A story of love, resilience and unwavering hope, Rita B. Nehme journey as a mother reflects the strength it takes to navigate life’s most challenging moments. As part of the Pinktober awareness initiative by AlRayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton × Qreate Magazine, Azqa Haroon had the opportunity to speak with Rita about her young son Matteo’s diagnosis with a rare tumour near his optic nerve and his subsequent journey through multiple rounds of chemotherapy.
From the shock of diagnosis to the emotional challenges of treatment, Rita opened up about the realities of motherhood during a medical crisis, the importance of accepting what life brings, and the people who helped her through the most difficult days. Her story is a heartfelt reminder that strength does not mean never breaking down; sometimes, it means finding the courage to keep going, even when things feel overwhelming.
Azqa Haroon: What went through your mind when you first heard the diagnosis?
Rita B. Nehme: First of all, I was definitely shocked. I remember sitting in the chair, and then I reminded myself that I had someone beside me to face this with. I told myself, “Thank God, and we’ll get through it.”
I believe that if God gives us something to face, He also gives us the strength to handle it. Of course, it was frightening, and there were so many emotions to process, but I knew we had to take things one step at a time and trust that we would get through it together.
Azqa Haroon: How did you find the strength to stay strong for your family?
Rita B. Nehme: The truth is, I wasn’t always strong. People often tell me how strong I am, but I cried a lot, and I still cry. I think people sometimes see you managing everything and assume that you are coping perfectly, but they don’t always see what happens behind closed doors.
At that moment, however, you feel there is no room to break down. You have to be strong for your son, your daughter, and your family. Everyone is relying on you, and you feel you have no choice but to keep going. It is not that you never feel weak or overwhelmed; you simply find a way to carry on because your family needs you.
Azqa Haroon: What was the hardest part of this journey for you as a mother?
Rita B. Nehme: Chemotherapy was the hardest part. Seeing my son in pain and not being able to do anything to take it away was incredibly difficult. As a mother, your instinct is to protect your child and make everything better, but there are situations where you simply cannot do anything.
That feeling of helplessness is very painful. You want to take the suffering away from your child, but all you can do is stay beside them, support them and hope that things will get better. Watching Matteo go through treatment was something no mother would ever want to experience.
Azqa Haroon: What kept you going through the difficult days?
Rita B. Nehme: Social media really helped me. My friends, my family and keeping myself busy as much as I could all made a difference. Having people around you who check on you, support you, and remind you that you are not alone is very important.
Their prayers and kindness helped me through so many difficult moments. I was also fortunate to have a close friend who accompanied me to the hospital every single day during Matteo’s chemotherapy sessions. People often thought she was my sister, but she was my friend. She stood beside me throughout the journey, and I will always be grateful for that.
The medical team at Sidra Medicine was also amazing. The doctors and nurses provided wonderful care, and I am deeply thankful for everything they did for Matteo. Sometimes, God brings people into your life whom you never expect to share your pain with you. They do not have to carry that burden, yet they choose to stand beside you. That kind of support means more than words can express.
Azqa Haroon: How has this journey changed you as a mother?
Rita B. Nehme: I have learned acceptance. Before this experience, I struggled to accept what was happening. It was difficult to understand why we had to go through something like this, and I could not truly come to terms with it.
Over time, I began to understand the meaning of saying “Praise be to God” and what acceptance really means. Initially, I told myself that I had to accept the situation because there was no other choice. Gradually, that feeling changed. It became a genuine sense of peace and contentment with what God had willed.
I reached a point where I could say, “God willed it, and I am satisfied.” That shift in perspective made things easier to bear. It taught me that acceptance does not mean that something is not painful; it means learning to live with it while trusting that there is a greater wisdom behind what we cannot always understand.
Azqa Haroon: What would you say to other mothers going through a similar experience?
Rita B. Nehme: The first thing I would say is, “You are not alone.” I am sure there are people going through situations much harder than mine, but every person’s pain is real, and everyone deserves support.
Always take care of yourself so that you can take care of your children. Ask for help when you need it. You do not have to carry everything on your own, and you do not have to pretend that you are fine all the time.
It is not necessary to be strong every single day. It is completely normal to cry, feel overwhelmed, or have moments when you do not know how you will get through everything. As mothers, we sometimes think we have to be strong for everyone, but acknowledging our vulnerability can be a strength in itself. Looking after yourself is also part of looking after your family.
Azqa Haroon: How has Matteo adjusted to life after treatment, particularly returning to school and interacting with others?
Rita B. Nehme: I was very worried about Matteo starting school. He had spent a long time at home, and because of his immunity, he had limited contact with other people. I wondered whether he would struggle to adjust to school, whether he would find it difficult to be away from me, and how he would manage being around so many children.
Thankfully, he has settled in beautifully. He is well-liked, loves everyone, and is active. Even when he was in the hospital, he made friends with the people around him. We would bake cakes, give gifts, and find little ways to bring happiness into the environment. Those moments brought some lightness into a very difficult period.
Seeing him now, enjoying school, interacting with others, and moving forward is a blessing. After everything he has been through, I am grateful for the opportunity to see him enjoy these everyday experiences again.
A message of hope
Rita’s journey is a powerful reminder that strength is not about never feeling afraid, never crying or always having the answers. It is about continuing to show up for the people you love, accepting help when you need it and finding peace in the midst of uncertainty.
Through its Pinktober awareness initiative, AlRayyan Hotel Doha × Qreate Magazine celebrates the courage of families navigating challenging health journeys and encourages greater awareness, compassion and support. Rita’s story leaves us with an important message for every mother and family facing difficult circumstances: you do not have to be strong all the time, and you do not have to face it alone.
