Why It Matters
In a world where many mothers are tested by illness and loss, I found my purpose through the deepest pain a mother can feel.
My name is Hala Abass, and I am a mother, a writer, and a founding member of the MENA Organization and Congress for Rare Diseases. My story is not about heroism, but about faith, endurance, and love that never ends.
When Life Tested My Heart
I am the mother of two angels, Mahmoud and Zain. Both were born with mitochondrial disease, a rare genetic disorder that weakens the body’s ability to produce energy.
This meant constant hospital visits, therapies, and daily care that required all my strength. Yet even through hardship, my sons shone with life.
They laughed, learned, and loved deeply. They taught me that true strength is not the absence of suffering, but the courage to keep rising, even when your heart is breaking.
Turning Grief Into Purpose
When Mahmoud passed away in 2019, I felt my world collapse. But I still had Zain, and together we turned our grief into light.
We attended events, spoke at conferences, and shared our story with mothers across the Arab world. Zain became my little partner in hope. His presence gave me strength, and his courage touched everyone who met him.In 2024, when I lost Zain, silence filled my home again. But deep inside, I felt their voices urging me to continue their message.
So I stood up, gathered my strength, and decided that my sons’ journey would not end with their passing.
Building A Platform of Hope
From my experience, I became a founding member of the MENA Congress for Rare Diseases (2021–2025). Through this role, I helped create a platform that connects and supports families affected by rare diseases.
We share practical information about available treatments, government support, and local resources. I volunteer to listen to mothers who need someone who truly understands.
Through our congress, I have met incredible women from Kuwait, Oman, Turkey, and the UAE who remind me every day that love has no borders.
“You are not alone. You are not broken. You are becoming.”
My Book, “Angels Forever”
My book, “Angels Forever, People of Rare Disease”, is my heart on paper. It carries Mahmoud and Zain’s voices, their laughter, and the lessons they left behind.
I wrote it for every mother sitting in a hospital corridor whispering silent prayers, for every parent who loves fiercely but feels unseen, and for anyone who needs to believe that healing is still possible.
Lessons from Mahmoud and Zain
Mahmoud taught me determination and willpower. Zain taught me hope that refuses to fade.
Even though their bodies were weak, their minds and spirits were extraordinary. Mahmoud participated in the Arab Reading Challenge and amazed everyone, even meeting His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who honored his brilliance.
After Mahmoud passed, I focused on developing Zain’s artistic gift. His drawings were later chosen for UNICEF’s “Blue Dot” global digital book, spreading his creativity across the world.
Through them, I learned patience, faith, and the kind of love that transforms pain into purpose.
What Grief Taught Me
Grief does not end. It transforms you. It teaches you to rebuild life differently, to see beauty even in brokenness.
Crying is not weakness. It is healing.
If you have lost a child, remember, their love is not gone, it has simply changed form. They live in your voice, your memories, and the quiet ways you keep their light alive.
A Message from My Heart
To every mother walking this road, you are a hero even when you do not feel like one.
Your child is not a burden. They are light, purpose, and divine love wrapped in human form.
Speak your story, because your words might become someone else’s hope.
If there is one thing I have learned, it is this: your pain can become a bridge for someone else’s healing.
Do not silence your story. Let it breathe, let it shine, and let it lead.
Have advice for moms or a personal story to tell? We’d love to feature your voice on our blog! Share your experiences with us here! We’re always excited to welcome new perspectives and stories from moms like you!
