My name is Reem Jaas, born in 1979 in the West Bank, Palestine. I grew up in the vibrant city of Ramallah, where I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Birzeit University in 2001 and earned my Master’s in Business Administration in 2008. My professional journey began shortly after graduation, working with international organizations and non-governmental organizations. I thrived in my career, progressing to the role of Financial and Administrative Manager, while maintaining cherished relationships with family and friends.

In 2011, my life took an unexpected turn. By sheer coincidence, I discovered I had Hodgkin’s lymphoma. A swelling in my face and a prominent vein in my neck led me to a vascular specialist. An X-ray revealed a large lymph node in my chest, measuring 12x12x10 cm, causing severe breathing difficulties and swelling. The diagnosis was a shock—a moment when time seemed to stop and the weight of uncertainty overwhelmed me.

Initially, denial was my refuge. I tried to carry on as though nothing had happened, clinging to the hope that chemotherapy, prescribed for 6 months, would be the end of my ordeal. But life had different plans. As my hair fell out, I prepared a wig identical to my hairstyle to maintain a semblance of normalcy. Six months later, follow-up tests shattered my hope—the disease had not only persisted but worsened.

In May 2012, I underwent an autologous bone marrow transplant, followed by daily radiation therapy for a month. Although I experienced temporary relief, the disease returned with renewed aggression. In 2014, I underwent another transplant, this time from my sister, followed by radiation therapy. Recovery brought its own set of challenges. I developed severe graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), which left my skin rigid and unyielding, making even basic movements and expressions excruciatingly painful.

Despite these hardships, I refused to surrender. I continued working through every phase of my illness, drawing strength from my commitment to my career. My faith in recovery never wavered. With the help of intensive corticosteroid therapy and photopheresis treatment for around 5 years, starting in 2016 until 2021, I gradually regained my mobility and flexibility. By 2021, I had nearly overcome GvHD when the disease returned yet again.

This time, I underwent an unmatched bone marrow transplant from my brother—an innovative and untested approach. While the treatment stabilized my condition, I faced a new type of GvHD, affecting my eyes with severe dryness. Today, I am managing it through plasma-derived serum drops, and my condition continues to improve.

Through it all, I learned that hope is the strongest weapon. I chose to embrace life, finding strength in my struggles and joy in the small victories. I transformed my illness into a source of resilience, continuing to work, supporting my family, and maintaining meaningful relationships. My perseverance inspired those around me, showing them that even in the face of relentless challenges, we can emerge stronger.

To anyone battling an illness, I urge you to never give up. Embrace life, hold onto hope, and let your courage shine. You are not just fighting for yourself but also becoming a beacon of strength for those who look up to you. Life is a precious gift—cherish it, and let your journey inspire others to do the same.