DP World moved to help a young boy in the UAE suffering from debilitating rheumatoid arthritis begin a new chapter in his life on Wednesday.
As part of its “Moving Lives” programme, Executive Vice Chairman of the global port operator, Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, presented a cheque for Dh40,000 to seven-year-old Mazhar Atef and his family through the Emirates Arthritis Foundation to fund treatment of his disease.
Mazhar suffers from crippling rheumatoid arthritis which severely impacts his ability to participate in education and normal childhood activities.
Bin Thaniah said, “There are many people of all ages suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but this particular form of arthritis impacts children especially cruelly. While it is a painful and disabling illness, it can be treated and we are very happy to have the opportunity to make a difference to Mazhar’s life.”
Bin Thaniah said, “Our community programme Moving Lives is about helping people with disabilities become mobile and become involved in education and the community. This donation is an important part of this initiative.“
He added,” DP World is involved in the communities in which we operate around the world, and this is especially true of Dubai, where our roots are and where our flagship terminal, Jebel Ali, is located.”
Emirates Arthritis Foundation Director of Operations, Cathy Leibman said, “We are very happy to receive the support of DP World on behalf of Mazhar and his family. There is much work to be done in addressing RA in the community. To further highlight the issue of RA and raise funds for RA sufferers, a team of four volunteers, three from the USA and one from the UAE, are shortly embarking on a fund raising and awareness trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The team, including 33 year old Leela Alvares, will begin their trek on February 10, and it will last seven days.“
Alvares said, “This challenge started as a personal goal - my sister died as a result of rheumatoid arthritis. But the challenge is now something bigger. As a team, we aim to raise ongoing funds which will help all those supported by the Foundation.”
The trek will see the group climb to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro which is the highest peak in Africa and the highest free standing peak in the world.
Donations can be made to the Emirates Arthritis Foundation by visiting www.arthritis.ae.
