Nadira’s Reality: Blood Cancer, Two Children, One Income Source.
Nadira is 30 years old. She fled Syria in 2013 and settled in Lebanon with her family. Two years later, she got married and started raising two boys—Ahmad and Mohamad. They are still with her today, but their father is not. “My husband was forced to leave the country” she explains quietly. “Now, it’s just me and the kids.”
Two years ago, Nadira received a diagnosis she never expected: blood cancer. Treatment was expensive, and she had no steady income. “My friends and family tried to help. They collected money for the dose whenever they could,” she says. “But I was overwhelmed. I didn’t just need money—I needed something to hold me together.”
She heard about Action Against Hunger’s Cash-for-Work project - funded by the German Government through KfW Development Bank - from friends who had participated in it before. When she saw the application link online, she didn’t hesitate. “There was too much pain, too much time thinking and worrying. I needed something to help me push forward.”
Nadira was selected and began working shortly after. At first, it wasn’t easy. Her body was weak from treatment, and the physical work was exhausting. “The first few days, I almost quit,” she admits. “But then I told myself: no—I’m going to show up. Cancer made me braver. I wanted to prove that I’m still here, still part of this community.”
The project gave her far more than a salary. “I met new people. I made friends. They supported me during working hours, not just physically but mentally. We laughed. We spoke. I felt like myself again.”
Throughout the 40-day work period, Nadira continued her chemotherapy. “It’s not just work. It’s strength. Every day I showed up, I remembered why I’m fighting—not only for myself, but for my children.”
By the time the assignment ended, she had covered a part of her treatment costs and felt stronger emotionally than she had in months. “Action Against Hunger gave me a real opportunity—financially and psychologically. I finished the 40 days with pride.”
She now wants to find another job and continue moving forward. “I promised myself I would focus on my mental health, stay strong for my children, and help them stay in school. One day, I may not be here, but I want them to remember that I didn’t give up.”
Nadira has a message for others going through hardship. “If your mind is strong, you can face anything. Even in the darkest times, stay brave. You’re not alone.”
Before closing, she pauses and adds, “Thank you to Action Against Hunger. You treated me with kindness and respect. I really hope the Cash-for-Work project continues, because so many people need that chance—people with cancer, people with disabilities, people who just need someone to believe in them.”
This Cash-for-Work project was implemented by Action Against Hunger and funded by the German Government through KfW Development Bank which offered individuals the opportunity to earn an income while contributing to their community.
