My name is Mazhar, and I was born in Pakistan with hemophilia. My life has never been easy. From childhood, I had to live very differently from other children. While they could run, jump, and play without fear, I always had to be careful. Even a small injury could lead to serious bleeding and long painful recovery.
Growing up in Pakistan made life even more difficult. Treatment for hemophilia is not always easily available. Factor medication is often very expensive or not accessible on time. Because of this, many times my treatment was delayed, and my pain became worse than it should have been.
I used to suffer from bleeding in my joints, especially in my knees and ankles. The pain was so severe that walking became extremely difficult. Swelling, stiffness, and burning pain were part of my daily reality during these episodes. In those moments, I completely depended on my family. They always stood by me, but limited resources made everything harder for all of us.
Financial problems became a constant struggle in our life. Every hospital visit, every medicine, and every emergency created stress. Many times, treatment was delayed simply because money was not available at that moment. Those situations were mentally and emotionally very painful for our family.
School life was also not easy for me. I missed many days due to pain and hospital visits. While other children enjoyed sports and physical activities, I often stayed on the side, watching them. This made me feel different and sometimes isolated, even though I wanted to be like everyone else.
Emotionally, hemophilia affected me deeply. There were many nights when I used to think about my future. I often asked myself whether I would be able to live a normal life, work properly, or take care of my responsibilities. These thoughts were heavy and difficult to carry.
In the middle of all these struggles, some people brought light into my life.
Laurie Kelley is one of those special people. She has been a great source of support and strength for me and my family. Her kindness, care, and continuous help came at times when we felt completely helpless. She did not just provide support; she gave us hope. When everything felt dark, she reminded us that we are not alone. Her compassion gave us strength to keep going, and we will always remain deeply grateful to her.
My brother, Awais Shabbir, is also a hemophilia patient. We have walked this journey together. He is not just my brother but my closest companion in pain and strength. We understand each other without words. When one of us feels weak, the other tries to stay strong. Having him beside me has made this difficult journey more bearable.
Today, I still live with hemophilia, but I also live with hope. Life has taught me patience, strength, and gratitude. Hemophilia is a part of my life, but it does not define my entire identity. I am more than my condition, and I continue to move forward with courage.
I hope that one day, better treatment, awareness, and support will be available for every patient in Pakistan. No child should have to suffer simply because treatment is out of reach.
If my story helps even one person feel less alone, then sharing is worth it.
LA Kelley Communications’ Maximum Impact program has provided Mazhar with funding to purchase an electric bike, to enable him to go to work more easily, and funding for a down payment on a home, to move out of the one room he and his family shares, to a larger dwelling.
A new home for Mazhar and family
