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Patient Success StoriesAssyrian Medical Relief has helped over 300 people receive medical treatment and bring change to their lives that was not available to them beforehand. Our patients have been victims of war, terrorism, economic destitution or geographic isolation. Whatever the reasons were, we were there for them. Below are the stories of some of many patients that received treatment with the help of Assyrian Medical Relief.
Zainab* - Congenital Heart Desease
My StoryZainab is a 16 years old female from Basrah, Iraq with congenital heart disease (large Atrial septal defect), a condition that is not treatable in Iraq at the present time. The patient was referred by Dr. Ahmad Qasim of Basrah, Iraq. The Medical Relief Project of Assyrian Medical Relief approved her care and she was among 4 children transported from Iraq to Jordan for the "Amman cardiac Mission" a joint project between Help to Heal, Gift of Life Amman (GOLA), TD foundation in New York, Veterans Rebuilding Iraq (VRI), and the cardiac team from the University of Indiana. The heart surgery was successfully completed in April of this year and the child has been returned home in good condition.
Maryana* - Thoracic Scoliosis
My StoryMaryna is a 16 years old girl from Baghdad, Iraq born with congenital deformity of the back (thoracic scoliosis) that cannot be treated in Iraq at the present time. The deformity can progress with years and can impose a serious threat to her life. The family's appeal reached Help to Heal through Ankawa.com. The Medical Relief Project of Assyrian Medical Relief secured approval from Shriners Hospital for Children in Los Angeles to treat her on charity basis. The child was brought from Iraq and transported to Shriners Hospital for Children in Sacramento where she underwent a 2 stage operation for the repair of her back. The surgeries were successful.
Tabarek* - Bone Cyst
My StoryTabarek is an 8 years old girl form the city of al-Shirqat, the modern day city of ancient Ashur, the capital of Assyria (Iraq).The child was born as a normal child however, at the age of 3-4 she started to have left leg pain followed by limping. She was evaluated by an Orthopedic surgeon in Erbil, Iraq who diagnosed her with enlarging bone cyst affecting the left lower tibia. She underwent two surgeries to remove the cyst and then apply bone graft to enhance the healing. The operations were not successful and the leg never healed. She developed a condition called pseudoarthrosis. Basically, the left foot was hanging in the breeze and the child was not able to walk. The family reached out to whoever was willing to listen. Their appeals were heard by Assyrian Medical Relief who was lucky enough to find her a sponsoring institution, Shriners Hospital of Los Angeles, That agreed to deliver the care on charity basis. Her arrival to the US for treatment was supported by the generous donation from "Veterans Rebuilding Iraq". The child underwent a successful surgical intervention where the defect in the bone was bridged by hardware supplemented by "Bone inducing matrix" to avoid taking more of her natural bone. The surgery was a smashing success! The child is already walking, albeit supported by a temporary walking boot. On August 27, 2010, the child left with her grandmother back to Iraq. They arrived Erbil Airport on August 28, 2010 at 03:00 AM, where they were received by their grateful family.
Stewar* - Suparcondylar
My StoryStewar is a 10 years old Iraqi refugee in Syria who fractured his left arm after an accident. He was diagnosed with supracondylar left humeral fracture for which ORIF and application of a cast was recommended. The patient was referred by AAS-Syria. The Medical Relief Project of Assyrian Medical Relief approved his care after and the surgery was completed successfully in Syria at a cost of (30,000 SL). He has made a full recovery.
Yousif* - Right Ankle Injury
My Story We are thrilled to report some great news! Our beloved Yousif received successful surgery on both legs! We first want to take a moment and thank the Shriners Hospitals for Children – Los Angeles and the wonderful Dr. Cho and his medical staff on behalf of the entire Assyrian Medical Relief family. We are forever indebted by your service to mankind! Yousif, our precious angel, know this: Yes, your dream has become a true reality! We thank everyone who kept our boy, Yousif, in their thoughts and prayers. On behalf of our patients, both past and present, we thank you all for your steadfast support and well wishes!
Massara * - Scoliosis
My Story Massara, a precious girl from Bartilla, Iraq, was on the verge of growing into a beautiful young woman. However, before this evolution would be realized, she was tested, by God, to endure, and more importantly, to learn the true meaning of sacrifice. For the wise know, without a doubt, it is through sacrifice, suffering and perseverance, that we attain that highest degree of enlightenment… and that is rebirth! During her short stay with us, she blessed everyone in her presence with an indelible gift of joy that will forever remain in our hearts and minds. She welcomed, as she enjoys back home, harmony and beauty into the lives of all those fortunate to meet her. On behalf of Assyrian Medical Relief, volunteers and supporters, we would like to wish Massara, a life adorned in celebration. Furthermore, we are overwhelmed with joy to add you to our beautiful, and growing, Assyrian Medical Relief’s- Garden of Life.
Karmal* - Urologic Surgery
My Story Karmal, a 6 year old boy from Kirkuk, Iraq. We are very happy to announce that our courageous young boy underwent a successful surgery. We have never witnessed such bravery from any individual facing a surgery of this magnitude and yet he handled it so calm and collected, much less a young boy. Needless to say, we are proud and full of joy that he faced his surgery with courage, truly inspiring those who witnessed his bravery to reexamine our concerns and how we approach them. The only request that dear Karmal had was that he craved Chicken McNuggets from McDonald after his surgery, in which I, Albert Davidoo, happily delivered. Again, on behalf of Assyrian Medical Relief, members, volunteers, supporters, Karmal and his family, we would like to extend a most special thank you to Mending Kids International, Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles, Dr. Magee and Dr. Kim for an outstanding and smooth procedure, as we are eternally thankful for the blessings you bestow on these precious children in need.
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