients, emphasizing the need for improved conditions to alleviate their suffering.

Among those who shared their stories was Sabrin Mohammed, a cancer survivor who recounted her experience: “Sometimes, society underestimates this group and threatens their psychological well-being, which we see happening in Iraq. Meanwhile, in other communities, patients receive significant support to return to normal life.”

She added, “I battled cancer for two years, and though it returned, I overcame it again with determination and faith. Cancer is not a death sentence; it simply requires psychological support and awareness to cope with it.”

Mohammed Hussein, another cancer patient, highlighted the lack of awareness and early diagnosis in Iraq. “Many patients in Iraq don’t know how to prevent cancer, leading to its spread without early detection. Late diagnoses reduce the chances of recovery, especially given the limited availability of advanced medical equipment compared to other parts of the world,” he said.

The event, described as timely by participants, sheds light on the struggles of cancer patients in Iraq, particularly the lack of medical and educational resources, which exacerbates their physical and emotional challenges.