The Kidwai family has embarked on a journey to the UAE from India to seek life-changing treatment for their six-year-old son Yunus, who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). The treatment involves a costly gene therapy procedure estimated to cost Dh10.37 million at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital. Yunus’s father, Farid Kidwai, has resigned from his job in India to focus on his son’s treatment, as the family is determined to save their only child.
Facing a rapidly closing window of opportunity, Yunus needs to undergo the gene therapy treatment before he turns six in September. The hospital requires full payment upfront before commencing the treatment, pushing the Kidwai family to seek financial assistance from various charities in the UAE. The transplant, delivered through a one-time intravenous infusion, is approved for children aged 4 to 6 years old, offering hope for treating DMD.
Dr. Haitham Elbashir, a clinical professor at Mohammed Bin Rashid University, emphasized the necessity of the gene therapy treatment for Yunus before his sixth birthday. He described Yunus as a ‘lovely child’ who is gradually weakening due to DMD. Al Jalila Hospital, renowned for its gene therapy expertise, is well-equipped to provide the treatment, having treated many patients for similar genetic disorders in the past.
DMD is a genetic disorder that inhibits the production of dystrophin, a critical protein for muscle function. Without dystrophin, muscles weaken, causing movement difficulties and severe health complications. As the disease primarily affects boys, with a prevalence of one in every 3,500 to 5,000 boys worldwide, there is currently no cure for DMD. The costly gene therapy offers a promising treatment option for individuals like Yunus.
The Kidwai family is banking on a miracle as they navigate the challenges of obtaining the necessary funds and resources for Yunus’s treatment. Their move to the UAE was a strategic decision to access charitable aid and medical facilities for their son’s condition. Despite the financial burden and uncertainties, the family remains hopeful and determined to give Yunus the best chance at a healthy life.
As the clock ticks, the Kidwai family is fervently seeking support and assistance to secure Yunus’s treatment before his upcoming birthday. With the support of medical professionals and charitable organizations, they are striving to make the gene therapy treatment a reality for Yunus and provide him with a fighting chance against DMD. The compassion and resilience of the Kidwai family exemplify a parent’s unconditional love and dedication to their child’s well-being.
