Hello everyone, my name is Sharif Sheikh, and I live in Toronto with my family. I don’t often ask for help, but today I am reaching out as a father who wants nothing more than to see his son achieve his dream.

My son Rahat is studying medicine at James Cook University in Australia. From a young age, he has dreamed of becoming a surgeon — not for prestige or wealth, but because he wants to make a difference in people’s lives. Rahat is currently at the end of his 4th year in a 6-year MBBS program, with just 2 years left to complete his dream of becoming a doctor. His tuition is $65,000 CAD per year.

We have always believed in working hard to support our family. I used to own a small restaurant in Scarborough, ON (Pizza La Rosa) but after COVID-19 and the rising costs of food and wages, I was forced to close it down. I now drive Uber full-time, and my wife works housekeeping at the Shangri-La Hotel. Together, we have self-funded his studies until now — covering tuition and fees through long hours and sacrifice.

However, the ongoing yearly tuition costs are immense, and despite all our efforts, it has reached a point where we cannot keep up alone. That is why I am humbly asking for your help. Every contribution will go directly toward his tuition fees — the biggest barrier standing between him and his dream.

Beyond his studies, Rahat devotes his time to teaching anatomy, leading surgical society events, contributing to research in orthopaedics and oncology, and volunteering in his community. He has proven again and again that he is not just working toward a degree, but toward a life of service.

We are not asking for handouts; we are asking for partners in his journey. By supporting Rahat, you are investing in a future doctor who will dedicate his life to serving others.

With gratitude,

Sharif