Treatments for Yasmin Baji

Fundraiser for Baji Yasmeen's cancer treatments

Malika Yasmeen, lovingly known as Baji Yasmin by friends and family, is a 35-year-old breast cancer survivor. She lives in the Gilgit-Baltistan area of Northern Pakistan (specifically Gojal, Hunza) with her husband and three daughters, ages 13, 9, & 7.

In 2019, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and was treated with 8 cycles of chemotherapy, 21 radiation treatments, and a left breast mastectomy at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi. After one year of complete treatment, she had ongoing oral hormone therapy and oral antineoplastic medication.

On her recent trip to AKUH, Karachi for her routine annual check-up, Baji Yasmeen was experiencing a persistent cough. This was not abnormal given the cold northern climates, but her family was concerned, given her medical history. As per her oncologist's recommendations, she did a variety of tests including CT scans, bone scans, chest X-rays, and blood workups. Unfortunately, these reports have shown that she has developed Metastatic Stage 4 Cancer, which has progressed to vital organs like her lungs, liver, and bones. All due to a persistent cough.

Her only treatment option now is chemotherapy, for at least 6 months, but likely much longer. Unfortunately, the family has already spent their earnings and savings on her prior treatments, and although the hospital has graciously given some reduction to their costs based on her financial situation, there is still too much remaining for her to afford. One cycle of chemotherapy, along with fees and other costs will add up to around 35,000 PKR, which is approximately $124.27 (USD). We hope to raise money for 1 year of chemo treatments (16 cycles of chemo), which will amount to 560,000 PKR, or approximately $1988.28 (USD).

Although the situation is difficult, Baji Yasmeen is trying to face it with strength. Like any mother, she worries for her young daughters and wants to be as much a part of their lives as she can. If she is given the chance, she wants to fight this cancer, just as she has proven she can do in the past, but she and her family cannot afford these treatments. We reach out to you, in hopes that you can give her this chance to fight this cancer and be a mother to her children.

Thank you for all your support.