A Journey of Hope, Healing, and Home

In January 2026, one family packed their lives into suitcases and left Saskatoon for Calgary with a single goal: 

Giving their six-year-old daughter the best chance at a healthy future.

At just 11 months old, Nabiha was diagnosed with Major Thalassemia, a rare inherited blood disorder that causes severe anemia and often requires regular blood transfusions throughout childhood. For years, her family navigated appointments, treatments, and uncertainty while hoping for a long-term solution.

That hope came in the form of a bone marrow transplant.

On February 13, 2026, Nabiha underwent her transplant in Calgary, beginning a journey that would require months away from home and approximately 100 days of recovery and monitoring before she could return to Saskatoon. For her parents, the move meant putting life on hold.

Her father stepped away from his role with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to be with his family during treatment, while her mother devoted herself full-time to caring for Nabiha and her siblings throughout the process.

Like so many families facing a child's medical crisis, their focus became singular: getting their daughter well.

While the journey has not been easy, the family spoke often about the incredible support they have received along the way.

From hospital staff and the team at Ronald McDonald House to organizations like Community Key that stepped in to help ease the financial burden, they shared that they have felt surrounded by kindness and generosity during some of their hardest days.

Nabiha's father shared that while "thank you" is an important word, it never quite feels big enough to express what this support has meant to their family. Time and time again, they have felt the love and care of the community around them.

""We have felt so many people with a hand over us throughout this journey."

Today, Nabiha only travels to the hospital for checkups and testing, and the family is looking forward to returning home to Saskatoon at the end of May.

Like any six-year-old, she is excited to get back to her friends, school, and the life that has been waiting for her.

After missing much of Grade 1 during treatment, she already has a plan! To tackle both Grade 1 and Grade 2 next year.

Anyone who met Nabiha would tell you she isn't letting this journey slow her down.

During our visit, she was full of energy, proudly wore her new Community Key hat the entire time, and couldn't stop smiling as she showed off her gifts.

She even discovered a new passion while staying in Calgary. Cheering for the Calgary Flames after attending her very first game through Ronald McDonald House.

Her story is a reminder that while medical journeys can be long and uncertain, they can also be filled with moments of joy, resilience, and connection.

Community Key is honoured to support families like Nabiha's, helping ease financial pressures so parents can focus on what matters most: being present for their children.

Because healing doesn't happen through medicine alone.

It happens through family, community, compassion, and the countless people who choose to show up along the way.