Doha never imagined that motherhood would redefine her life, but that’s exactly what happened. A devoted mother of two, Maryam (20) and Omar (18), her world changed when Omar was diagnosed with a rare and severe disability, one of only 70 known cases worldwide. Overnight, dreams were reshaped, priorities were rearranged, and a new purpose emerged.
At the time, Doha was building a successful career with Unilever in North Africa, the Middle East and Turkey. But when Omar was diagnosed, she made the brave decision to leave the corporate world and devote herself entirely to caring for him, and other children facing profound challenges.
Life soon became filled with hospital visits, therapy sessions, and uncertainty. However, Doha refused to give in to despair. Instead, she turned love into work. This vision led to the founding of 4 Kids Therapy, a non-profit center that supports children with severe and complex developmental disabilities. What started with just four children has grown into a thriving center serving more than 130 people, offering physical, occupational, sports, speech therapy, psychological support and academic guidance, all under one roof. Every child is seen. Every effort is celebrated.
When Doha joined Special Olympics Motor Activity Training Program (MATP)She brought the same compassion and unwavering faith that built her position. Today, she helps build MATP’s family support network, ensuring parents are able to share experiences, learn from each other and never feel alone. Her presence is felt in every smile she encourages, every achievement she celebrates, and every child she cheers on – no achievement is too small.
“Omar taught me the value of resilience and changed my thinking about success and progress,” Doha says. “I celebrate small accomplishments because even the simplest task requires more effort from him than it does from others.” She remembers spending three months teaching Omar how to clap, and feeling frustrated, but he did it on his own after ten days. That moment changed everything. It taught her not to rush forward, not to give up, and to trust the process, a lesson she now shares with countless families.
Maryam, Omar’s sister, sees beyond the diagnosis. “Omar is more than just a genetic disorder. He is my brother and my best friend, the one with the smile that brightens my day.” Her words capture the essence of inclusion: seeing people for who they are, not what they lack. Her journey reminds us that love builds bridges, faith opens doors, and every ability is worth shining.
