05/10/2026
A family from Afghanistan shares a story of devastating loss, but also of hope.
“When our daughter Kainat became seriously ill, we travelled from one hospital to another searching for answers. Doctors suspected Gaucher disease, but there was no testing or treatment available in Afghanistan.
We searched everywhere for help. In Afghanistan, we have a saying: ‘A drowning person will even reach for foam.’ That is how desperate we felt.
Then we found the International Gaucher Alliance. Tanya never gave us false hope, but she gave us something just as important – kindness, honesty and support. At a time when we felt forgotten, we were reminded that we were not alone.
Sadly, our beloved Kainat passed away before she could receive the diagnosis and treatment she needed.
Today, we have a newborn son. With the support of the IGA and Sanofi, he will have the opportunity to be tested early. We pray that this will give him a healthier future.
We share Kainat’s story so that more families can find help sooner – and so that no child loses their life simply because diagnosis or treatment is unavailable.”
Wherever you are in your Gaucher journey, we are here to support you.