Every Life Matters: Together, We Gave Hasan a Second Chance
In early 2023, Serene Soul came across the heartbreaking story of Hasan Ahmed, a 12-year-old boy from a small village near Bogura, Bangladesh. Hasan was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer. His family, struggling to make ends meet, was overwhelmed by the diagnosis and the mounting medical bills. Hasan’s father, a daily wage laborer earning less than 200 BDT a day, and his mother, a homemaker, had no means to afford the life-saving treatments he desperately needed. The doctors at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College and Hospital (SZRMCH) in Bogura recommended urgent chemotherapy and supportive care, which required a hefty sum of 350,000 BDT for the first round of treatment. With no other options, the family reached out to Serene Soul for help, after hearing about our community work from a local NGO worker. Our Response Serene Soul immediately launched a "Hope for Hasan" fundraising campaign across social media platforms, involving our network of volunteers and supporters. We shared Hasan’s story through emotional posts and videos, emphasizing the urgency of his situation. Our team collaborated with local schools, businesses, and NGOs to spread awareness. We organized: A community charity drive in Bogura, where locals donated money and goods for Hasan's family. A virtual crowdfunding campaign, which raised funds through contributions from generous donors across Bangladesh and beyond. Awareness events in schools and colleges, encouraging students to donate as little as 10 BDT to show their support. The Impact Within three weeks, we managed to raise 400,000 BDT, exceeding our initial goal. Hasan was admitted to SZRMCH and began his chemotherapy treatment under the care of Dr. Farzana Rahman, a specialist in pediatric oncology. The additional funds were used to provide Hasan’s family with financial support for transportation, nutritious meals, and post-treatment care. Updates on Hasan As of now, Hasan has completed his first round of chemotherapy and is responding well to treatment. He is scheduled for follow-ups every three months. Serene Soul continues to support his family with any additional medical needs, ensuring they are not burdened by financial stress. A Note of Gratitude The overwhelming support from our donors and the local community has been a testament to the power of collective goodwill. Hasan’s family expressed their deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to saving his life. Moving Forward The success of this campaign inspired Serene Soul to establish the "Second Chances Fund", a dedicated program to support individuals facing medical emergencies in underserved communities.
Provide details about how donations were collected:
Mention how Serene Soul ensured transparency in handling funds, which builds credibility: Provide a breakdown of the funds raised and spent: Total funds raised: 400,000 BDT Chemotherapy and medical expenses: 350,000 BDT Travel and food support for the family: 30,000 BDT Hasan's follow-up appointments: 20,000 BDT Highlight the use of regular updates on social media about how the funds were being used and Hasan’s progress. 3. Personal Connection To make it more relatable, include a quote from Hasan’s parents or a volunteer: From Hasan’s mother: "We had lost hope, but Serene Soul became our lifeline. Because of their help, my son is smiling again." From a donor: "When I heard about Hasan, I couldn’t stay silent. Helping him was the least I could do." 4. Future Initiatives Show how this story inspired the team to continue similar efforts. For example: This campaign laid the foundation for our "Second Chances Fund," which now supports children like Hasan facing medical emergencies.