Social media users in the UAE raised around AED405,000 in less than a week to fund treatment for Ayan, a two-year-old child with leukaemia. The money will be used for a bone marrow transplant.

The campaign began on September 10, when Abby Kadoum, founder of the volunteer group Hope Amel, shared the child’s condition on social media. Around AED390,000 was raised in just three days, with donations from more than 100 people reaching approximately AED405,000 in less than a week.

The donations were paid directly to the hospital providing his treatment, while Burjeel Medical City confirmed the transfer of funds for the bone marrow transplant. One donor, who asked to remain anonymous, contributed AED202,530.

Ayan, who also has Down syndrome, has undergone several rounds of chemotherapy since being diagnosed with leukaemia. As the disease progressed, doctors recommended a bone marrow transplant, estimated to cost around AED390,000.

He is currently receiving intensive chemotherapy at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital in Dubai and is expected to be transferred to Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi for the transplant once this phase is completed. Al Jalila Children’s Hospital is a specialist paediatric facility under Dubai Health and provides specialised paediatric oncology services.

Burjeel Medical City also operates a dedicated paediatric bone marrow transplant centre and performs stem cell transplants for conditions including leukaemia.

Ayan’s father said he had spent most of his savings on earlier treatment and had even sold the family home in Pakistan. The amount raised will cover the transplant and around 100 days of related care, although the child will continue to require further treatment and follow-up care.