Sabiha Alam - Shila

The below was written on behalf of Zeba, Samira and Tanisha to request prayers and support as they take on an incredibly difficult journey with their mom, Shila.

9/9 - our beautiful Shila took her final breath today. Her memories will forever be with us and in our hearts. Please pray for her girls - they meant the world to her and if you see them, hug them tight. On behalf of our family, thank you so much for the incredible amount of love and generosity. We will make sure everything you have contributed is given to the girls in support of their mom.

Sabiha Alam, also lovingly known as Shila, is battling a rare form of an autoimmune disease called anti-MDA5 amyopathic dermatomyositis, which causes rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease.

On August 4, 2023 Shila was admitted to Mass General Hospital. Shila was put on a ventilator on August 12 to help her body heal and fight this disease. The pulmonologist, rheumatologist and additional doctors have treated Shila and continue to do so. She has received blood transfusions, steroid treatments and has undergone numerous tests. Right now, the situation is quite severe – Shila’s oxygen levels are dropping and minimal options remain. Shila’s 3 lovely daughters are holding onto hope as they wait at their Ammu’s side waiting for any signs of improvement.

Shila always has the most beautiful smile, followed by these little giggles as she speaks to you. Her voice is always calming and serene – whether she’s speaking to you or singing her heart out. Shila loves Bangladeshi music and plays the harmonium. She is a loving mom and the primary caretaker to Zebeka, Samira and Tanisha - all who look more like her sisters than daughters. Shila is loved by so many and has made an impression on so many lives. We pray that whatever is in her future is what is best for her and pray for strength and love for the girls.

We are asking for prayers, love and support for Shila and her daughters. If you would like to donate any funds, they would go towards expenses to give our beautiful Shila a final resting place and to support her 3 daughters as they navigate through their day to day lives.

Thank you

Additional information about myositis can be found here - https://www.myositis.org/about-myositis/