Coalition of Muslim Women executive director showing signs of recovery following serious crash
The Coalition of Muslim Women of KW’s (CMW) executive director, Fauzia Mazhar, is showing signs of improvement following a serious crash last week in Dubai.
Mazhar underwent a successful five-hour surgery Tuesday morning, according to a post from her family in an online fundraiser to help cover medical expenses. The post also said at some point on Wednesday, she might be awoken from sedation.
The encouraging signs come after she nodded her head and moved her hand during a neurological assessment late last week.
Mazhar was injured in an ATV crash while on a desert safari in Dubai. She suffered life-threatening injuries to her head and spinal cord, made worse due to complications from her former breast cancer treatment, according to a post from the family.
Sarah Shafiq has stepped in as CMW’s acting executive director while Mazhar recovers. And Shafiq says the absence of Mazhar, even temporarily, has been difficult.
“Feeling like the sky has fallen, really scared, really fearful,” Shafiq said. “You plan for these risk situations, but then thay actually happening -- you're not prepared for it.”
Word spread quickly after CMW shared the news online, prompting a rush of community support, including a flurry of donations for the fundraiser. It’s provided some hope for her colleagues.
“We know she's a fighter, she will come through,” said Shafiq.
Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic talked with CTV News about the importance of Mazhar’s leadership from his office in city hall on Wednesday.
“The best thing we can do to support Fauzia is continue to support the work of the coalition, and particularly against issues of hatred and Islamophobia,” Vrbanovic said. “That will no doubt give her strength in her healing journey.”
Chair of Waterloo Region, Karen Redman, also spoke with CTV News on Wednesday about the importance of coming together when someone is in need.
“I think it reminds us what a small hometown community we are despite being 630,000 people around the region. When something like this happens to a leader in the community, we all feel it,” Redman said.
Those close to Mazhar say the community is what she stands for because it allows people to help others in a way that couldn’t be done alone. And it’s something that’s clearly needed on her road to recovery.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Weather alerts issued for 7 provinces, 1 territory
Warnings of up to 60 millimetres of rain and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces and one territory ahead of the Easter weekend.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
Feeling older than you are? It could be how you sleep
Not getting enough sleep may cause you to feel five to 10 years older than you really are, according to two new studies.
OPP seize $7.5 million worth of drugs in eastern Ontario
The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police says one person is facing multiple charges after a traffic complaint on Highway 17 in Head Clara Maria Township.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Why Kim Kardashian is being sued for 'knockoff' furniture
The estate of minimalist contemporary artist Donald Judd filed a lawsuit against Kardashian this week, claiming the fashion and beauty mogul promoted 'cheap knockoffs' of his furniture designs.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.