WE HAVE KIDS IN SURGERY RIGHT NOW! THROUGH THESE STORIES WE'RE INVITING YOU TO BE A PART OF THE NEXT LIFESAVING SOLUTION. GET TO KNOW THESE KIDS & PLEASE GIVE WHAT YOU CAN FOR THE NEXT GROUP!

Rezhin Doing Great Post Surgery & Growing Up Fast After So Much Childhood Lost

July 8, 2009 by Abby · Leave a Comment

Last Thursday PLC Family Advocates and a few summer interns went to visit Rezhin, a tiny and precious 12-year-old girl who received heart surgery in early 2009. As we watched a slideshow of her stay at the hospital, we were able to see the bond she formed with the PLC staff and the other kids who were there during that time. Now that school is out for the summer, she doesn’t have anything planned besides enjoying the break from school!

She is doing so well physically now (which is exciting!), but we can’t help but grieve the years of childhood that she missed out on while waiting for surgery…especially since she is now caught in the awkward age between being a kid and wanting to “grow up”. At one time during our visit, she pointed out a bracelet on her wrist that she got during her time away with a smile. This reminds us not to dwell on the past but to be thankful for the ways she has been healed and hope for the new way that she can live. We greatly enjoyed being in their home and the summer interns are particularly excited to see her again this summer before heading back home.

Rezhin represents another of the many Iraqi children who are not getting their surgeries in a timely manner. Granted, her condition had not deteriorated to the point of inoperability when she received her surgery, but she had already missed out on all of her childhood years, sick and playing it safe by the rules established for her by an easily corrected heart defect.

To help future kids like Rezhin get well and keep their childhood, please consider donating to the Shad Faraydoon Memorial Fund for Infant Surgeries by clicking here.

Abby Bertrand is the Hospitality Coordinator for the Preemptive Love Coalition in Istanbul, Turkey. She is married to PLC's Turkey Director, Scott Bertrand. When not showing hospitality to Iraqi families on during their surgical sojourns, she's still most likely to be found showing hospitality to someone else through her delicious home-cooking or many manners of gift giving and kindness.

Filed under: Uncategorized

Ranu Giving Others Rides on Her Bike After Her Successful February Surgery

June 29, 2009 by Abby · Leave a Comment

runu

Yesterday, PLC Family Advocates and Summer Interns visited Ranu, one of our heart surgery kids from February.

She looks so different, we almost didn’t recognize her! Not only does she have a new hair cut, but she looks much healthier. While we were there, she was running and playing, which she was unable to do before her surgery. Prior to her surgery, whenever she was tired, she just laid down wherever she was. Now, she is able to run and play like any other 5 year-old. In fact, she was so active, while we were there, she gave kids rides on her two-seater bike.

Filed under: Internship, Our Kids, RanuBahadeen, surgery updates

Lawaran Rolling Over & Growing Significantly 3 Months Post-Op

June 16, 2009 by Abby · Leave a Comment

After having one of the most difficult heart surgeries seen by PLC last March, one-year-old Lawaran is showing continual signs of improvement. He has grown significantly, has much more color in his skin and is finally developing the muscles and coordination to roll over. His big eyes and gleeful smiles lit up the room when PLC Family Advocates and some of our summer interns visited yesterday.

Lawaren played contently on the floor as his parents spoke of his growth. Lawaren will most likely receive another surgery in a few years, but until then, he and his family rejoice and celebrate the new life they now all share.

Filed under: Lawaran, Our Kids

From Airport to Hospital (Istanbul, Turkey)

February 15, 2009 by Abby · Leave a Comment

Right now we’re driving to the hospital from the airport in the ASM shuttle. After traveling all night these kids are definitely tired, but overall in good spirits. Taban showed up in pig tails at the Suli airport as we began our travels. Ranu came with her baby doll that she loves carrying around and picking up as though she is a real baby. Zana came entertained with an electronic handheld game. Ahmed is as sweet and shy as ever, slowly taking everything in around him. They all love the shiny star stickers. Zana is even wearing one on his first forehead.

Waiting in the lobby just before boarding Ahmed was fascinated by the airplane just outside of the windows. He took in every part with great awe. Once we landed in Istanbul, I wondered what Taban, coming from a small village, was thinking as we walked through the Istanbul airport. With great enthusiasm she looked from one conveyer belt to the next and then insisted on pushing a luggage cart, even in her tired state. I think it was as fun for her as any game could have been.

Filed under: Uncategorized