Yusuf has a smile that lights up a room and the charms that will melt your heart but no one can imagine how much he has endured in such a short time. Within weeks of being born, Yusuf was diagnosed with Klebsiella Meningitis, an inflammation caused by bacteria that affects the protective covering of the central nervous system. He was treated at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, but during his stay additional serious conditions developed.
Yusuf suffers from a rare disorder that causes multiple organ dysfunction and numerous infections. His life is anything but normal, as he spends a significant amount of time in the hospital battling one complication after another. After countless admission to the ICU and his progression to Pallative Care, Yusuf's doctors did a trial treatment as part of their humanitarian effort which made an incredible difference in his life. As a result of this treatment, Yusuf is now at home with his mom, dad, and his two brothers and enjoys going to school.
In December 2012, Yusuf surprised us all by walking for the first time. He often comes into the kitchen now and plays with the dishes and in those simple moments we forget just for a little while how sick he is.
It is his determination and will that has inspired his parents to create Yusuf's Day of Hope (YDOD) with the help of a committed group of volunteers, their families, and friends.
The goal of YDOH is to share the message of hope, to increase public awareness about rare and complex disorders, the devastating effects they have on children and their families and to raise valuable financial resources for the Complex Care Program at the Hospital for Sick Children.
Thank you for your continued contribution to YDOH in support of SickKids. This year, we are honoured to be able to support the Family Resource Board Project and the Complex Care Program at SickKids.
