ABOUT MANDY

This is a story of ENLIGHTENMENT, PATIENCE, COURAGE, FAITH and PERSEVERANCE. In 2014, at the tender age of 21, Mandy found Islam while in 2nd year medical school. Excited to begin her new journey, everything came to a sudden standstill when, just a few weeks after reciting her shahadah, she was diagnosed with an aggressive inoperable cancer called Primary Mediastinal B-cell Lymphoma. The bulky mass is located right in the centre of her chest, in between her lungs and right above her heart. Although doctors had all but given up and predicted she wouldn’t live beyond year 2016, she defied the odds and battled on but is now in need of our support to keep going.

SHE NEEDS OUR SUPPORT URGENTLY

Her non-Muslim family have been amazingly supportive and it is Mandy’s fervent wish that, like her, they too can see the beauty of Islam. As Mandy’s Muslim brothers and sisters, let us demonstrate to them one of the most beautiful aspects of Islam, selfless SADAQAH, by reaching out to her in her time of great need.

INSPIRING WORDS

Any other young lady in her shoes may have just given up and lost faith. But instead, Mandy considers her cancer a BLESSED GIFT from Allah. Read her inspiring and touching words below.

“My journey to Islam is ultimately the best thing that has happened to me. Curious about the existence of God, I had puzzling questions about life and its purpose. Determined to put these deep enquiries to rest, I studied Islam and became drawn to the simplicity, clarity, and beauty of its message. My life changed in many ways I never thought possible. A kaleidoscope of beautiful events in life, despite a cancer diagnosis soon after. Islam made my heart happy, my soul lighter and my mind clearer. It brought purpose and sustenance into my life. And it is the best choice I have ever made, and I am so grateful that God signaled to me and pulled me into His light because I was utterly lost without Him and fear the thought of what I would have become had He never reached out.

Battling cancer for the past 5.5 years has been undeniably tough, the enormous stress of my health status, the financial hardship - to top it all - the emotional and psychological turmoil dealing with treatment side effects, traumas and uncertainties. I had scaled so many mountains to get to where I am today, to keep beating the odds, so it is incredibly disheartening to learn that treatment options are now limited. Yet, I’ve mustered every ounce of courage left in me to carry on this fight. 

Through all that gloominess, I see cancer as a blessed gift. It has humbly brought me to my knees to supplicate more often, brought me closer to Allah and closer to my loved ones. My family have been so utterly supportive and extraordinarily patient. I wouldn’t have made it this far if not for their unconditional love, gentle care and unwavering support throughout, never showing any signs of defeat despite the current circumstances.

I am not someone who easily accepts defeat in life - I am not a quitter! So, being passive and doing nothing is not an option. I refuse to accept that I have no future. I have big plans in life, biiznillah. Currently 26, I aspire to be an inspirational cancer advocate, to be a doctor inshaAllah. I want to be at service to others, to empower them to lead a healthier lives through my own life experiences. I’m crushed that I have to put these dreams on hold as I am still unwell. 

However, my integrative doctors have recently told me that there are new treatments available, one of which is immunotherapy! Alhamdulillah! Unfortunately my heart sank upon discovering that these treatments cost a fortune. My parents have sacrificed so much to provide for my medical and living needs as well as funding both of my younger sisters’ education. My dad is retired (caring for me full time) and my mum is a teacher. It cripples my very soul thinking that they will still have to work tirelessly for my treatments and seeing them suffer from such hardship. It would be unfair of me to ask for more than what they can provide. 

So, here I am, beautiful brothers and sisters. It is not in my nature to seek help in this manner, but I am reaching out to you, seeking your support. It would mean the world to me and my family if you could help relieve the burden of my medical costs. Your generosity will mean I can get the treatment I badly need for which I ask Allah s.w.t to bless you and reward you abundantly. Please do keep me in your dua dear brothers and sisters, just as I will keep you in mine.

Your sister in Islam,

Mandy.”

SUPPORT MANDY & KEEP HER IN YOUR DUA.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR ORGANISATION:

Please visit our website at www.rizqarrahman.org

For enquiries, do email us at main@rizqarrahman.org

Thank you and Jazakumullahu Khairan.