Dr. Ismail Mehr

“Serving in Gaza, amidst an active conflict will always remain a palpable memory with all of its challenges. The young Abdullah Shawwa will forever remain near and dear to those memories. At just four years old, Abdullah was diagnosed with kidney cancer known as Wilms tumor. A very treatable type of cancer. However, in a weak health care system that was devastated by years of war and isolation, I found myself thinking of my son, Ibraheem. What or how he contrasted in this situation, Ibraheem would have access to the best medicine and care. On the other hand, Abdullah’s parents had no hope, the doctors knew he had this rapidly growing tumor but did not have the expertise to operate. God had a plan for the IMANA team to be there, to make a difference and help save Abdullah’s life. This picture was taken by the world renowned photojournalist, Anja Niedringhaus who subsequently lost her life in Afghanistan, but this photograph remains on my desk to this day as a reminder of how fragile and unfair life can be, yet people in challenging situations find the drive to endure!”