Sadiya Hamza (12) with her father Mohammed, brother Ameer (14) and sister and mother in the family's apartment after breaking the fast during Ramadan. Both Sadiya and Ameer suffer with the genetic disorder Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), a condition characterised by extreme sensitivity to sunlight where the skin is unable to repair damage caused by UV light. Ameer has had both his corneas replaced and Sadiya has had one cornea replaced via transplant and is scheduled to receive the second.

XP is particularly prevalent in India and frequently results in the need for corneal transplants as a result of irreparable eye damage. Sufferers can be identified by skin discolouration which often results in carcinomas, and usually have stunted growth due to insufficient vitamin D. Most people with XP develop multiple cancers during their lifetime.