In Sharjah, 25 children undergoing cancer treatment in Dubai recently met their space heroes, UAE astronauts Nora AlMatrooshi and Mohammad AlMulla. Organized by Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), the visit at Mediclinic Hospital Dubai aimed to provide emotional support and inspire the young patients through interaction with the astronauts.
The visit allowed the children to explore space and gain insights into the journeys of astronauts. Nora AlMatrooshi, the first Emirati female astronaut, shared her experiences about space missions, the International Space Station, and the ascent to outer space using rockets. She discussed staying on the space station, communicating with ground stations, and controlling robots in space.
Mohammad AlMulla recounted his journey from selection in the second batch of MBRSC’s UAE Astronaut Programme to graduating from NASA’s Astronaut Candidate Class and undergoing extensive training in the USA. He answered the children’s questions about spacesuits, helmets, and the special garments that protect astronauts from atmospheric pressure changes.
The young patients were encouraged to express their ideas, feelings, and dreams. Some wished to float in space, while others dreamt of living on the moon or picking up stars to hide under their pillows. The interaction provided a platform for the children to ask questions about outer space and hear firsthand experiences from the astronauts.
At the end of the visit, FOCP and MBRSC distributed gifts and games to the children, aiming to boost their morale and encourage them through their treatment journey. This initiative brought a sense of wonder and hope to the young patients, helping them momentarily escape their medical challenges and dream about the vast possibilities of space.
