JAKARTA — Sharing happiness with others can be done in various ways. Starting from bringing a smile, providing support, to making time to listen or even just taking them to a tourist spot. These are all simple ways, but they are very meaningful to increase enthusiasm and happiness. Especially for patients who are struggling at Shelter Sehati.
The momentum of Ramadan 1445 Hijriah, Dompet Dhuafa also initiated a happiness programme for healthy fighters who stopped at Shelter Sehati Dompet Dhuafa. On Saturday (23/3/2024), as a series of #RamadanMendekatkan kindness, Dompet Dhuafa through Shelter Sehati invited 45 patients and patient families to conduct an educational tour to Seaworld, Ancol which was packaged in the theme Ramadan Ceria at Shelter Sehati.
Ramadan Ceria with Shelter Sehati patients began with an adventure at Seaworld’s giant aquarium, where they were introduced to various types of fish and marine animals. This opportunity not only gave them a wonderful new experience, but also strengthened their spirit and happiness in the midst of their struggle.
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To complete this Ramadan moment, Dompet Dhuafa also organised an iftar event with patients and their families at Ancol Beach. Hopefully, this activity will be a fun and memorable time for them, helping to release boredom and provide new enthusiasm.
Many of them have suffered calamities and come for medical treatment. Some of them arrive at the hospital with nothing but the hope of recovery.
However, the process of waiting for surgery is often a challenge, especially as the time required can be quite long. After undergoing treatment, returning to their home areas is often not an easy option as the costs involved are considerable. This is a story that illustrates the struggles and challenges faced by many individuals in seeking access to the medical care they need.
“We want to give our joy to the patients, because every day, every time, they come to the hospital, back to the shelter, waiting for their call for chemotherapy-surgery. So we see this as a saturation point felt by patients and patient families. Dompet Dhuafa as a philanthropic institution that has compassion values, when they come, they are happy, our fatigue disappears, we hope they will become fresh again. Even though they have to meet the same routine, but at least Dompet Dhuafa has shared cheer with patients and patient families, especially in Shelter Sehati this Ramadan, hopefully it will be useful,” said Ustaz Ahmad Shonhaji.
Shelter Sehati is a temporary shelter for patients and families of patients who are being treated at Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) and Dharmais Hospital. The hospital was chosen because it is a national level referral, so many patients come from outside the city. The presence of Shelter Sehati there aims to ease the burden on patients and families in getting free lodging during treatment.
The patients range from toddlers, teenagers, to the elderly. There is no special selection of patients accepted, but because Shelter Sehati only has 12 rooms available, finally Shelter Sehati only accepts every request from patients who need shelter the most.
“Dompet Dhuafa will provide the best service. We must provide the best service, secure them in terms of costs. The cost of housing contracts, transportation costs, so Shelter Sehati prepares housing for patients and patient families. They are also given food,” added Ustaz Shonhaji.
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Happiness shone on the faces of the healthy warriors and their families. Seeing their awe at the sight of hundreds of species of fish in aquariums with signage giving a brief description of the fish and marine animals was an unforgettable moment.
In that moment, the burdens and hardships they had endured were momentarily forgotten, replaced by beams of joy and awe. It’s a true testament to how a little bit of fun can be a huge ray of hope in a life that may have been full of trials.
This was felt by Mrs Nia, who visited Seaworld for the first time. She couldn’t stop expressing her gratitude for being able to be in an environment of kindness from Dompet Dhuafa.
“We at Dompet Dhuafa feel grateful, there are those who come from various regions. As long as we are here, what we can do, do it. I have also been at Shelter Sehati for a long time and feel that I cannot be paid with anything. With Dompet Dhuafa, I feel that Allah has really made it easy for me. I used to be unable to walk, now I can walk. In Shelter Sehati we are always taught togetherness, praying in congregation, even eating together,” said Mrs Nia.
Not only Ibu Nia, this happiness was also felt by Iwan Maulana from Padang, a Patulous Eustachian Tube sufferer. Patients with this disease will usually experience symptoms in the form of hearing loss due to increased pressure inside the ear. He also feels that his breathing sounds louder. This condition causes Iwan to have to carry a syringe filled with infusion fluid that he must inject into his ear at any time.
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“So far I have been comfortable at Shelter Sehati, because there is lodging, food is also available, it can support my daily life. Thank you to Shelter Sehati Dompet Dhuafa for helping me a lot, hopefully treatment. Hopefully all the goodness will be rewarded by Allah Swt, hopefully all administrators and donors will be given continued health,” added Iwan.
The activity took place very pleasantly, towards dusk the patients immediately rushed to Ancol Beach, to hold iftar together and pray together. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and Photo: Anndini Dwi Putri
Editors: Dhika Prabowo, Ronna