Awar Hozan, a 5-year-old Kurdish boy from Derik town in Rojava, northeastern Syria, has been battling kidney cancer for three years. His two dreams were to meet Cristiano Ronaldo and to attend school. While he managed to fulfill the first dream, the second remains uncertain.
Awar’s condition has worsened, spreading throughout his body and leaving him unable to speak for the past three weeks. His disease is now incurable. Doctors have advised his parents to cherish the remaining time with him.
In June 2024, after the Portugal-Slovenia match in Euro 2024, Awar met Cristiano Ronaldo. He also received autographs from Portugal’s head coach Roberto Martinez and referee Daniele Orsato.
Awar’s father, Hozan Yousif, recalled the moment: “Cristiano came and gave Awar a high five. Despite being tired, Ronaldo took the time to meet Awar. He knew Awar was Kurdish and from Syria, thanks to the medical team and organizers.”
Awar’s family fled Syria in 2013 during the civil war, seeking refuge in the Kurdistan Region’s Duhok. Shortly before his second birthday, Awar developed a high fever and swollen throat. Initially, doctors couldn’t diagnose him, but two weeks later, he was found to have kidney cancer.
Awar’s mother, Suad Ali, recounted her efforts to secure medical care: “For eight months, I traveled monthly from Kurdistan to Damascus for Awar’s chemotherapy. For 15 months, I hoped he would recover.”
Medical care in the Middle East is costly and often unavailable, worsened by Syria’s ongoing conflict. “One night, Awar had a high fever. Tests showed his cancer had reached Stage 4,” Ali said. “His father had to move to Germany, as treatment was only available there.”
In 2022, Awar’s father began a perilous journey to Europe, finally reuniting with his family in October 2023. However, it was too late for Awar. Doctors advised his family to prepare for the worst, and Awar was discharged from the hospital.
Despite his dire condition, Awar still dreams of going to school. His father remains hopeful, saying, “Awar wants to go to school, but his health doesn’t allow it. Alhamdulillah [Thanks be to God].”
