During the sacred month of Ramadan, which is observed by 1.8 billion Muslims around the world, we are acknowledging the work of the local Muslim community at Humber River Hospital (HRH) and our Foundation.

Today, we’re shining a light on Aisha Piperdi, a Cytotechnologist at Humber River Hospital who has been working in the Pathology Lab for almost six years. We’re also shining a light on Dr. Danish Khan, an Emergency Physician at our Apotex Emergency Department (ED) and has been working in the ED since 2014.

Aisha Piperdi

Aisha Piperdi is a Cytotechnologist at Humber River Hospital.

As a Cytotechnologist, Aisha processes the sample under the microscope from the patient then assists in making the diagnosis at the cellular level.

“In turn, it helps the physician to come up with the management plan for the patient, like the care plan or treatment plan, depending on the diagnosis,” Aisha said.

Why Representation Matters

When it comes to representation, Aisha says that she takes pride in representing the Muslim community at Humber in her role.

“Being someone who is visibly Muslim, I take the opportunity to show the community of Humber and everyone that we are contributing to the well-being of the entire community,” Aisha said.

In addition, Aisha is grateful for being part of an all-inclusive environment at Humber.

“I’m really thankful to be at Humber because they are always supporting multicultural and multi-faith groups and are really strong supporters of diversity and inclusion, so it’s really nice to work in that environment and know each other, regardless of our faith.”

Raising Funds for the NICU

With this month’s Ramadan campaign focusing on raising funds for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Aisha said that the NICU is vital to the survival of premature babies. Making a donation to the NICU is a concrete way of giving back to the community because in the Muslim faith the donator will attain benefit both in this world and the next, while helping people now as well as those who will be here after us, Aisha said.

“Two key elements of our faith is to give charity and to save the life of any individual because life is so sacred. I cannot think of any better way of doing that than donating and fundraising for the NICU.”

Message to the Humber Community

During Ramadan, Aisha believes it is a time for us to grow on a spiritual level and focus on renewal, despite the physical challenge of fasting throughout the month.

She adds that giving more charity supports spiritual growth while directly benefitting the community.

Aisha expressed that she also wants non-Muslim people to know that they can be allies of the Muslim community, so they can walk the path of spiritual growth and renewal together.

“If you have any Muslim colleagues, I want to encourage you not to hesitate in learning more about our faith. We welcome that and are more than happy to share our beliefs and experiences with you,” she said.

Dr. Danish Khan

Dr. Danish Khan is an Emergency Physician at our Apotex Emergency Department (ED).

As a member of the Humber community, Dr. Khan said that he continues to represent the Muslim community by always setting an example to be kind and patient with all the patients that come to the ED in a time of crisis.

Fundraising for the NICU

“Ramadan is a month of giving and charity because the reward for doing so this month is greater than any other time of year,” Dr. Khan said. “What better way to help than to the NICU, which takes care of one of the most vulnerable members of our society, the newborns who are suffering from medical issues requiring this intensive care.”

He adds that Ramadan is also a time of self-sacrifice and reflection and that fasting is to remind us of those less fortunate than us.

Message to the Humber Community

Now that we are approaching the final few days of Ramadan, Dr. Khan would like to wish everyone Ramadan Mubarak!

“Please remember the kindness, caring and compassion we are expected to show during this month and continue it on towards the rest of the year,” he said.

Our team at Humber River Hospital Foundation wish you and your loved ones a blessed Ramadan.

This month, we are bringing our community together to once again make an impact at Humber River Hospital, this time for the smallest babies and their families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Please click here to make a donation.

Thank you and Ramadan Mubarak!