28 July 2023 , 23:02
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A couple who fought cancer together as newlyweds have now been devastated by a heart-wrenching update discovered during a recent scan.
Dr. Abdallah Abou Zahr and Shauna Erickson, who fought cancer side by side following their wedding, dreamt of starting a family. Following IVF treatment, Shauna's embryos were preserved before her cancer treatment began.
The couple, from Fargo, North Dakota, soon received the heartwarming news of a successful in vitro fertilisation pregnancy. They were expecting a baby girl in January, and it seemed like life was finally turning in their favour.
However, fate dealt them a crushing blow when a recent cancer scan revealed that Abdallah's cancer had returned, and the prognosis was grim. As a cancer specialist himself, Abdallah could recognised the severity of the situation, InForum reported.
While the couple is now celebrating news of a first in vitro fertilization pregnancy, there is tragic news from a recent cancer scan (WDAY News)The couple, who met on a dating app, quickly fell in love. After getting engaged, their plans for a dream wedding were abruptly shifted when Shauna received her diagnosis.
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Soon after their wedding, their strength was put to the test again when, a week after their honeymoon, Abdallah was diagnosed with sarcoma cancer. After both going through gruelling treatments, they thought their health battles were over, until it was discovered that Abdallah’s cancer had returned and had spread throughout his body
Shauna said: "To hear him say, on Monday when he called me at work, like, 'I might not be here when the baby comes,' was inexplicable. Each day, over the last 10 days, has had new information. Some of which, has been just gut punching."
The couple has been inundated with support from their community. Neighbours, friends, and strangers have rallied together.
Shauna Erickson Abou Zahl and Dr. Abdallah Abou Zahl sit in their north Fargo home on Thursday, July 27 (WDAY News)A GoFundMe campaign, page set up for the family has raised nearly £60k. The page, set up by a friend, reads: "These two had the most messed up newlywed phase of life but held positive attitudes throughout their battles.
"As if cancer wasn’t enough, the couple was forced to utilise IVF to secure the possibility of becoming parents one day due to their health struggles. The recent news of Abdallah’s reoccurrence has shocked, paralyzed, and sent the couple and their families into despair."
Abdallah and Shauna said they are holding onto the hope that they will witness the birth of their daughter together. "Abdallah is really what solidified me wanting to be a parent because he balances me. He's gentle, he's patient, he's compassionate, he's logical—all things I sometimes am not," Shauna said.