Healthcare | Friday 24 April, 2015 10:56 am |

Saudi dentist Dr. Nasreen Al-Hoqail said she embarked on an adventurous Everest journey to draw world attention to a rare disease of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which has hit her son Talal.

“I underwent intensive training for this difficult journey since December last year and acquired required skills to climb the Everest. By April 5, I reached 4,220 meters above the sea level and spent two days for acclimatization,” Al-Hoqail said in an interview with Al-Arabiya channel.

She said there was good response to her initiative aimed at informing society about ADHD patients and the need to provide them with advanced medical treatment.
“About 15% of Saudi children are affected by this disease,” said Al-Hoqail, adding that most of these patients do not receive high-quality diagnosis and treatment. “I did not set out on this journey just for adventure but to send an important message and hope this message reaches decision makers.”

There were 12 members in her team in addition to five Nepalese, a doctor and a guide. “While climbing the Everest I faced shortage of oxygen and severe cold weather,” she said, adding that there was big celebration when the team reached the peak. Al-Hoqail thanked her husband Rakan for his support. “My father and other family members were also following my journey and praying for me.”