Dubai SMA treatment offers hope for 3-year-old Hulus with spinal muscular atrophy. Learn how UAE’s gene therapy is changing lives of SMA patients worldwide.
Hulus’ Story: A Journey of Hope to Dubai
Meet Hulus, a brave 3-year-old boy from Turkey who is fighting a rare disease. While other children his age play with toys and go to nursery, Hulus spends his time learning how to use his arms and legs. Now, he and his family are in Dubai for a special Dubai SMA treatment that could change his life forever.
A Family’s Brave Decision
Hulus has a condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy, which people call SMA for short. This disease makes muscles very weak, making it hard to move, breathe, and swallow.
His father, Mustafa Ser, is a chef in Turkey. He and his wife noticed something was wrong when Hulus was just a baby. “He had hand tremors and later missed important milestones like crawling and sitting,” Mustafa explained.
Doctors kept telling them everything was normal. However, Mustafa and his wife knew something wasn’t right. Finally, when Hulus turned one year old, a special doctor called a neurologist found out he had SMA.
Coming to Dubai for Treatment
After learning about Dubai SMA treatment, Mustafa and his family did lots of research. “We did our research on social media and spoke to other families who had children with SMA,” Mustafa said. “We found out about the gene therapy in Dubai and decided to give it a chance.”
The treatment is very expensive. Therefore, Mustafa’s entire family came together:
- They used all their life savings
- Started a fundraising campaign in Turkey
- Asked friends and relatives for help
- Worked very hard to gather the money
“It took a long time to gather such a huge amount,” Mustafa shared. “It was a very rough journey.”
Now, Hulus is in Dubai with his parents and his 5-year-old brother Ramzan. They have been in the UAE for over a month, staying at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital.
What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)?
To understand why Dubai SMA treatment is so important, we need to learn about this rare disease.
Understanding SMA in Simple Terms
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease. This means it’s caused by a problem in a person’s genes, which are like instruction books for our bodies.
What SMA Does:
- Makes muscles weak and soft
- Affects movement of arms and legs
- Can make breathing difficult
- Makes swallowing food hard
- Gets worse over time if not treated
How Does Someone Get SMA?
SMA is not something you can catch like a cold. You’re born with it because of your genes.
Here’s how it works:
- Everyone has genes from their mother and father
- Sometimes, genes have mistakes in them
- If a baby gets two “broken” genes (one from each parent), they get SMA
- Parents usually don’t know they carry the broken gene
Different Types of SMA
There are different types of SMA:
Type 1 (Most Serious)
- Babies show symptoms before 6 months old
- Very weak muscles
- Trouble breathing and eating
- Needs immediate treatment
Type 2 (Moderate)
- Symptoms appear between 6-18 months
- Can sit but cannot walk
- Needs help with daily activities
- Can live longer with treatment
Type 3 (Milder)
- Symptoms appear after 18 months
- Can walk but may lose ability later
- Slower progression
- Better outcomes with treatment
Type 4 (Adult Onset)
- Appears in adulthood
- Mildest form
- Slow progression
Hulus has one of these types, and his family is hoping the Dubai SMA treatment will help him get stronger.
Why SMA is Dangerous
Without treatment, SMA can be very serious:
- Babies with Type 1 may not survive past age 2
- Children cannot do normal activities
- May need wheelchair or breathing machines
- Quality of life is greatly affected
However, new treatments are changing everything! This is where Dubai’s special gene therapy comes in.
Dubai’s Revolutionary Gene Therapy for SMA
The Dubai SMA treatment that Hulus is receiving is very special. It’s a type of medicine called gene therapy that can actually fix the problem causing SMA.
What is Gene Therapy?
Gene therapy is like fixing a mistake in a book:
- Our bodies have instruction books (genes)
- Sometimes these books have spelling mistakes
- Gene therapy adds a correct page to fix the mistake
- This helps the body work properly again
For SMA patients, gene therapy:
- Delivers a working gene to replace the broken one
- Helps the body make proteins it was missing
- Strengthens muscles over time
- Is given only one time (not repeated)
How the Treatment Works
Dr. Vivek Mundada, a special children’s doctor at the hospital, explained: “This is a genuine paradigm shift. We are no longer talking only about saving babies’ lives but about helping older children and adults preserve their independence.”
What This Means:
- Children can stand better
- Can move their arms more easily
- Breathing becomes more comfortable
- Can live more independent lives
The Treatment Procedure
Mustafa explained what will happen to Hulus:
- The treatment is a short surgical procedure
- Takes only about 30 minutes
- Medicine is given through a spinal injection (in the back)
- Hulus will be sleeping (under anesthesia) so he won’t feel pain
- Doctors will watch him carefully afterward
- Looking for any side effects or problems
The actual treatment day is coming soon. “He is expected to receive the gene therapy within the next two weeks,” Mustafa said.
Why UAE is Second Country in the World for This Treatment
Here’s something amazing: the UAE became only the second country globally to approve this special gene therapy for SMA! This happened earlier in 2025.
What Makes This Historic?
Global Leadership:
- Only one other country approved it before UAE
- Shows UAE’s commitment to advanced medicine
- Brings hope to families worldwide
- Makes Dubai a medical destination
Who Can Get Treatment:
- Adults with SMA
- Children aged two years and above
- Patients who meet medical criteria
- Both UAE residents and international patients
Why Families Choose Dubai
Families from around the world are coming to Dubai for SMA treatment because:
Advanced Medical Care
- World-class hospitals
- Highly trained doctors
- Latest technology
- International standards
Accessible for Foreigners
- Hospitals help with visas
- Easy travel arrangements
- English spoken widely
- Welcome international patients
Comprehensive Support
- Complete medical testing
- Careful monitoring
- Follow-up care
- Family support services
Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital, where Hulus is staying, even helped his family with visa and travel arrangements. This makes it easier for families who need to come from other countries.
Expanding Access
Dr. Mundada emphasized: “It expands access to gene therapy for older and heavier patients.”
This is important because:
- Earlier treatments had age limits
- Some children were too old to qualify
- Now more patients can benefit
- Gives hope to families who thought it was too late
The Treatment Process: What Families Can Expect
If your child needs Dubai SMA treatment, here’s what the process looks like, based on Hulus’ experience.
Before Coming to Dubai
Step 1: Research and Decision
- Learn about the treatment
- Talk to other families
- Consult with doctors
- Decide if it’s right for your child
Step 2: Financial Planning
- Understand the costs
- Explore funding options
- Consider fundraising
- Prepare for travel expenses
Step 3: Hospital Contact
- Reach out to Dubai hospitals
- Share medical records
- Discuss eligibility
- Plan arrival
Arriving in Dubai
Week 1-2: Medical Testing When families arrive:
- Complete physical examination
- Blood tests
- Heart function tests
- Lung and breathing tests
- Liver enzyme checks
- Overall health assessment
These tests ensure the child is ready for treatment and help doctors plan the best care.
Week 3-4: Preparation
- Review all test results
- Final treatment planning
- Address any health issues
- Prepare family for procedure
The Treatment Day
On the day of gene therapy:
Before Treatment:
- Child doesn’t eat for several hours
- Medical team prepares
- Anesthesia consultation
- Parents receive final instructions
During Treatment:
- Child receives anesthesia (falls asleep)
- Spinal injection administered (30 minutes)
- Medicine delivered to body
- Child carefully monitored
After Treatment:
- Recovery room observation
- Checking vital signs
- Watching for side effects
- Parents can see child soon
Post-Treatment Care
After receiving Dubai SMA treatment:
First Few Days:
- Stay in hospital
- Continuous monitoring
- Managing any side effects
- Regular health checks
First Few Weeks:
- May need to stay in Dubai
- Regular doctor appointments
- Ongoing monitoring
- Gradual improvement begins
Going Home:
- Clear instructions given
- Follow-up plan created
- Local doctor coordination
- Emergency contact information
Life with SMA: Daily Challenges
Understanding what life is like for children with SMA helps us appreciate why the Dubai SMA treatment is so important.
Hulus’ Daily Routine
Hulus’ life is very different from other 3-year-olds:
Six Days a Week:
- Physiotherapy sessions
- Learning to use his muscles
- Practicing movements
- Building strength
Once a Week:
- Hydrotherapy (therapy in water)
- Easier to move in water
- Less strain on muscles
- Fun and therapeutic
Every Day:
- Careful diet management
- Weight control is important
- Proper nutrition
- Healthy eating habits
Home Modifications
Mustafa transformed their home to help Hulus. “Our house is full of equipment and metal bars,” he said. “So whenever Hulus wants to stand, there is something to hold on to.”
Why This Helps:
- Hulus can practice standing anytime
- Constant physiotherapy without realizing
- Makes home safe
- Encourages independence
This shows how much parents do to help their children with SMA.
Emotional Challenges
The journey is not just physical. Families face:
- Worry about their child’s future
- Financial stress from treatments
- Time away from work
- Impact on siblings
- Emotional exhaustion
Mustafa admitted: “The journey so far has been extremely challenging and I wish no one else has to go through it.”
However, families like Mustafa’s also show incredible strength, love, and determination.
The Road to Recovery: What Happens After Treatment
Receiving Dubai SMA treatment is just the beginning. Hulus and his family have a long journey ahead.
Short-Term (First Few Months)
What to Expect:
- Gradual improvements
- Small positive changes
- Continued weakness initially
- Slow but steady progress
The gene therapy doesn’t work instantly. It takes time for the body to start making the proteins it needs.
Medium-Term (First Year)
Possible Improvements:
- Stronger muscles
- Better movement
- Easier breathing
- More independence
However, every child is different. “How he develops over the next five years is unpredictable,” Mustafa said.
Long-Term Monitoring
Children who receive gene therapy need lifelong care:
Regular Tests:
- Liver enzyme checks
- Heart function monitoring
- Respiratory health assessments
- Sleep studies every year
Why Monitoring is Important:
- Ensures treatment is working
- Catches any problems early
- Adjusts care as needed
- Tracks progress over time
Education and Development
School will be another challenge for Hulus. Mustafa explained: “Initially, we will have to send him to a specialized school which will be capable of handling his physical conditions. Then we will see how he progresses.”
Special Schools Provide:
- Trained staff
- Accessible facilities
- Physical therapy
- Individualized learning
- Understanding environment
As Hulus gets stronger, he may be able to attend regular schools with support.
Quality of Life Improvements
The goal of Dubai SMA treatment is to give children:
- Ability to move independently
- Breathe without machines
- Eat normal food
- Play with friends
- Live fuller lives
- Achieve their dreams
Dr. Mundada mentioned that older children and adults can “preserve their independence and be able to stand, move their arms and even breathe more comfortably.”
This means the treatment can truly change lives!
How Families Can Get Help for SMA
If your child has SMA or you suspect they might have it, here’s what you can do.
Early Diagnosis is Critical
Warning Signs in Babies:
- Very weak muscles (floppy baby)
- Trouble lifting head
- Not reaching movement milestones
- Difficulty breathing or eating
- Hand tremors
If You Notice These:
- Talk to your pediatrician immediately
- Request referral to neurologist
- Ask about SMA testing
- Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen
Early treatment works better! Gene therapy is most effective when given before age 2, but can still help older children.
Getting Tested for SMA
Genetic Testing:
- Simple blood test
- Checks for SMA gene mutation
- Can diagnose SMA
- Also identifies carriers
Family Testing: Mustafa mentioned: “We have been spreading awareness among our family members to get themselves tested for the gene that causes SMA.”
This is important because:
- Parents can be carriers without knowing
- Siblings might be affected
- Other family members may be carriers
- Helps future family planning
Treatment Options
If diagnosed with SMA, several treatments exist:
Gene Therapy (Like Hulus is Getting):
- One-time treatment
- Fixes genetic problem
- Available in Dubai and few other places
- Most effective option
Other Medications:
- Some medicines help manage symptoms
- Given regularly
- Help slow progression
- Available in many countries
Physical Therapy:
- Essential for all SMA patients
- Maintains muscle function
- Prevents complications
- Improves quality of life
Financial Help
Treatment is expensive. Here’s how families manage:
Fundraising:
- Community campaigns
- Social media appeals
- Charity organizations
- Local support groups
Insurance:
- Check what your insurance covers
- Some policies include genetic treatments
- International coverage options
- Medical travel insurance
Hospital Support:
- Some hospitals offer payment plans
- Financial counseling
- Connect with charity organizations
- Assistance programs
Traveling to Dubai for Treatment
If considering Dubai SMA treatment:
Contact Hospitals:
- Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital
- Other specialized hospitals in UAE
- Send medical records
- Discuss eligibility and costs
Visa and Travel:
- Many hospitals help with visa applications
- Medical visa available
- Can stay for treatment duration
- Family can accompany patient
Accommodation:
- Hospital can suggest nearby hotels
- Long-term stay options
- Family-friendly accommodations
- Within easy reach of hospital
Spreading Awareness and Hope
Stories like Hulus’ help spread awareness about SMA and the amazing Dubai SMA treatment available.
Why Awareness Matters
Early Detection:
- More parents know what to look for
- Earlier diagnosis possible
- Better treatment outcomes
- Saves lives
Support for Families:
- Families don’t feel alone
- Can connect with others
- Share experiences and advice
- Emotional support network
Research and Development:
- More awareness leads to more research
- Better treatments developed
- More funding for SMA research
- Hope for future cures
Hulus’ Message of Hope
Mustafa shared: “We are grateful for all those who have sent us good wishes and prayed for us. We are sure that with everyone’s prayers, Hulus will get better.”
This family’s courage inspires others facing similar challenges. Their journey shows:
- Never give up hope
- Modern medicine offers solutions
- Dubai provides world-class care
- Families are not alone
Looking Forward
As Hulus prepares for his gene therapy treatment, his story represents hope for thousands of families worldwide dealing with SMA.
The Dubai SMA treatment shows:
- UAE’s commitment to medical excellence
- How advanced treatments change lives
- Importance of accessible healthcare
- Power of determination and love
Conclusion: Hope, Courage, and Medical Miracles
Little Hulus’ journey from Turkey to Dubai represents the incredible power of hope, family love, and modern medical science. The Dubai SMA treatment he will soon receive offers something that wasn’t possible just a few years ago: the chance to fix the genetic problem causing his disease.
Key Points to Remember:
- SMA is Treatable – Gene therapy can change the course of this disease
- Dubai Leads Globally – UAE is only the second country to approve this treatment
- Early Treatment Works Best – But older children can still benefit
- Diagnosis is Important – Know the warning signs and test early
- Support is Available – Families don’t have to face this alone
- Hope Exists – Modern medicine offers real solutions
For families dealing with SMA:
- Don’t lose hope
- Seek early diagnosis
- Explore treatment options
- Consider Dubai’s gene therapy
- Connect with support groups
- Remember you’re not alone
For everyone else:
- Spread awareness about SMA
- Support families dealing with this disease
- Consider genetic testing if relevant
- Help fundraising efforts when possible
- Pray for and support affected children
Hulus’ story reminds us that medical miracles happen every day. Thanks to the Dubai SMA treatment and the dedication of doctors, hospitals, and loving families, children with SMA have a chance at fuller, more independent lives.
We wish Hulus all the best with his upcoming gene therapy treatment. May his journey inspire hope in every family fighting SMA, and may his courage remind us all of the incredible strength of the human spirit.
The future is brighter for children with SMA, and Dubai is proud to be at the forefront of making that future a reality.
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Reference By : KhaleejTime.com
