Hawraa's Story
Hawraa, 10, suffered from a chest deformity since birth. It not only affected her ability to partake in certain physical activities, it affected her relationship with other children her age. She felt ashamed, embarrassed, and preferred to be alone most of the time.
Her family sought help in their home country of Kuwait, but none of the medical professionals could help. Hawraa’s father, Adulaziz, knew that his daughter had the best opportunity to overcome her medical deformity if she received medical care in the United States.
First, Adulaziz and his family sought help at a well-known hospital on the east coast. After the doctors assessed his daughter, they told Adulaziz they could not perform the operation to repair her deformity.
Determined to help his daughter, Adulaziz sought out a second opinion. That is when the medical liaison in Kuwait put Adulaziz in contact with the International Program at Children’s National Medical Center. The International Program connected Adulaziz and his family with Children’s world-renowned surgeon and founder of Safe Kids Worldwide, Martin Eichelberger, MD.
Dr. Eichelberger told Adulaziz and his family that Hawraa’s chest deformity could be repaired.
“He gave us hope,” said Adulaziz.
On June 23, Dr. Eichelberger operated on Hawraa’s chest and corrected her deformity.
“We’re so thankful,” said Adulaziz. “The only thing we can say as a family is God bless Dr. Eichelberger, Children’s National Medical Center, and all those who work there to make families like us comfortable and happy. We’re able to smile again.”
Hawraa has since returned to Kuwait and her quality of life has improved considerably.
“Thank God! My dream has come true,” said Hawraa.
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