In a remarkable act of love and selflessness, 29-year-old Noon donated one of her kidneys to save her father, Mamoun Bashir Elnefeidi Ahmed, who had been struggling with kidney failure. The transplant, performed at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD), utilized cutting-edge robotic technology to remove the father’s damaged kidneys and replace them with Noon’s healthy ones. This is a heartwarming story of sacrifice and family, as Noon’s gesture has given her 70-year-old father a new lease on life.
The Sudanese family, who live in Egypt, had come to Abu Dhabi to seek medical help after Ahmed’s kidneys failed following a severe post-chest infection. Initially, the family hoped dialysis would restore his kidney function, but after months of enduring exhausting treatments, Noon could no longer watch her father’s health decline.
“I watched my father struggle just to sit up, eat, or walk—things that were so easy for him before. It was so difficult to see him spend hours hooked up to a dialysis machine three times a week, his body so drained,” Noon shared. The family realized that only a kidney transplant could offer hope, and despite her father’s initial hesitation, Noon decided to donate.
Noon’s family, especially her parents, worried about the risks to her health and future pregnancies. But for Noon, the chance to give her father the ultimate gift outweighed all concerns. “There are very few chances in life to give back even a small fraction of what our parents have given us. I wasn’t about to let this one slip away,” she explained.
As the surgery day approached, Noon felt a mix of nerves and excitement. “It was surreal, like I had been waiting for this moment my whole life,” she said. The recovery went smoothly, and the reunion with her father in the hospital was a deeply emotional moment. “When we saw each other, all the discomfort from my surgery vanished. It was pure joy.”
Since the transplant, Noon and her father share a bond that goes beyond words. “Now we have a part of each other inside us. Watching him regain his strength and seeing his face light up when he could eat again was unforgettable,” Noon said.
Inspiring others to consider organ donation, Noon reflects on the blessings that followed her decision. “The blessings that came after the surgery are beyond anything anyone could ever imagine. It’s truly one of the greatest things you can do.”
CCAD is known for pioneering robotic kidney transplants in the UAE, and in 2022, they became the first in the region to introduce this innovative procedure. Dr. Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, praised the advancements in the field of organ transplantation. He emphasized that Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system continues to lead the way, ensuring world-class care for patients.
Noon’s story is a testament to the power of selflessness and the incredible advancements in medical technology that make life-saving procedures like these possible.