On January 26th, 2012 our daughter Zaynab was diagnosed with Leukemia. Although we were initially shocked, we realized that we were not alone. So many friends and family immediately stepped up and are supporting us in so many different ways. We feel truly blessed. In light of how blessed we are we wanted to accomplish a few things with this blog. One is to keep everyone informed of Zaynab's recovery. A second is to help those who are less fortunate.

As we thought about what charities to support we thought of a few and couldnt decide on one, so we thought we would give people a choice.

1) Something as simple as water for those who are less fortunate. No one in this world should be without water. Nancy helped setup this initiative here: http://bit.ly/xfXbRS and we have a goal of $20,000 which will provide over 1000 people with water.

2) What a wonderful world this would be if we were able to wipe cancers like Leukemia / Lymphoma from the face of the world. Nancy has mobilized a team to participate in the Light the Night walk on October 20th 2012 and we have a goal of $50,000! To donate to LLS and join the effort go here: http://bit.ly/yZwbt7

3) Who better to receive support than orphans. GiveLight has been great organization for supporting orphans worldwide. While we have no goal set, we recognize that it does not take very much money to save a child: http://bit.ly/xKpWv2


Thanks for continuing to keep us in your thoughts and prayers!

Thanks,
Zaynab and Family

Friday, February 3, 2012

Day 7- Friday

This morning I was fortunate to be able to spend some quality time with Zaynab.  Unfortunately though, this will have been it for me for quite a while now.  As she is experiencing leukopenia, I told Zaynab and Eyman that I will not bring my germs (even though I am not sick) with me to visit until I get the clear from them once she is discharged to her home.  We’re all hoping she is able to go home Sunday, but due to recent, sporadic pain, she may possibly have to remain at the hospital slightly longer.  (Zaynab, I’m praying your pain gets under control so this will not be an issue on Sunday.)   

I also had a nice chat with Zaynab and her dad about her new diet.  After bringing her many unhealthy, sugary sweets, I realized they will be limiting all of this in their home.  The family is going to try to make some changes in their diet, and I am thinking I need to seriously do the same thing in my home!  

Zaynab was also very excited to tell me her grandmother came on Wed. and that her other grandmother and cousins are coming soon too.  InshAllah she will be having some nice rest and homemade, nutritious food at home with all the family soon.  

Tomorrow, Zaynab will be having another lumbar puncture (hopefully early in the day so she can eat a nice brunch afterwards).  I will be praying the test goes well and she is able to handle the chemo as well as she did the last time she had this test done.

Zaynab, I really enjoyed being able to chat with you about instruments, books, food, family, school, etc., etc.  InshAllah may your pain get under control and test go well tomorrow so you can return home soon.

Lots of love and duas!
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15 comments:

  1. ToreyCetaniFebruary 3, 2012 at 8:52 PM

    ZAYNAB! I was so sad to see your sister walk into class, and no Zaynab again! And then I found out what was going on. I'm so sorry to hear about everything you are going through! you are such a strong girl, and I know you will get through all of this and come back to gymnastics as a brand new LEVEL 4!!!!! And dont worry, I wont make you go back to level 3. =) I look forward to seeing you soon!

    Coach Torey

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  2. AnonymousFebruary 3, 2012 at 9:17 PM

    You will have to let me know what the new diet is! And then I will join you in this. Perhaps we can get everyone who is following this blog to eat healthier as well--in support of you and in support of health.

    Glad to hear that one Grandmother is here and another on their way!

    I will be praying that you are able to go home on Sunday.

    Sending love and hugs!
    Pauline

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    Replies
    1. AmyA.February 4, 2012 at 11:40 AM

      I totally agree with you! I will count myself in starting Mon.! E & M wil have to fill in the details. I know Zaynab's meds can increase her body sugar and her appetite. She will also need to avoid any foods that may have increased bacteria, including many fruits (esp. berries), soft cheeses (like feta), and restaurant food (since who knows what they really do in their kitchen). She will also be switching to brown rice and whole wheat breads (no white carbs). She will need to eat all of this in moderation as well, and will be allowed occasional cheat days. :) Eyman, please correct me if I'm incorrect or missing anything here.

      InshAllah Zaynab will have no problems with this diet. She doesn't have much of a sweet-tooth and is a very well disciplined, smart child.

      I pray your test went well and your pain is getting better Zaynab.
      Loads of love and duas!

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  3. R AchkarFebruary 3, 2012 at 10:25 PM

    Zaynab,
    So nice to see you smiling in the picture! Isabelle and Catherine have been wanting to come visit you again - we will wait until you are home and on the road to recovery. Two grandmother's coming to visit will be wonderful! We're thinking of you and send our prayers, always.

    Rosalind aka Isabelle & Catherine's mom:)

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  4. Ammar EltilibFebruary 3, 2012 at 10:49 PM

    Salam Zaynab...hope you have a smooth treatment on sat....say Salam to granma..our Duaa with you

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  5. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2012 at 2:55 AM

    زينب يا زينوبه انت فى كل القلوب محبوبه سالت ربى الكريم العافيه ليك موهوبه عا فيه يفرح بيها الجميع الخاله العمه والحبوبه

    كلما ت د/ محمد علي عمر

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  6. YasirErwaFebruary 4, 2012 at 6:41 AM

    Salam Zaynab, Musaab, and Eman.
    I hope you're feeling much better today ya zannooba.. Allah ye5affif 3lekom kollakom inshallah w yektib al 3afya. Get well soon :)
    Much love,
    Yasir elfatih Erwa

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  7. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2012 at 8:21 AM

    السلام عليكم يا قلبي
    ان شاء الله تكوني كويسةاستودعتك لله الواحد الاحد الذي لاتضيع ودائعه
    اتمنى لكي الشفاء العاجل مع خالص حبي وتقديري
    حبوبتك اسماء من السعودية ^_^"

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  8. jihadFebruary 4, 2012 at 8:31 AM

    Alsalam Alyckm,

    Its great news that you've been recovering. Our prayers are always with you every salah :)

    May Allah unload the hardships and bring you lots of joy and happiness.

    Best Wishes,
    Jihad, Terrteel, Hozifa, Hamza, My mum Salma and dad Muawia.
    Take care
    XOXO

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  9. Saja EltilibFebruary 4, 2012 at 8:36 AM

    Alsalam Alickum,sweetie Zaynab

    It's a joy for me seeing you recovering day by day.The smile on your face gives me a feeling of peace,so keep that lovely smile of your's.

    You are always remembered in our prayer.May love of Allah always be with you.
    With love
    Saja,Abdu,Ammr,Yussra,my mom Amira and dad Zain

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  10. IsraaFebruary 4, 2012 at 9:44 AM

    Zaynab..glad to hear you might be dischagred home soon..Insha'allah things will go perfectly fine ya Zaynab..msA you are glowing in the pics..as cute as always..You know, the other day Yusuf was like "Mama, I want to go to CA to visit Zaynab, Amina, Maryam and baby Yusuf!"
    Insha'Allah we will be capable of visiting you soon my dear.

    Lots of Love,
    Israa

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  11. AbrarFebruary 4, 2012 at 9:44 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  12. AbrarFebruary 4, 2012 at 9:48 AM

    Zanobaaa,

    I hope the test goes well, and may Allah make it as easy as it can be! And hopefully all the pain stays under control, you are really amazing and strong Mashaallah and I'm so proud of you! I pray to Allah everyday to make you recover fast and make the treatment easy and smooth Inshallah.

    Sweetie,
    Stay strong and keep the positive attitude... our thoughts and prayers with you.
    Zobaaaa, check your email please ;)

    Lots of love.
    Aunt Abrar

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  13. bellawella1February 4, 2012 at 9:59 AM

    Sweetie Zaynab,

    I wanted to come and visit you yesterday but was not feeling well....I dont want to get you sick...but i drove past the hospital where your room window is and said "SALAAAAAAMMMM YAA ZAAAAYYYYYYNNNNAAAAAABBBBB....YYYYAAAA RRRRAAABBBB>>>INCREASE HER IN STRENGTH AND CURE HER ILLS" Did you hear it? because it was really loud...I mean really really REALLY loud....I am sure you heard it. But just in case you didn't...just want to tell you...I love you, and we are all keeping you and your family in our prayers. You are an inspiration to all of us all over the world...like Abrar said, you are, have been, and always will be Ms. Popular!
    Hugs and kisses my love,
    Auntie Nancy

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  14. Maimana ElFebruary 4, 2012 at 10:09 AM

    To the beautiful niece of mine-Zaynab

    I've been hearing great things about you from Mujahid, that you are strong and always have an ear-to-ear smile on your face :). Im sorry to hear that you've been sick, but your strength and optimism is truly wonderful!

    I hear from my brother that you love to read, so do I! ^^ ( A big Harry Potter fan right here). Here's my email- lily_mai23@hotmail.com, email me anytime and we can talk about it all soon. :)

    Im sorry that I cannot be there with you and my brother, but know that my love, thoughts and prayers are reaching you this very second. ;)

    So keep that beautiful smile of yours on, Zaynab :) takecare and we're all looking forward to news about your full recovery, inshallah. <3

    Love, Maimana x
    (And all the rest of us here in Doha,Qatar)

    ReplyDelete

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