Sana – 2009

Sana is a 14 year old who was stricken with polio as an infant. Her body carries the terrible evidences of this untreated condition. While part of the Solace Summer Program, Sana was fitted with special shoes that will allow her to walk with far less negative impact on her frail skeletal system. As Sana grew, the shoes became much too small and the toe was cut out just to allow her continue to wear the shoes. When Solace was notified, we provided her with new shoes. You here Sana proudly wearing her new shoes!

Sana needs surgery to correct a serious spinal condition which will take the cooperation of an orthopedic surgeon and hospital as well as a host for her for up to a year. This may not happen quickly, but until then, for the price of a pair of shoes, she can walk with less pain.

Shaeq – 2009

Shaeq had life saving surgery in July 2009 as part of the Solace Summer Program, but he needs more. We discovered Shaeq in an orphanage which required the children to work on the streets rather than providing schooling. Solace has moved him into a very positive situation in another city in Afghanistan where he is in classes and learning! It has been recommended that Shaeq have an amputation of his leg due to an untreated injury from many years ago. If he is to receive this treatment we will pay for it and we will provide the first prosthetic leg and the next and the next as he grows! He will be a part of the Solace Summer Program for as long as he needs treatment.

Fahima – 2008/2009

Fahima was badly burned as a toddler when her home was set fire. Seeing the extent of 12 year old Fahima’s scars when she first arrived in America for the summer program, we asked about her expectations. Fahima quickly answered. She wanted an eyelid so she could close her eye and she wanted to swing! Fahima received both wishes. Yet as a “damaged” girl, Fahima’s hope for a future lies in her ability to study English. Solace is now providing Fahima and her brothers with English lessons with the hope that she will soon be able to move into a school and even receive a scholarship to an American school as her English improves. A photo of Fahima and the physician that helped her is attached.

Najibullah – 2009

Najeeb and his brother were on a bicycle on Election Day in Afghanistan, August 20, 2009. As any young person they were curious about the national excitement and wanted to go to the stadium which was the polling place for his area. On the way, the brothers were caught in a Taliban rocket attack meant to discourage voters from taking part in the elections. Najeeb’s brother was killed and Najeeb received shrapnel wounds in his foot, leg and eye.

With the help of Nato and a British journalist, Najeeb received medical emergency attention, yet the metal shrapnel lodged in his eye was beyond their capabilities to remove. Solace for the Children agreed to accept Najeeb for treatment. In September, surgery was performed to remove the shrapnel, but his much damaged eye would need a second surgery to repair a detached retina. We are still hopeful that Najeeb will continue to have some sight in his damaged eye, but only time will tell.

When Najeeb returns to Afghanistan Solace will provided room and board in a school where he can continue to learn English and the chance to return to America for further medical care and hopefully to continue his education. If he needs additional medical attention while in Afghanistan, Solace will work through our physicians to provide that care.

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