17-year-Old Who Survived a Deadly Disease, Sets to Study Medicine to Help Others

Cursory: Hanif Mouehla, a 17-year-old from New Jersey, overcame a deadly disease and underwent a life-saving transplant. This experience inspired him to pursue a career in medicine. He is now working with Dr. Mitchell Cairo to find a treatment for others suffering from the same sickness.

Despite battling sickle cell disease as a child, 17-year-old Hanif Mouehla has defied the odds by graduating from high school and gaining acceptance into Harvard University.

Hailing from New Jersey, Hanif successfully completed his studies at Northern Valley Regional High School in the United States.

Diagnosed with sickle cell at the age of 8, he faced a severe health crisis that brought him to the intensive care unit of Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Westchester County, New York. His condition deteriorated to the point where he was put in a coma due to the collapse of both his lungs.

“I had my worst pain crisis in my life where I had a 20% chance of surviving,” Hanif said.

During those six weeks, the reason behind his pain remained uncertain, leaving doctors skeptical about his chances of survival.

Nevertheless, Hanif courageously fought through the ordeal and ultimately triumphed with the help of an experimental stem cell transplant.

Now, Hanif speaks of how this life-saving procedure not only gave him a second chance but also inspired him to find a purpose online. The experience of survival has fueled his passion for a future in medicine.

Hanif expressed that observing the medical center as a whole sparked a strong desire within him to pursue a career in medicine, with a specific interest in becoming a hematologist.

“Watching the medical center as a whole, that was something I really wanted to emulate and caused me to want to choose medicine, specifically being a hematologist,” he said.

Currently, he collaborates with pediatric hematologist-oncologist, Dr. Mitchell Cairo, who treated him during his sickle-cell battle. Dr. Mitchell is delighted to see Hanif living a healthy life free from sickle cell, and he admires Hanif’s dedication to making a difference for future generations.

“It’s kind of an indescribable feeling because, on top of seeing somebody sort of just resume their normal life, they’re now kicking in the high gear and taking on additional stress to make a difference for the next generation,” Dr Mitchell said.

Last summer, Hanif joined Dr. Mitchell in the research lab, both sharing the same passion to find a treatment for sickle cell, an inherited blood disorder that affects millions of people worldwide.

Hanif’s sickle cell was cured through a familial haploidentical stem cell transplant from his mother, Khuraira Musa, which was made possible thanks to Dr. Mitchell’s research as none of Hanif’s siblings were compatible donors.

To ensure that Khuraira’s cells could effectively eliminate the sickle cells in Hanif’s bloodstream, they were enhanced in Dr. Mitchell’s lab.

Hanif’s mother expressed her joy at the remarkable journey and how she wishes all parents could experience the same happiness she has with Hanif today.

”it was a wonderful journey. And for me as a parent, I only wish all parents to have what I have with Hanif today.”

Hanif’s life-threatening experience ignited his desire to pursue a career in medicine, and he has diligently worked towards achieving his dream since his transplant and recovery.

Throughout his academic journey at Northern Valley Regional High School, Hanif excelled academically and held the position of class president.

Additionally, his involvement in football contributed to his acceptance into the Harvard University Class of 2027.

Source: scholarshipregion

Read Also: 18-Year-Old Girl Beats Cancer, Graduates High School With Exceptional Grade

ALLSCHOLL TEAM