Baby Malkha's family thanks benevolent hearts

"When she grows up I will tell my girl the warming tale of unmatched compassion that Qatar showed to save her life," Risal Rasheed turned ecstatic while expressing his gratitude to the gathering Wednesday at the Integrated Indian Community Centre to mark the successful wrap of fundraising for the treatment of Indian baby Malkah Rouhi.

“Hundreds stepped in to realise the mission and raised the amount that was beyond my family’s reach,” Risal said thanking the organisations, institutions and individuals who took part in the fundraising for Malkha. The Indian baby has been prescribed a gene replacement therapy and certain expensive drugs to treat Type 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

In April, Qatar Charity (QC) launched a drive and set a goal of QR11.65mn for the treatment. The drive was wrapped up on Tuesday following QC recording an overwhelming response from benefactors and accomplishing the desired goal.

With the active participation of more than 50 organisations, corporate and education institutions and individuals, the four-month drive envisaged a spectacular spirit of compassion. QC recorded more than 18,000 donors while thousands donated through the drives initiated by organisations and institutions. Many organisations contributed through fundraising events that included a Biriyani Challenge that marked the participation of thousands while some institutions donated salaries.

“The credit goes to the joint efforts. We thank and appreciate the high morale that the organisations and the kindness the institutions showcased,” said Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) secretary Mohamed Kunhi TK while addressing the gathering.

“Small donations and even the little acts of kindness have made a big impact. Indian organisations and companies did their bit for the cause and to accomplish the mission which seemed to be undoable initially. We appreciate everyone for the efforts to support the vital cause,” ICBF president Shanavas Bava told Gulf Times.

Daughter of Risal Abdul Rasheed and Nihala Nizam, nine-month-old Malkha is now undergoing treatment at Sidra Medicine. It’s learnt that the process to make the medicines available is on. Qatar Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre state president Dr Abdul Samad, ICBF general secretary Varkey Boban and representatives of various organisations were present on the occasion.