Ghalia Al-Shammari Overcomes Rare Genetic Disorder, Turning Her Struggle into a Story of Inspiration and Hope
Saudi Arabia's Ghalia Al-Shammari, diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, shares her journey of late diagnosis in 2025 in Germany and her continued education in digital media.
Despite being diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder known as 'Palmoplantar Keratoderma with Woolly Hair,' Ghalia Al-Shammari has managed to overcome the harshness of pain and transform her health struggles into an inspiring journey marked by patience, ambition, and determination to make an impact.
In her interview with Saudi TV, Ghalia recounted the details of her journey with the disease, explaining that her suffering began in the first few months of her life when she exhibited unusual symptoms such as yellowing of the skin, cracked hands and feet, and weakened immunity. This prompted her family to consult numerous hospitals and doctors in an attempt to reach an accurate diagnosis of her condition.
She added that during that period, doctors differed in their interpretations of her condition, suggesting allergies, psoriasis, and congenital deformities, before the rare genetic mutation she suffers from was discovered in 2025 after a series of precise medical tests conducted in Germany.
Ghalia confirmed that the disease directly affects the skin and the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, causing painful cracks and wounds that require continuous care. She noted that the current treatment primarily relies on daily care using warm water, salt, and medical ointments to alleviate skin thickness and reduce wounds and inflammations.
Despite the health challenges she faced, she emphasized that the significant support provided by the wise leadership, particularly the support of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was a crucial motivator for her to continue her education and achieve her ambitions. She enrolled in the field of digital media and content creation at the Saudi Electronic University with support from the Authority for the Care of Persons with Disabilities.
She also explained that she has taken practical steps in the media field by participating in several events and forums, including the Saudi Media Forum and the Saudi Film Forum, affirming that her greatest dream is to be an inspiring voice for everyone facing health or psychological challenges.
Ghalia revealed that she is currently working on preparing a book documenting the details of her journey with the disease, stating that she has been accustomed since childhood to writing down her feelings and thoughts to express her suffering, before turning those writings into a project carrying a message of hope and inspiration for others.
She concluded her interview with a touching message, affirming that challenges do not mean the end of the road, but rather can be a true beginning for creating hope.