A Father’s Fight: Help Irfan Battle Brain Cancer
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What started off a slight stutter, turned out to be the biggest changing point in my life. Imagine being newly married, having your wife pregnant with your first child and all the joy that comes with this. This stutter came out of nowhere and my wife insisted I go to the doctor. The results of that MRI changed everything. I learned I had a cancerous brain tumor and here is my story…
My name is Irfan Khokhar, and like anyone else, I was always excited to explore all the great milestones that life had to offer, and was always hopeful in achieving a fulfilled life. My journey began on a beautiful note when I married my incredible wife, Ayesha. She is not only my life partner but also my greatest source of strength. Together, we were building a future filled with hope, love, and ambition.
One of the most monumental days of my life was when we found out we were expecting our first child. I cannot put into words the sheer joy and excitement we felt knowing that we were about to bring new life into our world. Every moment felt surreal—until we received news that would change our life.
When my wife was five months pregnant, I was diagnosed with Grade 4 Astrocytoma, an aggressive and life-threatening brain tumor. As we sat together in the doctor’s office, our world was shaken and we realized our life would not be the same. The fear, uncertainty, and pain were unbearable, but we held onto each other and our faith, determined to face this battle together.
In 2018, I underwent my first brain surgery, followed by months of chemotherapy and radiation. Every day, my wife, heavily pregnant, stood by my side, accompanying me to my treatments. Her unwavering support gave me the strength to keep fighting.
Then, on March 9, 2019, amidst all the struggles, we were blessed with our greatest gift—our beautiful baby boy, Ibrahim. His arrival brought light, hope, and an indescribable love into our lives. He made us forget our pain, if only for a while. We longed for a normal life as a family, but deep down, we lived in constant worry of what would lay ahead.
Since my diagnosis, I have undergone regular MRIs every three months. In November 2023, doctors discovered a cyst growing over my tumor. My oncology team advised a second surgery, which I underwent in December 2023. Despite our fears, the surgery was successful, and I recovered quickly, even returning to work. For the first time in years, my wife and I felt a sense of relief—only to have our hopes tested once again.
Just three months later, I suffered a seizure, and tests confirmed our worst fear—the tumor was growing aggressively. The doctors recommended a third surgery, warning us that this one would be far more invasive and carried significant risks. It was the hardest decision we ever had to make, but we had no choice—previous treatments had failed.
In June 2024, I underwent my third brain surgery. The aftermath was excruciating. I developed SMA Syndrome, lost the ability to speak, and suffered complete paralysis on my right side. The road to recovery seemed impossible, but with the unwavering support of my family and medical team, I slowly regained my strength. Today, my paralysis has resolved, though I still struggle with mild aphasia. But I push forward—every single day—for my wife, for my son, and for the life we still dream of living together.
Despite everything we have endured, the battle is far from over. My most recent MRI has confirmed tumor regrowth. After exhausting all available treatment options in Canada, my doctors have told us there is nothing more they can do.
I am now on long-term disability, and my wife has become my full-time caregiver. Neither of us is able to work, and every day brings new challenges, both emotionally and financially. Cancer treatment is unimaginably expensive, and we are running out of resources. While our families have been incredibly supportive, we now find ourselves needing help beyond what we could have expected.
We have found promising treatment options in the U.S.A., Mexico, and other countries but they come at an overwhelming cost. That is why, with hopeful hearts, we are turning to you.
We have created this GoFundMe campaign to raise funds so I can access lifesaving treatment. I am fighting with everything I have, not just for myself, but for my beautiful wife and our five-year-old son, Ibrahim—the light of our lives. He is too young to understand the gravity of our situation, but every time I look into his innocent eyes, I know I must keep fighting.
Our greatest wish is to grow old together, to see our son live a happy and fulfilling life, and to cherish every moment as a family.
We humbly ask for your support, prayers, and generosity in this difficult time. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to the hope of treatment and ensuring our family is able to carry on no matter the situation.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Your kindness means the world to us.
With gratitude, Irfan Khokhar, Ayesha Zia & Ibrahim Khokhar
Note: This is not zakat eligible.
My name is Irfan Khokhar, and like anyone else, I was always excited to explore all the great milestones that life had to offer, and was always hopeful in achieving a fulfilled life. My journey began on a beautiful note when I married my incredible wife, Ayesha. She is not only my life partner but also my greatest source of strength. Together, we were building a future filled with hope, love, and ambition.
One of the most monumental days of my life was when we found out we were expecting our first child. I cannot put into words the sheer joy and excitement we felt knowing that we were about to bring new life into our world. Every moment felt surreal—until we received news that would change our life.
When my wife was five months pregnant, I was diagnosed with Grade 4 Astrocytoma, an aggressive and life-threatening brain tumor. As we sat together in the doctor’s office, our world was shaken and we realized our life would not be the same. The fear, uncertainty, and pain were unbearable, but we held onto each other and our faith, determined to face this battle together.
In 2018, I underwent my first brain surgery, followed by months of chemotherapy and radiation. Every day, my wife, heavily pregnant, stood by my side, accompanying me to my treatments. Her unwavering support gave me the strength to keep fighting.
Then, on March 9, 2019, amidst all the struggles, we were blessed with our greatest gift—our beautiful baby boy, Ibrahim. His arrival brought light, hope, and an indescribable love into our lives. He made us forget our pain, if only for a while. We longed for a normal life as a family, but deep down, we lived in constant worry of what would lay ahead.
Since my diagnosis, I have undergone regular MRIs every three months. In November 2023, doctors discovered a cyst growing over my tumor. My oncology team advised a second surgery, which I underwent in December 2023. Despite our fears, the surgery was successful, and I recovered quickly, even returning to work. For the first time in years, my wife and I felt a sense of relief—only to have our hopes tested once again.
Just three months later, I suffered a seizure, and tests confirmed our worst fear—the tumor was growing aggressively. The doctors recommended a third surgery, warning us that this one would be far more invasive and carried significant risks. It was the hardest decision we ever had to make, but we had no choice—previous treatments had failed.
In June 2024, I underwent my third brain surgery. The aftermath was excruciating. I developed SMA Syndrome, lost the ability to speak, and suffered complete paralysis on my right side. The road to recovery seemed impossible, but with the unwavering support of my family and medical team, I slowly regained my strength. Today, my paralysis has resolved, though I still struggle with mild aphasia. But I push forward—every single day—for my wife, for my son, and for the life we still dream of living together.
Despite everything we have endured, the battle is far from over. My most recent MRI has confirmed tumor regrowth. After exhausting all available treatment options in Canada, my doctors have told us there is nothing more they can do.
I am now on long-term disability, and my wife has become my full-time caregiver. Neither of us is able to work, and every day brings new challenges, both emotionally and financially. Cancer treatment is unimaginably expensive, and we are running out of resources. While our families have been incredibly supportive, we now find ourselves needing help beyond what we could have expected.
We have found promising treatment options in the U.S.A., Mexico, and other countries but they come at an overwhelming cost. That is why, with hopeful hearts, we are turning to you.
We have created this GoFundMe campaign to raise funds so I can access lifesaving treatment. I am fighting with everything I have, not just for myself, but for my beautiful wife and our five-year-old son, Ibrahim—the light of our lives. He is too young to understand the gravity of our situation, but every time I look into his innocent eyes, I know I must keep fighting.
Our greatest wish is to grow old together, to see our son live a happy and fulfilling life, and to cherish every moment as a family.
We humbly ask for your support, prayers, and generosity in this difficult time. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to the hope of treatment and ensuring our family is able to carry on no matter the situation.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Your kindness means the world to us.
With gratitude, Irfan Khokhar, Ayesha Zia & Ibrahim Khokhar
Note: This is not zakat eligible.
Organizer
IRFAN KHOKHAR
Organizer