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Spotlight on Maryam Bhatti:
Facing myeloma – a child's perspective
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My name is Maryam Bhatti, and I am a grade 10 student at Toronto Montessori School. This year for my personal school project, I chose to research further about multiple myeloma and to raise awareness about the disease at my school.
When I was only three years old, my mother was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and although I do not remember much about that time, I know that I was deeply impacted and the concern for her health has been with me for all these years.
I am happy to share that she underwent an autologous stem cell transplant and is a survivor.
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Me and my mother Shermeen, summer 2021 |
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From my own personal experience with the many ways myeloma affects people and those around them, I have realized that although the disease can take much away from a person in energy, overall health, and even those moments of being there — it is amazing to see the resilience of survivors. The way they cherish what we sometimes take for granted, and the support they receive from caregivers, professional and personal, amazed me.
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My family, 2015: My father Asim, my brothers Sulaimaan and Yusuf, me in the middle, and my mother behind us. |
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I was very young when my mother got her diagnosis. For her and our whole family, it was devastating news. Later, when she recovered and was in remission, it still had a hold on all of our lives, in big and small ways. I watched my mother worry after each blood test, and I worried for her as well. Even from a young age, I felt a different level of concern for my mother than I saw in my peers and friends.
An illness like myeloma can really put things into perspective, and I have seen this with my whole family. Each of us learnt to treasure each moment with my mom, and to focus on what’s most important.
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When I was given the opportunity at school to research any topic I felt passionate about, it was easy to decide: it will be myeloma; it was a subject I felt deeply about. I had seen how myeloma had touched our lives, and I wanted to make a difference any way I could. |
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I found Myeloma Canada and was inspired by their programs. I loved seeing a community where myeloma patients were given the resources they needed and so I decided that I wanted to fundraise for them.
To raise awareness for myeloma at my school, and in hopes of making a small contribution to Myeloma Canada, I organized a bake sale where I and volunteers baked goods and sold them to our schoolmates. I also did henna designs for students who were adventurous enough to risk being painted with my attempt at art!
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Raising awareness and funds for Myeloma Canada at school. |
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With much support from teachers, friends, and family, we were able to raise over $400 in donations! I appreciate the generosity of the students and teachers at my school in grades 7–12 and hope that this contribution can help in supporting further awareness and care for those with the disease, and survivors.
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If I could have one wish for myeloma patients and their loved ones, it would be for them to find comfort and peace in their hearts as they go through treatment. This is an incredibly difficult illness, but to be able to spend time with those you love and continue to have special moments with them is something that can bring so much peace and joy to those fighting it.
Thank you,
Maryam
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Editor’s Note: We hope you enjoy meeting our 2022 Spotlight Stars and your fellow Myeloma Canada community members. The Spotlight section of Myeloma Matters features stories and reflections supplied by members of our community - those living with myeloma, caregivers, healthcare professional - in their words. The views expressed and shared are those of that individual. We recognize that everyone’s journey and experience with myeloma is different.
To all of you who have shared your stories in the past, and those of you who continue to do so today, we are indebted...you are an inspiration.
If you would like to share your experience in a future issue of Myeloma Matters, please contact us at contact@myeloma.ca.
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To donate to Myeloma Canada
please visit myeloma.ca or call us toll-free at 1-888-798-5771.
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