Today, I share my story with cancer—a journey that granted me a new chance at life after a painful experience filled with challenges and hardships. I share my story in the hope that it may become a turning point for patients whose strength and determination have been weakened by the disease, and that it may ignite within them the belief that recovery is possible and that life is worth fighting for.

My name is Sami, and I am from Jordan. I moved to Doha in 2016, carrying big dreams and clear plans to establish my own business and improve the financial and social well-being of my family. I was a loving and responsible father, committed to maintaining my health. I exercised regularly, never smoked, and never imagined that I would face the greatest challenge of my life.

After settling in Doha, I began to notice changes in the vision of my right eye. Initial eye examinations did not reveal the cause, but after undergoing a brain MRI, the shock came—the results showed tumors in my brain. Further tests later revealed that the disease had spread to other parts of my body, including the liver, adrenal gland, lungs, and spine. In that moment, it felt as though the ground had been pulled from beneath my feet, and I was suddenly confronted with a reality I had never imagined.

Fear and overwhelming thoughts consumed me. I asked myself: Is this the end of my journey? Should I surrender so easily? I was alone, far from my family, facing this fate on my own. Yet, in the midst of this darkness, I paused and said to myself: Why think about death when I am still alive? At that moment, I made my decision—to fight, to live, and to hold on to hope no matter how difficult the path would be.

I chose to keep my illness a secret so as not to burden my family with worry and sadness. I did not want them to feel helpless or suffer because of me, especially my wife, who was already carrying the responsibility of caring for our children. My treatment journey began with radiation therapy, followed by chemotherapy—a phase filled with physical and emotional challenges, including severe fatigue, weakness, inflammation, and difficult side effects.

Despite everything, I refused to give up. I continued working and faced the illness with silence, faith, and determination. During my time in the hospital, I found moments of reflection and inner strength. I would sit in the hospital garden, breathe the fresh air, talk with the medical staff and other patients, and thank God for every moment I was still alive.

With time, the treatment began to show results, and the disease gradually started to retreat, thanks to God and the medical care I received. I later began immunotherapy, which restored hope within me and gradually brought life back to my exhausted body. The treatment was difficult, but it never broke my spirit.

Throughout this journey, I carried a great burden on my own, both physically and emotionally, until I was eventually compelled to tell my wife the truth. It was one of the hardest moments, yet she became a strong source of support despite the distance. As treatment continued, my condition improved significantly, and I eventually reached the stage of recovery, thanks to God, the dedicated medical team, the National Center for Cancer Care and Research, and  Qatar Cancer Society, which provided me with unwavering support and care.

After some time, I was able to travel to visit my family. It was an emotional moment when I told my mother the truth, but I reassured her that I was in safe hands and had overcome the most difficult stage.

I emerged from this experience as a different person—someone who values life, time, and relationships more deeply. I learned that determination, faith, and hope are the most powerful weapons in facing illness, and that trust in God gives us the strength to move forward. I realized that life is a gift, and every day we live is a new opportunity.

My message to every cancer patient is this: commit to your treatment, never lose hope, and do not rely on unproven remedies. While some healthy practices may support the body, they cannot replace specialized medical treatment. Most importantly, hold on to life and face the disease with strength and faith.

Today, I live my life with a new perspective, grateful for every moment, and firmly believing that hope always exists—and that recovery is possible.