Maryam’s Journey
Born into a battle, and winning it.
Maryam today, growing well, full of life, and back to learning her ABCs.
“She came into this world fighting, and she has never stopped.”
Maryam was born in October 2022 with a mass on her right side. Referred to Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) on the very day of her birth, she spent three weeks in care before her first surgery in December 2022, which she came through well.
But the journey was far from over. At 11 months old, her mother noticed something was wrong again. Maryam was crying during urination, struggling to pass stool, and losing milestones she had already reached. A mass below her belly button had appeared. Further investigation at MNH brought a difficult diagnosis: Germ Cell Tumor, blocking both her urinary and digestive systems.
Maryam underwent emergency surgery to divert her urinary flow, followed by seven months of intensive chemotherapy. The treatment was gruelling. Her mother, who had watched her daughter face a tumor from the very moment of birth, found herself terrified all over again, this time with the word cancer hanging in the air.
Through every cycle of chemotherapy, every setback and side effect, Maryam received the nutritional support and treatment assistance she needed to keep going. In April 2024, she achieved something remarkable: complete remission. The cancer was gone.
Maryam’s recovery was made possible by everyone who has donated to TLM. Through your generosity, we were able to provide the nutritional support and treatment assistance that carried her through. Thank you.