Sara and Ghufran Alhalabi

Interview with Ghufran Alhalabi

Q: Can you tell us a little about your daughter and your journey as her mother?
My daughter’s name is Sara. She’s 20 years old, shy and sensitive, with a short temper—but always hopeful and determined to improve. Sometimes she struggles with frustration, especially when she feels like she’s facing her challenges alone. Her cerebral palsy mostly affects her legs and feet, which causes her to walk sideways and has started impacting her spine. She also has speech difficulties.

When she was a baby, Sara was calm and happy—always laughing and never crying. But we noticed something was different when she started crawling; she avoided using her legs entirely. She also learned to talk later than her siblings. By the time she was 2, doctors confirmed a CP diagnosis. It was heartbreaking. We initially refused surgery, unsure of the path ahead. Eventually, she underwent surgery, which improved her mobility by about 40%, but she still deals with pain and fatigue daily.

Q: What were some of the first signs that led to her diagnosis?

At one year old, her legs looked crooked and stayed bent. She wasn’t standing or walking like other toddlers. At two, we received the diagnosis. It was devastating to think she might live her whole life without a cure. Even now, her legs and feet hurt, and therapy can be exhausting for her. She cries during sessions, but she keeps pushing through.

Q: What does a typical day look like for your family, and how has your routine changed over time?
Sara starts her day by making wudu and praying fajr, which can be difficult physically. She’s homeschooled and prefers being on the computer. She uses crutches to walk and helps with simple meals like eggs, salad, or chicken. Midday, she does her exercises and uses a stationary bike. We try to get out—go shopping, visit the park—but sometimes her feet get red and sore, so we take breaks.

Her speech isn’t always clear, but our family and friends are used to her way of communicating. In the evenings, we wind down together with reading, movies, or conversation before she goes to sleep—with her legs still bent.

Q: What are some common misconceptions about cerebral palsy that you wish more people understood?

People often focus only on the physical side—motor skills, walking, etc.—but no one talks about how CP can affect IQ and emotional regulation. Sara sometimes asks very basic questions or forgets routines, like asking if she has school on a Monday. She can be overly emotional or exaggerate things. Her mental and emotional development is just as affected as her physical body.

Q: How has your Islamic faith supported you as a special needs parent?

Islam has given me peace, strength, and hope. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I turn to prayer and du'a. As a single mom, the challenges have been immense, but my faith reminds me that this journey is not just for this life. I often tell Sara that her body in the afterlife will be perfect—and that helps her stay motivated and patient.

Q: What’s one of your proudest moments as a mother?

When Sara graduated high school, I was so proud. Now, she’s registering for college on her own and even passed her driving test the first time! Her speech has improved so much that people understand her more easily. She also does her chores without needing reminders. She’s growing more independent every day.

Q: What advice would you give to parents newly facing a CP diagnosis?

Be patient and never give up. I once felt hopeless and distanced myself from Sara, thinking she’d always be completely dependent. But a counselor helped me see that she could become independent if I kept pushing her forward. Teach your child self-reliance—it’s like throwing them into the pool so they learn to swim. It’s hard, but it works.

Q: How has being part of the Dar-us-Sakina community impacted your family?

Joining Dar-us-Sakina was life-changing. Whenever I feel down, I read the other moms’ stories and realize I’m not alone. I can ask questions, find support, and connect with people who truly understand. Sara has found friends who are just like her. DUS has made both our lives easier and more joyful. May Allah reward everyone involved for the love and support they’ve shown us.

Thank you, Ghufran, for sharing your powerful story. Your journey reminds us that while the road may be tough, with faith, community, and perseverance, there is always light.

June 30, 2025
Jami Sabety-Atto