AL AIN // When Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Foreign Minister, removed his ghutra in a children’s cancer ward and had his hair shaved in a show of solidarity with the young patients, it drew a smile from every one of the young sufferers and hospital staff alike.
Sheikh Abdullah made the surprise visit to Tawam Hospital in Al Ain on Saturday and visited every one of the 13 patients battling different stages of the disease.
“He entered each and every room,” said Dr Mustafa Baroudi, a paediatric oncologist consultant at the hospital, who joined Sheikh Abdullah on his tour.
“He would kneel before the bed and talk to the family and to the child. I am not sure what he was saying. But he offered words of support.”
The 60-year-old Syrian expatriate said the visit brightened the day of every patient on the cancer ward.
“It was great. The kids’ spirits really, really went up. I could tell from their faces, everyone was really very happy.
“I think very, very highly of his visit. Because he has a busy schedule – we all know.”
Pictures of Sheikh Abdullah’s compassionate gesture circulated on social media on Sunday.
Images showing him kissing a young patient’s hand, hugging another and giving the peace sign after having his head shaved in a show of solidarity with the young cancer patients – many of whom have lost their hair because of intensive chemotherapy treatment – drew the admiration of all.
“I think it was beautiful,” said Dr Baroudi.
“I was ready to shave myself also, but I am bald,” the doctor joked.
He said, however, the selfless act prompted parents of patients to follow suit.
“A lot of parents, they were encouraged and they also shaved.”
Ameera Binkaram, president of the board of trustees of the Friends of Cancer Patients Society – a charitable, volunteer-based foundation, operating under the umbrella of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, said Sheikh Abdullah’s visit was an important message of compassion.
“The importance of leaders like him raising awareness about the affliction that these children are facing so early in their lives cannot be overstated. Visits such as His Highness Sheikh Abdullah’s are extremely valuable for spreading public awareness and also help raise the spirits of patients and staff at the hospital.
“For the young cancer sufferers he was, first and foremost, a visitor and a friend who delighted the children by closely engaging with them and even shaving his head to show solidarity with what the children are going through.”
Catriona Gray, celebrity relationships manager at CLIC Sargent, a UK-based charity supporting children with cancer and their families, said such selfless acts by prominent members of society help turn the spotlight on young sufferers of the disease.
“High-profile individuals are very important in helping raise awareness of cancer and the impact it has on children and young people and their families.
“Visits to hospitals will attract media attention, which in turn raises awareness and encourages donations.
“Their support and engagement with the children and young people has a hugely positive impact and keeps spirits high.”
Dr Baroudi said the oncology team at Tawam Hospital was alerted on Friday night that Sheikh Abdullah had requested to visit the following morning.
Sheikh Abdullah was especially touched by one young cancer sufferer, he said. “He asked about one patient in detail who was very sick.”
Sheikh Abdullah also visited the adult cancer ward and offered words of encouragement to the families of those suffering from the disease. He also thanked the work of the medical staff at the hospital.
Those in the children’s cancer ward are desperately ill. Despite this, many of the cancer patients on the children’s ward show spirit and courage far beyond their years, said Dr Baroudi.
“In fact a lot of the adult patients take courage from those kids. They are amazing.”
jbell@thenational.ae