My journey was full of hardships and difficult lessons. In 1990, at age 7, I was diagnosed with a rare cancer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at a time when medical advancements were limited. My parents were devastated when doctors told them, “There’s nothing more we can do for your son.

Cancer changes a person, fundamentally altering their very being. Despite undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, my tumor wouldn’t shrink, setting a new benchmark for fear and bad news. Unable to fend for myself, my parents took me to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, USA. My father, being in the pharmaceutical business, had connections in the global medical community. After 1.5 years of battling cancer, I finally went into remission. However, the psychological toll on my family was immense—survivor guilt, parental torment, and the constant fear of recurrence created an unhealthy ripple effect that needed bridging with understanding and support. Over the years, I learned much about myself. I’ve lost and gained friends, partners, and family members.

I’ve closed off parts of myself and opened others, experiencing both pain and liberation. My faith as a Muslim provided hope, and I found common values with people of different beliefs. I’ve faced setbacks and made progress, but through it all, I learned that thoughts are fuel. Good thoughts propel you forward, while bad ones stall you. I was blessed with supportive people who uplifted me during tough times and helped me succeed in my industry. Unfortunately, not everyone has such support, and that is what I aim to change. To quote Walt Disney "It's Kinda of fun to do the impossible."