Hello, Assalaam Alaikum, peace and blessings,
My name is Sabeena and this is my message for World Cancer Day 2022!
کینسر کا عالمی دن 2022
اگلے دو سالوں میں کینسر کے عالمی دن کی مہم نگہداشت کے فرق کو ختم کرنے پر توجہ مرکوز کرے گی۔
میرا نام سبینہ ہے اور یہ ورلڈ کینسر ڈے 2022 کے لیے میرا پیغام ہے۔
#مزید معلومات کے لیے براہ کرم ورلڈ کینسر ڈے کی ویب سائٹ کے نیچے دیے گئے لنک پر کلک کریں۔ World Cancer Day 2022
World Cancer Day Poster - English
World Cancer Day 2022 - Urdu
My beautiful mother Mrs Meshar Mumtaz Bano was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer March 2012, she was 59 years old.
Mum courageously received 4 years of chemotherapy and radiotherapy before she returned to her maker April 18th 2016, she was 62 years old.
My Amee (mother) enjoyed painting, had a passion for gardening and travel.
The blog below illustrates the precious time and memories I have of visiting Javed Manzil, Lahore, Pakistan with my mother before she was diagnosed with cancer.
I'd like to take this opportunity to offer prayers for all those who have lost a loved one to cancer.
The Noble Quran - Chapter 89 Verse 29-30
My mother in Lahore, Pakistan - 2011/12
This blog is a tribute to Mum and the precious memories my siblings and I have of her.
My mother was born in Shikarpur, India and was the 3rd eldest of 9 children.
She had a happy childhood and enjoyed studying and teaching.
She married my father at 19 years old and migrated to the United Kingdom in 1971.
She devoted her life to her children and family.
She loved, gardening, travelling, wearing lovely clothes and spending quality time with her mother my Nani and her siblings.
She loved Manchester and is buried there.
May Allah subhana wa'tala bless my beloved mother and all mothers with Jannat ul Ferdose (Paradise) who have returned to the Almighty.
Aameen Suma Aameen!
I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog as a tribute my beloved mother Mrs Meshar Mumtaz Bano and the priceless time we spent in Lahore during 2012.
As I end this blog I'd like you to take a minute to make a prayer or dua for my mother and all the beautiful mothers who have returned to their maker.
'MY PARADISE I MISS YOU!
Love you forever!!!
Sabeena
Mrs Meshar Mumtaz Bano, 1952 - 2016
It will be 5 years this April since I last saw my beloved mother.
Its been a roller-coaster of emotions as I cope with my loss, grief and bereavement.
I still remember hours after Mum took her last breaths how distraught I was.
The photograph below is a beautiful reminder of how I remember my mother.
She was a strong independent happy, healthy woman with a beautiful smile.
Mrs Meshar Mumtaz Bano, Edinburgh Castle
May 2014
My grief journey has been difficult and challenging.
This is a wonderful poster and resource titled
'BEREAVEMENT - How People Can Help' has been designed by the Care For The Family Organisation.
Bereavement - How Other People Can Help -
Credit and source Care For The Family UK website
5 years on I'd describe my healing journey as heavy, over whelming with outbursts of hopefulness.
Healing Can Feel - Credit @Spoonie_Village
Since Mum's passing I have continued with my fair trade campaigning and work.
Mum was a fairtrade advocate and supported fairtrade producers.
Recording videos like this is also part of my healing process.
I also purchased books about healing.
Due to the lack of support my siblings and I received after my mother passed I completed an online course 'Talking About Cancer' with Cancer Research UK.
I have attached a link below for those interested.
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/talking-about-cancer
During early January 2017 I found a lump in my left breast and immediately made an appointment to see my breast consultant. Luckily, my lump was a cyst and it was removed successfully.
Due to a history of breast and ovarian cancer in my family my consultant advised that I take the BRAC1 and BRAC2 genetic testing.
My results were normal and I do not carry the BRAC 1/2 genes. I am very relieved.
Self examination is the key to early detection of cancer and survival.
Women who have a history of cancer in the family should attend their annual mammogram and pap test.
As I mentioned earlier self-examination is the key to successful treatment and survival.
Below is a poster designed by the World Health Organisation about recognising the symptoms of Breast Cancer.
Breast Cancer Symptoms - World Health Organisation
Once again I would like to reiterate that the body goes through hormonal changes and not all lumps are cancerous.
If you notice any abnormalities in your body please make an appointment to see your General Practitioner.
If you are uncomfortable about attending your doctors appointment, mammogram or pap test alone ask a family member or friend to go along with you.
However hard it may see at the time, talk to someone about how you are feeling.
Worrying never achieves anything and knowing that you've opened a conversation about your health is a step closer to making you better and healthier.
Before you attend your appointment make a list of all your symptoms and talk openly with your doctor about your worries and concerns.
I am hoping that by recording this video I can reach out to other ladies in similar situations and Pakistani/Asian carers who would like a listening ear and some moral support.
It is my aim that the Pakistani and Asian community talk openly about cancer and support those instead of giving them a death sentence.
Cancer is a taboo subject and it's so important to dispel the myths surrounding it.
Due to the lack of support my siblings and I received after my mother passed I completed an online course
''Talking About Cancer'' with Cancer Research UK.
I have attached a link below for those interested.
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/talking-about-cancer
This World Cancer Day support a cancer research organisation by volunteering your time and raising awareness about cancer.
Take Action
Share these posters to raise awareness!
Russian
Chinese
German
Portuguese
Arabic
Spanish
French
Love and best wishes to all cancer patients past and present, their families and carers.
I wish you a speedy recovery and a happy healthy life.
Love and prayers for those who have lost a loved one!
Sabeena
Mrs Meshar Mumtaz Bano with Sabeena Ahmed
celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight Dubai, UAE - 2015
Cancer Research UK and Breast Cancer
Talk About Cancer - Future Learn
This month I supported fairtrade fortnight 2024 and celebrated Fairtrade's 30th Anniversary.
This month my right shoulder is still very painful and I have struggled to record this vlog and type this blog.
I finally managed to record videos for my Six Items Challenge 2024 and upload them to my YouTube Channel.
Translation in Urdu
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I'm Sabeena Ahmed owner and creator of The Little Fair Trade Shop. I've been an individual associate member of the World Fair Trade Organization since 2011 and together with my artisans I bring you a bespoke collection of ethically sourced fashion & gifts.
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