A young UAE footballer’s life took an unexpected turn when persistent headaches, extreme sensitivity to light and sound, and constant nausea led to a shocking diagnosis.
At just 26, Khaled (name changed), an aspiring semi-professional football player for Al Wahda and Baniyas Clubs, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumour.
Khaled, who had dreams of a thriving football career, was forced to confront an unimaginable reality when doctors diagnosed him with anaplastic ependymoma with RELA fusion.
“I was at the start of my life, with so many dreams ahead of me. When I heard I had brain cancer, it felt like my world had stopped,” said Khaled, reflecting on the pivotal moment in late 2020.
The diagnosis marked the beginning of a grueling medical journey. Advanced imaging revealed a large mass in his brain, prompting immediate surgery at Burjeel Hospital.
Khaled was then transferred to the Burjeel Cancer Institute (BCI) at Burjeel Medical City for specialized oncological care.
After an extensive pathology review, doctors recommended targeted radiation therapy. By early 2021, Khaled’s first round of treatment seemed to be a success, with no immediate signs of disease progression.
However, the tumour returned by the end of the year, aggressively spreading within his brain. New scans revealed five additional lesions, and Khaled underwent a second surgery to remove three of them.
Despite the surgery, the disease spread further, forcing the doctors to recommend a second round of radiotherapy, this time covering both the brain and spinal cord. Yet, during treatment, Khaled’s neurological symptoms worsened, necessitating another brain surgery.
“My body was growing weaker by the day. I was used to moving and playing sports, but this was an entirely different kind of challenge,” Khaled said, describing the emotional and physical toll the disease had on him.
In the midst of his battle, Khaled found solace in his faith and the unwavering support of his friends and fellow cancer survivors. One of his biggest inspirations was former UAE footballer Fahad Masoud, who had also faced cancer.
“I admired him as a player and followed his journey before and after his illness. Seeing how he kept going despite his challenges truly motivated me,” said Khaled.
By 2022, after undergoing two rounds of radiotherapy, Khaled’s condition began to improve, and he successfully completed his second round of treatment.
Dr Ibrahim Abu Gheida, chief medical officer and clinical director of Radiation Oncology at Burjeel Medical City, praised Khaled’s recovery.
“This case challenged us both clinically and emotionally. We had to prepare Khaled and his family for the worst, yet miracles do happen. His recovery is truly a blessing,” Dr Abu Gheida said.
Today, nearly five years after his diagnosis, Khaled has regained his strength and resumed exercising.
He even plays football recreationally, a sign of his remarkable recovery. “This journey taught me patience,” he said, reflecting on the hardships he overcame.
Khaled’s message to others battling similar illnesses is simple yet powerful: “You are stronger than the disease.”
His story of resilience and hope serves as an inspiration to those facing life’s toughest challenges, showing that with the right care and determination, recovery is possible.