An Iraqi father is struggling to secure a costly gene therapy treatment for his five-year-old son, who has been diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The boy, Ali, recently collapsed after a short walk but expressed his dream of becoming a Formula One driver, highlighting the challenges and hopes faced by his family, reports BritPanorama.
Living in Iraq, the family has learned that the treatment could cost around Dh10.6 million ($2.9 million), an amount they cannot afford. Medical professionals have warned that Ali may have only a year left if he does not receive treatment soon.
In an effort to save his son, Saban Hassan, 42, has initiated a fundraising campaign. While some funds were raised in Iraq, the amount fell significantly short of the target needed. “All doors are closed in front of me, I don’t know what to do,” Mr Hassan conveyed. His initial drives garnered just 2 percent of the necessary funds.
Ali’s difficulties were first noted by his parents when they observed issues with communication, behaviour, and increased hyperactivity. Following two years of neurological evaluations, he began experiencing physical challenges, including difficulty with stairs and standing after sitting. A genetic test conducted in August at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital in Dubai confirmed the diagnosis of DMD.
The family was devastated by the diagnosis and the staggering cost of treatment. Mr Hassan recounted how they sat together in silence, contemplating how they could possibly afford the therapy. “He is my eldest son and I have a one-year-old daughter,” he remarked, expressing the heartache of witnessing Ali’s declining condition.
Even selling their home would cover only about 10 percent of the treatment cost, according to Mr Hassan. Determined not to give up, he has sought assistance from charities and individuals, but many responses indicated that the financial burden was too great for potential donors. His focus has now shifted to the UAE, where the treatment is available, as well as reaching out internationally.
“I hope my voice reaches the people around the world to help me raise the funds for the treatment,” Mr Hassan said. “I hope the UAE’s generosity will reach my son, Ali, and save his life.”
History of helping
In August, it was reported how a Jordanian mother’s plea for her toddler’s medical treatment was answered by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, who covered the costs. Katia Abu Al Saud, then 16 months old, received treatment for spinal muscular atrophy at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital.
Her mother had appealed for financial help due to the $2.4 million treatment costs, which caught the attention of social media before Sheikh Mohammed intervened. Likewise, in March 2021, he funded the Dh8 million ($762,300) treatment for another Iraqi child, Laveen Jabbar Al Kutyashi, who received a one-time gene-replacement therapy.
In July 2025, Sheikh Mohammed pledged to cover the treatment expenses for a Syrian girl with spinal muscular atrophy after her father’s public appeal, showcasing a broader trend of high-profile assistance for children in need throughout the region.
The need for financial support in cases like Ali’s remains urgent, reflecting ongoing challenges within healthcare accessibility and the personal impact of rare genetic disorders.
