Before I start telling you my story, let me introduce myself to you. I am currently a pharmacist intern from Alfaisal University, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer survivor. The battle with cancer is not new in my family. In 2010 I lost my father to pancreatic cancer. He was being treated at King Faisal hospital and so my oncology memories are always related to this place. For 12 years, until 2022 I was trying to avoid talking about these times and to be around oncology doctors and patients so that I didn’t trigger these memories, but I guess life puts us in a situation when we have to face our fears and this is exactly what happened to me when I received my diagnosis.

This was a devastating surprise to me. Then and there I felt like my life wheel stopped and I wasn’t even sure how I would continue my academic year. I had to make so many important decisions in a very short time. Decisions that would affect my academic future and survive and survival. I decided to start my chemo treatment two days after my birthday and mark this day as the start of my battle. I went to my first chemo session not knowing what to expect. As scared as I was, I took an oath to myself that I will be facing this battle with a smile and will not give up.

When I entered the chemo area the first nurse I saw was Maram Haddad. The sight of her smile, the care, and the empathy she showed me during my weakest moments, made me automatically relax and I knew then and there that I will be in safe hands, and I will not be alone fighting this battle. I spent a total of six months taking chemo at King Faisal, days which were full of hope, joy, and excitement, rather than pain and depression. Being around Maram helped me improve physically, mentally, and psychologically. Her commitment, dedication, and professionalism taught me many life lessons. She taught me that patient care is a top priority as a healthcare provider. She was always accessible to patients during and after working hours. She never hesitated to give advice, help with missed appointments, or help or help resolve other issues we faced.

Empathy is something that makes a huge difference in a cancer battle. Maram’s empathy, care, and support to me and to each patient who comes across her, is life-changing. The chemo bell idea that she implemented in the treatment area is a great reflection of how much she cares about her patients. The bell idea is to encourage patients to survive the hardship and side effects of the chemo journey and to complete it. At the end of treatment, a small celebration is held with the patient, the healthcare team, and the patient family close by. Ringing the bell at the end of the treatment is intended to send a message of hope to all the patients who are still under treatment - that they can also beat cancer and achieve the impossible. Nothing is impossible and the ones who deal with this with positive attitudes and thinking.

Maram was my inspiration, my light of hope, my reason for keeping up with this fight, and the best role model nurse whom I’m still learning from. The word thank you will never be enough to express my appreciation and gratitude to her, for the effect she has on all oncology patients. May God bless her in this life and the next.