PALESTINE CHILDREN'S RELIEF FUND

Hayat Jibreel: From Bethlehem to Baltimore

In September 2003, Johns Hopkins University medical student Mazen Bedri succeeded in arranging free surgery in Baltimore for 15-year-old Hayat Jibreel who suffered from a severe case of scoliosis (curvature of the spine). Hayat, the eldest of 5 children from a struggling family living in a village outside Bethlehem, was suffering tremendously from her condition, and it had affected virtually every aspect of her life -- from her physical mobility to her self-esteem.
In Baltimore, Hayat was operated on by Dr. Michael Ain and his team of highly skilled and compassionate medical professionals. After a lengthy recovery at the hospital and then with her host family in Bethesda, Hayat regained her health while at the same time making many new friends in the area.

PCRF-DC wishes to express its gratitude to Mazen Bedri for taking the lead in locating treatment for Hayat. Without his initiative , Hayat would not have had the opportunity for this surgery that will change her life.
PCRF-DC would also like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Mahabba Al-Wazir of Bethesda, who opened her home as a host family for Hayat and cared for her throughout her stay in the U.S. From taking Hayat to doctor's appointments to sleeping over at the hospital with her, Mahabba played a crucial role in Hayat's recovery process.

There are many chances for you to participate in the healing process of a Palestinian child. Please contact dc-chapter@pcrf.net if you live anywhere in the DC Metro area and would like to help.