HELP SAVE SALMA:
A Baby's Battle for Survival Amidst Conflict
In the heart of the Middle East conflict, where war and strife have become a daily reality, there exist stories of hope, resilience, and survival. One of these stories is that of Salma Hejoo, a baby girl born amidst turmoil, yet embodying the spirit of resistance and the will to live.
Salma was born in April 2023. Shortly after birth, she was diagnosed with a life-threatening cardiac condition, which led to her immediate transfer to Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem for emergency treatment. Salma's mother, Hejoo, who had waited eight long years to hold her newborn, could only pray as her daughter fought for her life.
Hejoo recounts her experience, her voice imbued with a potent mix of fear and hope, "I whispered to my daughter, 'Be strong for me, my daughter, I’ve waited for you many years. Be strong—I need you, Salma, so I can hold you one more time.’”
In the midst of war, Salma's parents made incredible sacrifices to keep their daughter alive. When war broke out and electricity became scarce, they braved bombings and airstrikes to charge Salma’s ventilator. Despite the immense challenges, Salma survived and was later brought to a hospital in Northern Sinai, Egypt, where she is responding well to treatment.
However, Salma's journey to recovery is far from over. Her complex case will require long-term treatment, including further heart surgeries. Al Nas Children’s Hospital in Cairo, where Salma is currently receiving treatment, is providing their services free of charge. However, Salma's family needs your help.
We aim to raise $20,000 to cover one year’s expenses: rent, utilities, food, water, toiletries, clothes, trauma counseling, and any medical or dental expenses not covered by Al Nas for Salma, her mother, and sister Zeina. Funds will be transferred to the family via Western Union.
Hejoo's closing words encapsulate the spirit of her family, "Through all this, my family and I have remained resilient. We love life and want to live with dignity, a simple desire given the hardships we've endured."
CAN YOU HELP SALMA’S FAMILY TO SURVIVE ANOTHER YEAR?
PLEASE GIVE WHAT YOU CAN, AND SHARE AS WIDELY AS POSSIBLE!
Financial Disclosure: The money raised will go to direct assistance for Salma’s family, except for a 5% administrative fee to cover administrative and money transfer costs. Any money raised beyond the goal of $20,000 will be used to help with costs for the many medical refugee families in similar situations. Thank you for your prayerful response!