Background
Umeed Parr is a non profit organisation formed from the hearts of 5 women; Nabiah Mohammad, Amal Najiba Shah Jamot, Huda Tareen Shareef, Sana Hafeez Sheikh, and Hira Omer. We have all lived through the trauma associated with childhood cancer and hence are well aware of the trials and tribulations that come with the diagnosis. We are working towards providing emotional and financial support to the children with cancer and their families. We are trying to rewrite our own stories by spreading smiles, love, and most importantly hope!
Our Mission
We engage the children with activities designed to brighten their stay in hospital, while counseling parents and helping them cope with the stresses related to childhood cancer. We aim to help with the various expenses the treatment requires as well as provide housing for out of town patients and their families. We are currently collaborating with AKU, NICH, and Indus Hospital, and intend to join forces with other hospitals in order to reach out to, and facilitate more patients and families.
Manifesto
“Umeed parr dunya qayam hai”. This is one of the most popular Urdu sayings which literally translates to “Hope sustains the world.” Truer words have never been spoken. This phrase resonates with every human across the globe. We, at Umeed Parr, have each seen our loved ones fight the battle against cancer and while fighting alongside them, we realized that the only thing spurring us on was Umeed – Hope. We vow to be the ambassadors of this very hope in the war against childhood cancer in Pakistan.
At Umeed Parr, our mission is to alleviate the stress, anxiety, and tension that accompanies childhood cancer. Whether it’s providing therapeutic activities for patients, counselling for caregivers, or facilitating educational support as well as financial support, we are committed to going above and beyond to assist in every possible way.
We aim to collaborate with hospitals to establish a childhood cancer foundation in Pakistan that meets international standards. With support, involvement, and contributions from all who are willing, we believe we can make a significant difference in the lives of these children and their families.
Every child deserves a fighting chance and the opportunity to experience a normal childhood, regardless of their circumstances. We want parents to focus on their child’s health while we shoulder the other burdens they face.
We pledge to ignite the flame of hope, one child at a time, one smile at a time.
Our Stories
Isa
Aurangzeb
Laleh
In August 2023, our lives changed forever when Isa, at age 9, was diagnosed with a rare soft tissue cancer called embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the conjunctiva. In an instant, our world shattered.
Isa began his treatment at AKU in Pakistan, and later continued with chemo and radiation at Texas Children’s Hospital and MD Anderson in Houston
In August 2023, our lives changed forever when Isa, at age 9, was diagnosed with a rare soft tissue cancer called embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the conjunctiva. In an instant, our world shattered.
Isa began his treatment at AKU in Pakistan, and later continued with chemo and radiation at Texas Children’s Hospital and MD Anderson in Houston. Being forced to uproot our family and navigate treatment in a foreign country was indescribably stressful—physically, emotionally, and financially.
Cancer doesn’t just affect the child; it affects the entire family. It’s not like most illnesses. The treatment is long, grueling, and emotionally brutal.
Through this journey, we experienced the stark contrast in holistic care between Pakistan and the United States. We saw firsthand how crucial emotional support, environment, nutrition, and family care are to a child’s ability to endure and complete treatment.
With immense gratitude to Allah for guiding us through the storm and easing our burdens, we knew we couldn’t walk away unchanged. We felt a deep responsibility to give back—to help other families facing the same uphill battle in Pakistan. That’s how Umeed Parr was born.
- Nabiah Mohammad
Laleh
Aurangzeb
Laleh
Laleh Noor’s superhero story began when she was diagnosed with leukaemia at age 3. After a brief treatment, she encountered a relapse, which led her to go in for a full extensive treatment of 3 years.
At the end of this treatment she went into remission only for the cancer to relapse for the 2nd time, a short 5 month span later. This time
Laleh Noor’s superhero story began when she was diagnosed with leukaemia at age 3. After a brief treatment, she encountered a relapse, which led her to go in for a full extensive treatment of 3 years.
At the end of this treatment she went into remission only for the cancer to relapse for the 2nd time, a short 5 month span later. This time the doctors couldn’t do much more for her and we were told to take her abroad for a bone marrow transplant. But before the departure for the transplant, she caught an infection, so severe that her body totally shut down and had to leave in an air ambulance. She was air lifted to Belarus and upon arrival was taken directly to the children’s cancer hospital’s ICU. She stayed in the ICU for 3 weeks straight, after which she had to relearn to walk at age 7. Consequently, she underwent a number of extensive treatments including immunotherapy. None of the treatments worked and hence a bone marrow transplant had to be undertaken.
She was locked in a small room for 50 days for the transplant and emerged victorious. Laleh’s bone marrow transplant was a resounding success alhumdulilah and is now attending school and availing all of life’s blessings.
Laleh Noor is a real life super hero and nothing less.
- Huda Tareen Shareef
Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb
At age 3, my son Aurangzeb Jehangir Ali Shah was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia(ALL). He spent the next 3 years undergoing chemotherapy and 5 more years being tested in case it came back. At an age when children are fearless, he learned the true meaning of the word fear.
Today, his greatest superpower is empathy and love; wh
At age 3, my son Aurangzeb Jehangir Ali Shah was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia(ALL). He spent the next 3 years undergoing chemotherapy and 5 more years being tested in case it came back. At an age when children are fearless, he learned the true meaning of the word fear.
Today, his greatest superpower is empathy and love; which he chooses to share with those children living the nightmare that he survived. He is a beacon of hope for them and for us.
May Allah bless all these children with the best of health and dispel the dark shadows of cancer from their lives forever. Ameen.
- Amal Najiba Shah Jamot