Battling against odds, Lebanese journalist flies high

Dubai - While she was at the peak of her career in May 2015, Rima Maktabi was diagnosed with brain tumour

At the tender age of 10, she saw her father being shot dead. That is enough trauma for anyone. But Rima Maktabi was not one to buckle down. She dreamt of flying high. And she did exactly that - She overcame multiple challenges to give wings to her dreams.
Maktabi, a 39-year-old Lebanese journalist, was telling her story during the session on 'Inspiring Story: The Challenge' at the opening day of the 16th Arab Media Forum in Dubai on Monday.
Maktabi's childhood was steeped in poverty and fear, as she grew up during the civil war in Lebanon. But she pursued her education with a passion. She soon realised that "all things work for those who love God".
At 18, she became the breadwinner of her family when she joined a Lebanese TV station as a news reader. Maktabi, now dreams of pursuing higher education and travelling the world. One of her seniors at the TV station helped her win a scholarship to pursue masters degree at the American Lebanese University. Soon, she set her sights on Al Arabiya TV and took on more challenging roles as a journalist.
Maktabi's thirst for excelling further only increased when she joined CNN, which gave her opportunities to travel across the Middle Eastern nations, including Turkey, Egypt, Libya, Syria... "Enroute, I transited in Dubai," said the vibrant journalist.
Battle with brain tumour
While she was at the peak of her career in May 2015, Maktabi was diagnosed with brain tumour.
That is when she woke up to the reality that nothing is more important that one's health. Doctors warned her that the operation could be risky. Chances of her being paralysed for life were not ruled out. But Maktabi faced it in her indomitable style.
The operation did have its consequences. She woke up without a voice. "Imagine, I was once a passionate news anchor, and I had lost my voice!"
She followed the treatment strictly and took the health challenge head-on. She was determined to regain her voice.
Three months back, a fit-and-fine Maktabi resumed work and hit the ground running. She now presents news as well as interviews personalities on her show.
"But hold on", she said, adding that, "my mother was diagnosed with cancer. I was beside her as she fought the disease and she is recuperating excellently now."
Maktabi says, her life has taught her to be grateful. "Gratitude is everything". "I still believe I can fly. I still have dreams. But they are different," the stoic journalist told an amazed audience.
Maktabi now loves telling stories of people. Media, she finds, has changed a lot in the recent past. "Communication is quicker now," she said.
She believes, as a journalist, her job is to relate to people's suffering let the world know them better. Maktabi's dream now is to see a peaceful Arab World. "I have hope!".
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com