Mehak Naz is a narrative of a sweet little girl standing strong and fighting Thalassemia before her delicate shoulders. It is about 14 years since May 2nd, 2008 when Mehak came to life. Soon after a month of birth, her body started to turn pale and weak. It was a difficult phase for her parents who barely knew what she is going through. Firstly, they took her for spiritual treatment believing her condition to be a consequence of evil eyes. As a result of a week of no improvement, people recommended visiting a hospital. As it might be a medical condition instead of a spiritual weakness.
She then started receiving blood transfusions at a social center to recover low hemoglobin levels. Some time passed likewise with regular blood need. Her parents who were not aware enough to recognize the condition then took her to a hospital. Then several months of struggle for a few months-old Mehak kept going on repeat without knowing the reason behind it.
With a doctor’s recommendation from that hospital, Mehak’s parents thus agreed to her Thalassemia screening. Although, they had no clue what this term means. And to say nothing of, her diagnosis was Thalassemia Major. After looking at thalassemia results as positive, doctors, therefore, suggested parents visit Kashif Iqbal Thalassemia Care Centre (KITCC) in Karachi. In short, that was where her Thalassemia journey with KITCC began.
The Narrative of Mehak’s Family
A family of eight, Mehak has 3 brothers, 2 sisters, and a very supportive Father and Mother. When her parents came to know about thalassemia, they afterward brought all of her siblings for screening at KITCC. At that time, she had 2 sisters and 2 brothers. After that, all four of them tested positive for Thalassemia minor. Only Mehak was a Major type. FIVE YEARS LATER, she got blessed with a baby brother who was a completely normal child. Nothing could be happier to hear than this news!
Her mother says, “Mehak is the first thalassemia child in our family. Nobody agrees when we ask for Thalassemia screening before marriage. I even asked for the test from my daughter’s husband before they got married. At this point, I’m looking for a girl to marry my minor son. If I ask for screening from the girl’s family, nobody accepts.”
Her Treatment Routine at KITCC
Mehak and her family live in Korangi Town of Karachi. It is therefore challenging to come every day to KITCC. Because of iron deficiency, for around 20 months, she daily visits to get blood and drips. Earlier, she had blood exchange 1 time per month. Then it became every week’s concern. Right now, she receives blood every 4 days with daily drips. But blood and services are always available for free.
They come every morning, get free at 5 pm, reach home till 6:30 pm, and attend madrassa. And then repeat the same timetable narrative the next day. No school routine is possible because of time shortage. Her mother’s words are, “Our all day spends here. I cannot manage any time for other kids, not even for my little 9 years old son.”
Mehak’s Narrative On Purpose of Life
Her dreams are bigger and brighter than before now when she is fighting thalassemia. She studied till 9th grade and is willing to study more. Her wish is to become a doctor and her parents want to give her everything. But their financial condition doesn’t allow them to afford it. Her father is a rickshaw driver. Fulfilling monthly needs is already difficult. Even just visiting the hospital is very compromising to their budget on regular basis.
These Are The Struggles Of Mehak And Her Parents Who Further Help Her Stay Strong. You Can Fight The Disease As Well As The Narrative Of The World When You Have A Hope For Life In Your Heart!
