CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – The Charlotte chapter of the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) recently recognized Winthrop University faculty member Duha Hamed with the Huda Al Masri Humanitarian Award, its highest honor.
One of the founders of the PCRF, Huda Al Masri was known as a loving mother, devoted wife, dedicated social worker and exemplary leader. The award in her name is presented annually to “a volunteer exhibiting the same humanistic values and spirit of the late Al Masri…healers who have exceptional courage and determination in support of the PCRF.”
“I was surprised and honored to be this year's award recipient,” said Hamed, an associate professor of mathematics who joined the Winthrop community in 2016.
The PCRF primarily honored Hamed for her fundraising efforts through running marathons. Since 2021, she’s run four full marathons and two half marathons, raising thousands of dollars for the fund.
Hamed began her marathon journey in late 2019, mainly to bring awareness to Palestinian citizens’ human rights…but her focus shifted when her beloved mother passed away in January 2020.
“I started doing more in her memory for her beloved homeland of Palestine (that she was never allowed to go back to),” she explained. “Training for marathons is not an easy thing to do, especially being a busy mom, educator, and a researcher. But the struggles my mom, dad and their families went through need not to be forgotten, and for that I find time to bring awareness through running.”
Hamed said she owes a lot to her mother for the person she is today.
“Reflecting on the strong person she was always gives me a sense of humility and gratitude for the good fortunes her sacrifice gave me,” she said. “I always find myself united with her spirit while running long distances.”
About Hamed
Hamed holds a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Jordan and a Ph.D. in mathematical statistics from Central Michigan University. Her primary research interest is the study of generalized statistical distributions. She serves as the advisor for Nu Epsilon Rho Delta (NERDs), a club for students interested in math.
About the PCRF
The Palestine Children's Relief Fund was established in 1992 by concerned humanitarians in the United States to bring injured and sick children for free medical care they could not get locally. Since then, the nonprofit has aided more than 2,000 sick and injured children with free medical care; sponsored volunteer medical teams; and built two pediatric cancer departments.
For more information, contact Nicole Chisari, social media manager, at 803/323-2236 or e-mail chisarin@winthrop.edu.
