Sakina: "Mother hold me tight!"

Sakina was able to flee from the Taliban, but not from leukaemia, which was diagnosed last year. Today, on World Cancer Day, she is receiving her third chemotherapy at the University Hospital of Zurich before all hope is placed on stem cell transplantation next week.

Sakina had studied dentistry in Afghanistan and was in her fifth semester when the Taliban took power. She left her whole life behind in 2022 and was granted asylum in Switzerland in 2022.

In August 2024, I met Sakina as a young woman with a strong will who wanted to take control of her life again and look ahead. She told me with great pride that she had learned German and obtained a B permit and wanted to complete her studies in Switzerland to become a dentist. When we said goodbye, I asked her how often she spoke to her mother who was still in Afghanistan. She smiled and said, ‘Every day.’ The answer touched me deeply. As a mother, I know how important it is to talk to my children every day to know how they are doing.

A month later, I received a short message from Sakina. She wrote that she was in the hospital and that the doctors had diagnosed leukaemia. I was shocked. How could this be? She had survived the Taliban – and now this stroke of fate!

As if leukaemia wasn't enough, a genetic mutation makes the cancer the most aggressive form of leukaemia. Since early October, she has been undergoing treatment at one of the best hospitals in the world, with very professional and kind doctors and nurses – but the chances of recovery remain slim. Her brothers, who live in France and Austria, and a few friends are trying to give Sakina stability during this difficult time.

Sakina's greatest wish is to be held by her mother, perhaps for the last time.

Her mother is currently in Pakistan, and the current political situation makes it very difficult to invite her to Switzerland. In order for Sakina to see her mother, a guarantee must be taken over, the authorities in Pakistan paid and the flight there and back financed.

As friends of Sakina, we have set up this appeal. We would be grateful if you would help to fulfil this wish for Sakina with your donation.