A Father’s Unyielding Spirit in the Face of Thalassaemia

My name is Syed Azhar Ali Kazmi and I am from Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

In 2012, my wife and I welcomed our only son, Syed Azan Ali, after much anticipation. Our happiness was profound, yet it was short-lived. At six months old, Azan’s pale complexion and labored breathing led to a devastating diagnosis: thalassaemia major. The doctor somberly advised me to prepare for the worst, suggesting my son’s time with us would be brief. During his month-long hospital stay in Rawalpindi, I endured sleepless nights on the roadside and faced the harsh reality of inadequate blood donation awareness.

One day, I sought blood for my son and approached someone for help. My search ended in humiliation when that callous individual abruptly asked me to leave and slapped me in the face. This moment of despair turned into a plea for either relief or the strength to make a difference.

I embarked on a quest to understand thalassaemia, during which Dr. Zahid Rafiq from England offered hope through a possible bone marrow transplant on Murree Mall Road. This process seemed unattainable for someone of modest means in Pakistan. Nevertheless, an HLA matching test in Italy found that my wife was a viable donor for Azan. The transplant cost was prohibitive at 25 lakh rupees, but we received overwhelming support from media friends who brought our story to potentates’ attention. In 2015, Punjab’s Chief Minister provided critical financial assistance of 22 lakh rupees for the transplant.

Miraculously, the bone marrow transplant succeeded, freeing Azan from transfusions for a year. Tragically, in 2018, a virus compromised his new bone marrow and required transfusions once again. During a check-up trip to Lahore, a severe road accident broke Azan’s leg and left me significantly injured.

Despite our wounds and upheaval, Azan’s optimistic words—”Dad, don’t worry”—rekindled my resolve: to never surrender and keep striving. Thus rejuvenated, I organized blood donations through an app group; requesting friends and family to donate at hospitals as needed.

Throughout 2019 and 2020, I often found myself working in solitude. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, as people were confined to their homes, it became clear that children with thalassaemia major were among those who suffered profoundly. In response to this crisis, we launched a door-to-door blood donation campaign. A significant societal shift occurred when these children and their parents became active participants in our efforts. Inspired by their involvement, we intensified our focus on promoting blood donation.

We raised awareness about thalassaemia within the younger generation and continued to educate the public on the importance of blood donation. Through God’s grace, we are now gradually returning to normal life.

In collaboration with educational institutions and various official bodies, we have conducted innumerable thalassaemia awareness sessions and blood donation camps, targeting both volunteer and walk-in donors. These initiatives have yielded great success, improving the lives of thousands of children affected by this condition.

Our commitment is rooted in our faith; we strive to secure quality blood donations for these young souls and others battling cancer purely for the satisfaction it brings to our souls.

The Almighty has blessed our efforts abundantly. My son has received numerous accolades including a global award and recognitions from military and police forces. His proclamation as Punjab Police Ambassador by the said force stands out as particularly noteworthy. He thrives like his peers yet also serves as an inspiration and advocate for many.

Today, a broad spectrum of individuals including medical professionals, social workers, young people, and others place their trust in us and treat us with immense respect.

I am eternally thankful to my dear brother Zahid Rafiq for his unwavering support which has bolstered my resolve at every turn.

Syed Azhar Ali Kazmi

Photo: Sayed Azhar Ali Kazmi’s son, Syed Azan Ali