When everyone gave up hope, including doctors, he clung on to dear life. Today, Mohammed Anwar is not only hale and healthy, but has landed a government job too. Diagnosed with Acute promyelocytic leukaemia, a rare type of blood cancer of the white blood cells, Anwar had a slim chance of living. He grew anaemic and feeble by the day and was bedridden for a year.

A car driver by profession, he couldn’t afford the huge expenses at a corporate hospital where he was admitted two years ago. He was then referred to the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS).

It was here that somebody told him about the Helping Hand Foundation (HHF) which helped patients in distress. Once convinced about his pathetic condition and poor financial position, the HHF took over his case. Under its Cancer Support Programme for the bread winners, the HHF supported the induction chemotherapy.

Anwar was determined to live for his family. He responded to the treatment and survived blood cancer to which many succumb. His one worry was the education of his three daughters. With a healthy diet like whole grains, pulses, legumes and millets his condition improved. “We also gave Vitamin D3 supplements, which are a major source of fighting cancer,” says Mujtaba Hasan Askari, who heads the HHF.

A weak and emaciated Anwar slowly gained weight as his ailment went into remission stage. Even as he was on the road to recovery, Anwar applied for the position of a home guard in the Cyberabad Police. He was selected as a driver attached to the Jeedimetla Police Station. “I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard of my selection. God has been very kind to me,” says an overwhelmed Anwar who joined duty a fortnight ago.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by J.S. Ifthekhar / Hyderabad – February 28th, 2015