Help a Palestinian mother get her cancer treatment

Hi, my name is Simona, and I’m fundraising for my friend Fefe (Fayza Abd Hasan).

Two years ago, she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, and she hasn’t been under treatment for the past eight months as it’s been interrupted due to the Israeli occupation.

She needs to cross the border to resume her therapy and see doctors for further investigations.

Even the smallest amount would be a sparkle of hope, a blessing for us.

Here below are Fefe’s words for her friends, you, and all the people around the world.

On Mother's Day, I decided to write you my story.

Hello to all my beautiful friends, and perhaps hello also to some friends to be.

The situation needs your support and help.

I am Fefe, from Gaza, wife to Exz my incredible steadfast husband and mother of six wonderful daughters and three strong sons.

Two years ago I discovered that I had stage 4 breast cancer. The news was shocking and frightening for me and my children but I decided to be strong to ease the burden on them. First, I underwent tests, and it was found that the cancer had spread to the axilla lymph nodes and supraclavicular lymph node. Only then did my doctor decide to start chemotherapy. I had chemotherapy for 8 months. I cannot say that it was easy. I lost my hair and eyebrows until I reached the point where I was ashamed to leave my house because of my appearance. I suffered from severe pain, but I was patient because I could not bear to see my children sad for me. After that, the doctor decided to opt for a mastectomy operation. I was very afraid to perform it, until the morning of the operation I changed my mind and decided to go to Egypt. Egypt has been difficult for me. I took out a loan from the bank to travel to Egypt, where it became clear that the cancer had spread to other areas. The doctor decided to continue hormonal treatment.

Now, 8 months have passed since the treatment was interrupted, and I haven't had an MRI. This is the story of my illness with cancer, even if my real illness is the war on Gaza. The Israeli occupation army took my young son to a place we do not know, but we know that he is being tortured. My second son came out from under the rubble after his house was bombed. I have been through a lot of psychological pressure, but my faith in God is stronger. Like any Palestinian mother, I decided to remain strong. Exploring all treatment methods may be expensive, but with your help, we can.

Our goal is to raise £12,000 to enable Fefe's journey to Egypt via the Rafah border, facilitating access to essential cancer medication and potentially consultations with medical professionals in Turkey for further investigation. Of the raised funds, $5000 will be allocated to cover expenses associated with crossing the Rafah border, while the remainder will be dedicated to purchasing the necessary cancer medication and funding medical appointments.

Every donation, no matter how small, is a beacon of hope, a ray of light illuminating our path forward. Your kindness fills us with gratitude and fuels our determination. We extend our sincerest thanks for your invaluable support. Together, we can make a difference in Fefe's journey towards healing.

Simona & Fefe