“Strength isn’t about never struggling— it’s about choosing to move forward despite the struggle,” says Hina (dx 2013). “I’ve learned to be patient with my body, value every breath, and celebrate small victories.”
When she was just 13, Hina noticed bluish discoloration on her fingertips one winter. What followed was a year of visiting doctors, receiving tests that led to unclear answers. “After analysing the tests, the doctor told me that I am diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder called scleroderma,” she remembers.
“Scleroderma has changed every aspect of my life,” Hina explains. “It has affected my skin, fingers, and lungs. It has affected my ability to perform simple daily activities, and because of finger stiffness, ulcer and breathlessness, I have to take help from my mother for bathing and eating food.” These days, she spends around 16 hours a day on oxygen therapy, and functional limitations often keep her from going outside.
Despite this, Hina pursued decided to pursue medicine, having to take university exams through unbearable pain in her fingers, competing in table tennis at the university level, and completing a internship where she assisted in surgeries, deliveries and supported vaccination campaigns. “Becoming a doctor despite years of progressive illness remains one of my greatest achievements in life,” she says.
Hina has always believed that visibility is part of the fight against scleroderma. “I wanted to share my entire journey to people, and I want to make people aware of this rare disease.” For Scleroderma Awareness Month, Hina shared her story with The Times of India — an international publication reaching a combined print and online audience of over 40 million — hoping to help others in India recognize a condition that remains largely unknown, and to connect with others navigating it too.For Scleroderma Awareness Month, Hina shared her story with The Times of India —an international publication reaching a combined print and online audience of over 40 million— hoping to help others in India recognize a condition that remains largely unknown, and to connect with others navigating it too.
Hina is just as passionate about advancing research. “In India, there are very few professional doctors and hospitals specialised and have information about this disorder,” she says. “That is why I feel that research could provide better and cheaper treatment for scleroderma. It would help me and people like me a lot.”
“Today, at age 26, I continue this journey with courage, gratitude, and hope,” she says. Thank you, Hina, for sharing your story and your strength with us. The Scleroderma Research Foundation remains committed to funding the research that will bring better treatments —and one day, a cure— to people like Hina around the world.
