Diagnosed with cancer at age 4, survivor encourages donations to Alberta Kids Cancer Care
Sofia Hirani was just four-years-old when she was diagnosed with a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. Now, after several years of treatments, she is using her voice as a beacon of hope for other sick children.
"I was sad when I had to stay in the hospital," said Sofia, now a teenager.
"But now I’m feeling better, I’m a fighter."
Sofia represents one of thousands of children across Alberta who need treatment, critical care and other essential programs following a cancer diagnosis.
It’s why her parents, Shelly and Naushad, both Calgary doctors, are encouraging people to donate to the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta on Nov. 29 for Giving Tuesday.
Giving Tuesday, held the day after American Thanksgiving, is a global movement encouraging generosity.
Last year, the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta's Giving Tuesday fundraising raised $48,000, but officials say this year they hope to hit $100,000.
All donations to a maximum of $100,000 received on or before Nov. 29 will be tripled by donors and philanthropists.
"This program (has been) life changing for my daughter because it’s inclusive, not just for someone like her who has cancer, but also her siblings," said Shelly.
Sofia's cancer journey started at soccer practice in 2013, when she stumbled and fell, then started to vomiting. Later, an MRI revealed she had a massive brain tumour identified by doctors as group three metastatic medulloblastoma.
After months of high-dose chemotherapy and radiation treatments, the cancer was finally eliminated, but Sofia hasn't been be the same. The radiation caused serious brain damage affecting her speech, balance, coordination, mobility and learning abilities.
"We realized once we were done with treatment, it didn't really stop," said Shelly.
"There is still the worry every time she has a headache, every time she vomits, you're worried that the cancer has come back. Every time there's a new shadow on her MRI that we go through screenings."
FUNDS NEEDED
Sofia has since relearned to feed herself, to complete basic tasks like cooking and cognitive learning exercises. Despite this, she's still full of smiles, and enjoys spending time with her sister Sonya and big brother Shaan.
Naushad says it has been difficult at times to watch his daughter go through this painful journey, but he couldn’t be more proud to be Sofia’s father.
"She has always been someone who just has a very gentle and very caring nature, and anyone will know that their heart melts when they first meet her," he said.
"It's amazing watching her deal with all her struggles every single day and how hard she tries to overcome all the challenges that she's been through."
Sofia Hirani during cancer treatments (left) and after (right). One of the more recent challenges came after Sofia fell and fractured her hip six weeks ago.
Carolina Chamorro Vina, a specialist for Pediatric Cancer Patients and Survivors Engaged in Exercise for Recovery (PEER), has been working with Sofia to help her slowly regain her strength.
"The most important part of the program is being able to create normalcy for every child affected by cancer," she said.
"Funding for these programs helps kids try new things, restore their strength and cardiovascular capacity, decrease their fatigue, and then as they feel comfortable enough, go back into the community and enjoy any other activities."
The PEER program also helps kids with cancer to continue developing their math and reading skills through specialized tutors.
To donate to the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta's Giving Tuesday fundraiser, you can visit the organization's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.