| | Ali's Heart Surgery
Sunday, May
3, 2009 Ali Completes His Journey
Filed
by This
morning the call came through from Iraq telling us that Ali's
long-expected death took place during the night.
I'm
so grateful now that I was able to see him together with his family at his
home in Iraq this last Tuesday, and that I can share with you now a final
glimpse of God's grace and mercy in Ali's life.
It
seemed little less than a miracle to walk into Ali's home in a
rubble-strewn neighborhood on Tuesday and find him there with his family. When he
left Israel more than two months ago Ali's doctors doubted that he
could even make it home alive.
But there
he was, sitting up while attached to his oxygen
generator, eating, drinking, and some of the time just wrapping his
arms around his father's neck:
I felt
there was a peace with Ali that I'd never seen in the hospital. He was
finally home with his mother and father and new baby brother. And
although God in his wisdom has now allowed Ali's life to end, I have to
believe that it was His lovingkindness which preserved Ali so that it
could end in the way that it did.
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 Sunday
March
1, 2009 Ali's Journey Begins
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Ali’s
departure was tentatively scheduled for Friday morning, but as the rain
poured down even the doctors were skeptical as to whether or not this
was a good day for them to leave. Ali’s father was
ready and wanting to leave so the plans went forward.
We
left the hospital around 6 PM. Ali had a cozy bed for him in
the back of the van where he would sleep for small increments of
time. Every half -hour or so he would ask to sit on his dad's
lap so he could see outside. There were no complaints or
cries. He was excited to be away from his bed and on to
something new.
As we crossed into Jordan he enjoyed
looking through the pages of his dad’s passport
(above). He showed a slight grin as he came to his
picture. I asked, “Is that Ali?” and he
replied my shaking his head up and down.
We
arrived to Dirk’s home around 12 AM where a warm room awaited
them. Ali sat on a mattress on the floor while his dad tried
to figure out his complex medications. After a few minutes
inside, Ali pointed to the door. He wanted to go.
He didn’t want another bed. Ali loves animals
whether it be the turtle in the Shevet backyard or the stray cats
around the hospital., they have a way of entertaining him.
So, we brought in the birdcage just outside the door. At
first Ali didn’t seem that impressed but then, suddenly one
of the birds flew from one perch to the other. Ali jumped
back and looked up at me with a big smile.
We managed
to get a few hours of sleep before we had to leave for the
airport. As soon as Ali woke up he asked Dirk if he could see
the birds again. When I walked in the room he was sticking
his fingers in the cage trying to get them to fly. He ate a
few bites of his favorite, a peanut butter sandwich before we left for
the airport.
Once we
arrived there were a few set backs in regards to which flight they
would be on. As we waited Ali asked his dad something and his
father started to cry. He managed to hold back tears while
the logistics were figured out, but when the time came for them to say
good-bye he couldn’t hold them back. I asked Ali
for a kiss and then we parted ways around 9 AM.
By 3:00 PM
we received word that they had made it home, Ali had seen his mother,
and that he was doing ok.
It
was last April when I first met Ali and his dad. All of the
families at Shevet had a special picnic overlooking the Mediterranean
Sea and Ali and his father joined us.
I
noticed right away that Ali was energetic and curious. He
left his dad’s side and wandered all over the park, climbing
up hills and rocks with the other kids.
If
it wasn’t for his blue lips and fingers you
wouldn’t have known that he suffered from a serious and
complicated heart defect. He was unstoppable.
The same
was true the day before his first surgery. Ali was
entertained for nearly an hour with a balloon that had been given to
him. He would punch it against the wall, let it fly into the
air and then jump up to grab it, or push it to the ground and use it as
a soccer ball.
Yesterday,
as we waited to hear whether or not he and his father would be allowed
to board their flight home Ali sat in his stroller begging me to
move. At first he was fine with going in circles around the
waiting area, but then he wanted to go faster. He
hadn’t had much sleep or food yet as I pushed his stroller
faster he moved quickly side to side as if he were pretending to be in
a racecar. Despite his condition, he is still that same
energetic boy.
I pray that
this is only the beginning of the story. Please continue to pray for
Ali and his family.
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Tuesday,
February 24, 2009 Ali's Departure Date Nears
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I've
gotten to spend time visiting with Ali and his dad the past few
days during my visits to the hospital, and find them most often
strolling the hospital or the attached mall. Today when I arrived
though, Ali was asleep, and the nurse reported that he had not been
sleeping during the night the past few nights, so we needed to let him
rest this morning.
I was looking forward to seeing Ali's father to give him a new stroller
for him to take back to Iraq with him, and later in the morning had an
opportunity to tell him the stroller he'd seen in the intermediate ICU
was for Ali. We had an interruption to our discussion, and I had to go
in a different direction, but the next time I saw Abu Ali, he was
pushing Ali around in his new stroller.
According to the nurse I spoke with today, Ali is the same, not better,
but thankfully not worse. He enjoyed some fries outside in the sunshine
this afternoon, and seemed pleased to observe an UNO game in the
waiting area when Halo and Alaa from Iraq arrived for admission.
His
father however seemed to me to be more discouraged today. He is
anxious to go home, and we are hoping to send them this week but are
still working to gather the medications needed to go with Ali.
Please keep praying for this precious boy and father. It seems to me
that the closer the date of departure comes, the more difficult the
decision becomes for Abu Ali, since there are risks to Ali's fragile
health as he travels. He so much needs both the wisdom and the comfort
that come from God alone. So do the doctors and all of us who are
working with Ali and his dad. Will you please pray fervently for all of
these things with and for us? I know God is listening.
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Wednesday,
February 18, 2009 Like A King With His Subject
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Today
when I went to see Ali he had spiked an unaccounted-for fever and
commenced again on potent antibiotics. However, steps are now being
taken to enable him to return to Iraq in the near future.
He now has a fine navy and orange trimmed stroller to gad about in.
Despite his fever, Ali enjoyed his outing in his stroller with Keleigh
today and had a stern word for his disobedient teddy!
Continue to
pray for this little man and all the issues facing him and his father
at this time.
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Sunday,
February 8, 2009 Hitting the Right Note
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by The
moment I reached Wolfson this morning Ali and his father met me as he
took his daily constitutional in his wheelchair through the corridors.
Ali's father asked me to arrange for his transfer back to Jordan as
soon as possible, he didn't want to wait any longer.
I
consulted with the deputy head of the ICU and Shevet leadership and
they agreed that if this was what Abu Ali wanted, the process of
discharge should begin. Since last Thursday Ali has been transfered
from the IV medication to an oral form and when I saw him today he
looked so much better. Many people have been praying and fasting for
him and the Lord has been touching his body. As you will see from the
photo above he so enjoyed his walks with Keleigh, and although my
camera
missed the exact moment, gave her a big kiss! Then he treated us to a
piano concert, Ali style, and this shows his concentration and
enthusiasm for music.
Thank
you for your dedication and support for this little boy and may he go
out with joy and be led forth with peace.
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Thursday,
February 5, 2009 Ali Wants To Live
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Yesterday
I got to the hospital around noon, and soon after Ali and his father
set out for a walk outside. Throughout the day his father and
I
would take turns walking him around in his wheelchair. As we
reached a fork in our path I would ask Ali, "Which way?" and he would
point in the direction that he wanted to go. Every time his
father tried to take him back to his bed, he would cry. He
wants
to be outside watching people, picking flowers or watching the stray
cats. He wants to live. His oxygen tank had to be
changed
three times because it ran out before Ali was ready to go back to his
bed. As I left the hospital around 5:30 PM, they were still
walking around.
Today I noticed that the medicine that the doctors say is keeping him
alive has been reduced, but Ali's oxygen level is steady in the
70's. He seems to be doing alright. When I
mentioned this
to his father he responded by saying, "God is great!"
A few days ago Simantov suggested that we set aside a day to pray and
fast for Ali. I would like to suggest for those interested
that
we set aside Saturday or Sunday (or both if you like) for
this. I
have heard from many people around the world praying for this little
boy. I believe if we join together and ask God for a miracle,
He
will act.
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Sunday,
February 1, 2009 A Day Out with Dad
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by I
managed to snatch a moment or two with Ali as he sat beside his father
out in the waiting room this afternoon. He quietly sat looking
up at his father's face
who sat attentive to his every
expression. It is one of Ali's pleasures to get away from the
intermediate ICU and mix with the few children and families sitting in
the waiting area. He is looking forward to his mother's anticipated
visit. Please continue to uphold this family that the Lord will work
out His purposes in their lives and they will sense His love even in
the pain.
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 Thursday,
January 29, 2009 An Emotional Week
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It has been
an emotional week watching Ali's condition as it continues on like a
roller coaster. Everyday that I was able to visit him, his
oxygen would fall to the 40's and then bounce up to the lower
80's. On Tuesday he was able to sit up and throw a ball back
and forth with me, but today he slept most of the afternoon.
He was awake for the first 15 minutes that I was there and then he
rolled over to his left side like he always does when he wants to
sleep, and he put out his right arm. His father knows that
that means he wants him to come close. Ali's father then puts
his head on Ali's chest and whispers in his ear until Ali falls
asleep. Today, before Ali fell asleep he put his hand down
the collar of his father's shirt and tickled him. Ali's
father laughed, and returned the gesture by softly tickling Ali's
neck. Soon after that, Ali's father stood up and I was able
to catch a glimpse of Ali sound asleep.
Ali's
father commented that the anniversary of their arrival to Israel
is quickly approaching. He said he would wait another year in
Israel if only Ali would be well. Please continue to pray for
a miracle!
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Sunday,
January 25, 2009 Father In Better Spirits
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by I
was so thankful that Rachel (a new friend of Shevet) asked to accompany
me to the hospital today as it gave me a chance to visit a few other
patients during Arazoo's
surgery. Rachel's presence was such a blessing as she loved,
encouraged and prayed with Arazoo's mom today.
I stopped by the intermediate ICU ward to see Ali and his father. What
a blessing to see some of the depression had lifted from Ali's father,
and the heaviness was gone from his shoulders. Please
continue to
pray for Ali and his family during this difficult season of life.
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 Monday,
January 19, 2009 Peanut Butter Still His
Favorite
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Shortly
after I arrived to visit Ali this afternoon, his physical therapist
came in to give Ali his daily treatment. Even though she is a
very sweet woman, Ali hates her.
Ali’s primary treatment consists of her beating on his chest
followed by pressing down on his lungs. As soon as she enters
the room, he starts to cry, and sometimes he will even slap her hands
away. Today after she was finished with Ali, she came over to
me and demonstrated the treatment so I would know what it felt
like. As she hit my back Ali watched in amusement.
I think he enjoyed seeing someone else poked and prodded for a change.
Once she left, Ali enjoyed a strawberry and one of his
favorites, a
peanut butter sandwich. Although peanut butter is a staple
for most American kids, Ali had never had peanut butter until he came
to Israel. His father was reluctant to let him eat it at
first because he said it had too much fat, but Ali loved it so much, he
eventually gave in. Today was no different. He
still seemed to enjoy it. He ate an entire sandwich and by
the time he was done, he had peanut butter all over his face and
fingers.
Overall, there is still no change in his condition. His
father has said that if there were the smallest chance that some
surgery could save him, he would do it. He hasn’t
given up hope. Please continue to pray!
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Sunday,
January 18, 2009 Leaving With Heavy Hearts
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Today,
when
Justina and I visited Ali we found a very distressed little boy, being
held gently by his distraught father. The nurses pointed out that all
was being done that could be done. We spoke with a believing friend and
they offered to come bye and visit with him later today as he is in
need of someone along side in these difficult days. Please continue to
believe for the Lord to touch this little boy in the way only He knows
and that His peace will rest on them.
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Thursday,
January 15, 2009 Little Change In Ali's
Condition
Filed
by Over
the last couple of days there hasn't been much change in Ali's
condition. He remains stable and in the intermediate ICU.
This afternoon we met Ali and his father outside for a home
cooked
lunch from the mothers in Jerusalem. We ate together along
with Azhin
and her mother who were awaiting an echocardiogram. Following
Azhin's echo, I went down to visit Ali and found him
sleeping. He
must have been experiencing something exciting or scary because while
he was sleeping he was twitching, muttering, and moving all
over.
I hoped he was in a great place away from the hospital.
I noticed that his dad was particularly discouraged today.
Please
remember to pray for him in addition to your prayers of health for Ali.
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 Monday,
January 12, 2009 Ali Laughs Again, And Walks
With Help
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Today
was a busy day for Ali. When I first arrived this morning he
was
slowly eating breakfast with his dad. Late in the morning his physical
therapist visited and they did a few exercises to help release the
fluid in his lungs.
This afternoon Ali's father and I tried to entertain him with things
like music, treats, and markers, but none of them really caught his
attention.
Finally, I pulled out a balloon from my bag and blew it up.
Before Ali's second surgery he would always wander into the office and
open the toy drawer in my desk. He knew that he could find
suckers and balloons there. And then I would give an inflated
balloon to him without tying it. Ali would then let all of
the
air blow out in his face. He loved it. Today I did
the
same. He didn't let out his loud giggle like before, but he
did
crack a little smile. His dad quickly grabbed the balloon and
blew it u p.
He also didn't tie it and reached out to give it to Ali. Just
as
Ali's fingers were about to touch the balloon Ali's father let it go
and the balloon went flying all around
the room. This actually got Ali laughing for
awhile. It was
great to see the blank stare erased for even a few seconds.
After lunch Ali's father took him for a walk. They sat
outside
for awhile and ate some snacks and then joined some of the other
mothers inside. It was great to see him in the
company of other children again.
As we were leaving Ali's father got him out of the wheelchair and
helped him take a few steps around the waiting room. As Ali
took
his first few steps in months (with the help of his dad) one of his
doctors walked by and watched. She walked off and within a
few
seconds returned with three or four other doctors with her.
They
were impressed.
Three months ago no one thought that Ali would ever laugh, play, or
walk again. Today I was filled with hope. If God
can bring
him this far, why can't we expect to see him completely
healed?
Please continue to pray!
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Sunday,
January 11, 2009 Is Anything Too Hard for
the Lord?
Filed
by This
afternoon again we looked in on Ali and found he had been transferred
back to his favourite spot by the window in the intermediate ICU. He
was asleep and apart from spontaneous movements he appeared to be
dreaming. There was little change in his appearance since we last
photographed him a few days ago (above).
Continue to
pray for the Lord's purposes to be outworked in his little life and we
pray for his parents, especially his mother still in Iraq. I am
reminded of the word of the Lord to Jeremiah when he was in an
impossible situation, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Let's keep
lovingly holding this little man up to the grace and mercy of our Lord.
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 Friday,
January 9, 2009 Surprise Us Again
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Ali
slept
most of the afternoon in his typical manner--without anything covering
him. Nurses, his father and I always try to cover him up, but
within minutes of falling asleep, he slowly begins to kick off his
covers.
He continues to recover from his crash on Wednesday. While I
was at the hospital today, the oxygen concentration in his mask was
turned down while his saturation level remained in the upper 70's.
After the doctors gave Hank and me their report yesterday, I
walked
away very discouraged. But I was reminded that they had said this
before and Ali managed to surprise them. I pray that that
might be the case again.
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 Thursday,
January 8, 2009 Doctors Running Out of
Answers
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Today
we talked to Dr. Houry and his words to us were less than comforting.
He told us that there is not much more that they can do, and that Ali
will probably die. They are willing to continue his medical
treatment, although the cost of the main drugs being used is quite
high. In spite of this report, Ali was
extubated and continues to fight for life. One of the first things he
did was ask Keleigh for water.
I want to encourage you all to keep the faith and not give up praying
for only God knows what tomorrow will bring.
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 Wednesday
January 7, 2009 Crisis in the Cath Lab
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Ali
had been in the catheterization lab over two hours today when
I was informed by a Save A Child's Heart volunteer that something had
gone wrong. I walked back down to the cath lab and
waited.
An hour later the door opened and I was able to catch a glimpse of
Ali. I could only see his lower half, but he was bluer than I
had
ever seen him before.
Dr. Tamir came out and explained
the situation. Once they got Ali down to the cath lab his
vitals
went crazy. His blood pressure was up and down along with his
heart rate and oxygen levels. They had great difficulty
stabilizing him. In addition, the cath revealed that Ali's
arteries are very stiff. The doctors will have an official
meeting to determine the next course of treatment for him, but at this
point it appears as if there is nothing more they can do for
him.
Another surgery to close the remaining holes in his heart doesn't seem
to be a possibility.
Upon hearing the news Ali's father was put
into a downward spin. After Ali was back in the ICU it took a
team of doctors several hours to stabilize him. There primary
concern seemed to be his PH level. Ali's father came in to
visit
him briefly and then disappeared for the remainder of the
afternoon. His hope of having a healthy son had been
shattered
and it no doubt was difficult for him to handle.
I
sat with Ali for the rest of the afternoon and late into the evening
and am happy to report that was very stable. From 3:00 PM on
his oxygen level was
75% of normal and his blood pressure was stable
as well. Tomorrow the doctors hope to extubate him with hopes
that he will return to his pre-cath condition.
The
doctor's primary concern is that Ali has been on an expensive drug to
combat his pulmonary hypertension which is not available in
Iraq.
For Ali to recover enough to be able to go home he will need to be able
to
live without this drug.
As Hank and I drove home this
evening we both agreed that Ali needs a long time to recover and gain
strength without the interruption and setbacks that surgeries and caths
cause. Ali needs a morale boost. He needs to run
and play
and be a three year old boy for a time.
Please pray that
he will remain stable throughout the night and that he will be
successfully extubated tomorrow. I am reminded of Hank's
words
during one of Ali's most critical times..."When faith fails, loyalty
prevails." Please continue to pray!
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Monday,
January 5, 2009 A Great Reunion
Filed
by When
I arrived at the hospital on Sunday, I met up with Ali and his father
as Ali was being transferred to the intermediate ICU. T he nurse
assured me that it wasn't because of any change in his condition, but
simply because there wasn't space for him before.
His bed was placed next to the window, but one of
the nurses moved him so he wouldn't be next to a critical
patient. Once Ali's father walked in and saw that Ali had
been
moved away from the window, he insisted that Ali be moved
back. I
agreed. As we stood discussing the matter with the nurse rays
of
sunshine were streaming in the window along with a warm
breeze.
Both were things Ali needed after three months in the ICU.
Our reunion was great. It seems to be difficult for Ali to  show any type of emotion;
however, as he sat on my lap I could see a half smile.
Because I have been gone for the last month it is easy to see the
improvements in his condition. Ali isn't talking in full
sentences, but he is quick to use one or two words to indicate what he
wants. Before I left he would only point to what he wanted or
push things away that he didn't want. He seems to be much
more
alert. He also seems to be stronger all around. I
brought
him back a pair of shoes (that actually fit him despite what they look
like in the picture), which his dad put on his feet and helped him take
a few steps around the room.
Today when I visited he was even stronger than yesterday. He
enjoyed listening to some music while playing on the keyboard and
devoured the chocolate marshmallow snack his dad brought for him.
His
oxygen level continues to fluctuate, but it doesn't seem to go down
to a critical level.
Ali is still in need of at least one more surgery to close a hole in
his heart. Wednesday he will undergo a catheterization in
order
for the doctors to gain a better understanding of his
condition.
Following his second surgery the doctors said that there was a
possibility that the remaining hole(s) could be corrected by a
cath. Please pray that this might be the case. As
Hank and
I drove home from the hospital yesterday, we discussed Ali's
condition. We both agreed that Ali's morale couldn't handle
another surgery any time in the near future. His one year
anniversary in Israel is quickly approaching. Pray that an
end to
his long and difficult journey might be in sight.
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Friday,
January 2, 2009 Triumphant Ali Leaves the
ICU
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We arrived
at Wolfson hospital today just in time to see Ali's Dad moving Ali on
his bed into the children's ward into the same room as Wahaj and Havan.
He was surrounded by balloons and toys and had a big grin on his face.
It was a look of triumph.
It was so
good to see this little boy take this step and it is in answer to the
prayers of so many. He still has an oxygen canula but his
colour has improved. Please continue to ask the Lord for this little
boy that he will be fully restored and enjoy the life of a healthy
little boy.
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Tuesday,
December 30, 2008 Ali Goes For a Ride
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Ali
was all dressed up in a winter jacket and cap today and being wheeled
around in a stroller by his dad. Abu Ali said that his son
was
having one of his better days, and the ICU staff said that they could
take him out of the ward for a bit of sunshine.
Even
though he was feeling better, he still had the same emotionless
expression on his tiny face. The only time he seemed to pay attention
to anything was when his father offered him ice cream on a spoon. At
the sight of it, he sat straight up and opened his mouth for a big bite.
Ali
is still a very sick little boy and has a long road to recovery ahead.
Pray for the Lord to give him length of days on this earth so that he
may proclaim the goodness and faithfulness of Father to future
generations of Iraqis.
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Sunday,
December 28, 2008 Too Sick to Open Gifts
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Today was
my first visit to ICU to meet Ali and give him a few belated Christmas
gifts. When I entered the ICU, I found his father at his
bedside putting an oxygen mask on his face. Ali was sitting upright in
the bed, his big, beautiful brown eyes fixed on something across the
room. I greeted him with a big smile and showed the brightly
wrapped gifts we had brought. His face was expressionless, only his
eyes moved slightly. His father tried to coax him into looking at the
toys but there was no response; he just sat and stared straight
ahead.
Abu Ali told me that
Ali's oxygen levels had been spiking and falling for several days and
the doctors still could not find the reason. He also told me that Ali
kept asking for Keleigh, a Shevet volunteer who is currently in the
States on holiday. "He loves Keleigh," said Abu Ali," and always asks
when she will come to see him; he loves her like a mother."
Ali
has not seen his mother since arriving in Israel over 10 months ago at
the age of two years. Join us in praying for a miracle of healing in
this little one's life and for a joy-filled reunion with his mother in
the near future.
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Monday,
December 22, 2008 Back in the ICU; the Battle
Continues
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My
visit to
the Wolfson intensive care left me sad as I saw how very ill Ali is
today. I asked the doctor and he told me they were not sure why he was
so distressed but they were watching his progress very carefully.
Please uphold this little boy in prayer, that the Father who knows best
will touch him and restore Ali to full health and true miracle be seen
by all. Ali's father is very tired and needs our prayers as he daily
sees his son struggle to breathe even with oxygen supply, and his heart
too is sad.
Ali smiled a wan smile and
asked for a drink while I was there. He is a very brave little fellow.
Following yesterday's report, the present setback is unexplained and is
fuel for intensive believing prayer.
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Sunday,
December 21, 2008 Out of the ICU for First
Night of Hanukkah
Filed
by
As
the
medical team evaluated Ali today, Dr. Houry said that they should get
Ali out of the ICU and into the sun since he has no more fever. As they
discussed his progress further Dr. Houry asked the team this question:
"So why is he still in the ICU? Let's move him out into the
ward."
This is great news after three months in
the ICU, and Ali got to celebrate
with a traditional Hanukkah donut (sufganiyah)
from one of the doctors. The look on his face was
priceless as he started to lick the donut.
The
doctor
told me we would have to raise more funds because Ali is making up for
lost time when it comes to eating. They said his appetite has been
insatiable to say the least. They are also going to start weighing him
to monitor his weight gain. We want to thank you all for your many
prayers on Ali's behalf.
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Sunday,
December
14, 2008
Ali's Miracle Still in
Progress
Filed
by
 I
often see
Ali's father while I'm in the hospital at Wolfson, and always ask him
how Ali is doing. He is usually quick with a direct answer informing us
of any changes and the current situation for Ali. Today was no
different, as before I had a chance to go to the ICU, Abu Ali came to
see how Elaf was doing early
this morning. I was sitting with Elaf and
her mom as we waited for Dr. Tamir to make the final decision about her
surgery today. Abu Ali said that Ali was good, but his blood pressure
was going up and down. He visited with Elaf, then left the room until Wahaj came
for admission a
little later. He enjoyed visiting with both
these babies and their mothers, and the babies both wanted to be held
by Abu Ali - he is so good with all the children.
I
was finally able to
get to the ICU to see Ali this afternoon, and he was very sound asleep
at the time. His oxygen was hovering around 80%, and he was taking a
breathing treatment while I was there. Even when the oxygen mask
slipped down and I moved it back up on his face a couple of times Ali
didn't awaken at all. I stood with him for a little while and prayed
for him, and then went to speak to Dr. Houri, the director of the ICU.
He reported that they had
removed the central line they'd put in recently, which we'd already
been informed about, and said it is good that Ali has no infection now.
Otherwise, there is nothing new. He said that we might want to ask Dr.
Tamir about when it is the time to do another catheterization on Ali's
heart so they will know how to go forward.
Please
continue your prayers for Ali's healing ... he has come such a long
way! As I consider the possibility of what the doctors might find
during another catheterization, I cannot help but hope they find more
evidence of the miracle in progress which has marked Ali's situation so
far. Remember to pray for his gentle father as he lovingly cares for
his son day in and day out. He is a special example to all the parents
as they go through difficulties with their own children's recovery.
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Sunday
November
30, 2008
Successful Surgery -
Gaining Strength
Filed
by
I
was able to visit Ali on Friday and immediately saw that he was doing
much better. He seemed stronger and was even eating quite a
bit. We threw a small ball back and forth a few times.
He
seemed to enjoy this, however he gets tired quickly. It is
easy
to rejoice in Ali's miraculous recovery and forget that he still has
two holes in his heart, which remains evident by his very blue face,
lips, and fingers.
At
one point in the day I jokingly mentioned to his father that he needed
to give him a haircut. I came back the next day to find Ali
almost bald!
On
Saturday I tried to come up with something new for him to do so I
offered him a pen. He quickly reached up and took the cap
off. I found some paper and he started to
scribble. In
between each piece of "artwork" he would take the cap off the pen and
then put it back on again. I was impressed that he had the
strength and coordination to do this. 
Early
this
afternoon, as Ali's father and I waited for
him to come out of surgery he asked to see the pictures of Ali that
were on the internet. We sat outside of the ICU and scrolled
through all of the pictures of Ali dating back to last
February.
The further I scrolled down the more the tears filled his
eyes.
As we finished looking at the pictures Ali came out of
surgery.
Ali's father watched him pass by on his way back to the ICU and then he
surprisingly disappeared for a few hours.
After
Ali had been back in the ICU for a while, one of the nurses
asked where his father was. I told her that I thought he was
a little emotional following
Ali's surgery today. The nurse said that he had cried this
morning as the nurses wheeled Ali back down to the operating
room.
A few hours went by and
eventually Ali's
father returned. He seemed relieved to see that Ali was
successfully extubated, strong and appeared to be in the same condition
as prior to the operation.
Please
continue to pray!
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Wednesday
November
26, 2008
Extubated and Doing Better
Filed
by
Three
months ago Ali enjoyed doing things that most little boys like to do.
He enjoyed splashing water, kicking balls, smudging windows
and
letting toy trucks fly down a ramp.
Today,
after
nearly three months in the Wolfson ICU he is limited to holding a
little blue teddy bear and motioning with his finger that he wants
water.
Although
he has been extubated once again and Dr. Houry says that he is doing
well, I can see in his eyes and his body the stress and strain of his
last operation.
As I sat there this
afternoon, I looked
up from his bedside trying to imagine what runs through his
mind.
What does he see and what does he feel? Does he remember the
days
gone by and wonder, "why am I here?"
Keleigh
adds:
Today
I was able to sit with Ali for over an hour. It was the first
time since he has been awake that I could tell that he knew who I
was.
Like Hank, I can't help but wonder,
"what is he
thinking?" Ali was once a happy, curious, and energetic
little
boy. Now he sits with a blank look on his face. I
have
wondered if he thinks that his suffering is some type of
punishment for something he did.
As you
continue to pray
for Ali's recovery, pray that his smile, curiosity and joy will return
as well as his health.
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Sunday
November
23, 2008
Re-intubated, Weaker than
Before
Filed
by
When
I first saw Ali today in the ICU he was asleep, but totally uncovered
revealing a rash on most of his fragile little body.
His
father came in shortly thereafter and the tending nurse asked him to
rub an ointment on his tender skin to relieve the itch. When
Ali’s father started to rub the ointment, Ali awoke and
started
to motion for water.
The
director of the ICU wasn’t around so I wasn’t able
to find
out why and when, but unfortunately, Ali was re-intubated and he seams
to be weaker compared to the last time that I saw him.
Because
Ali in intubated, drinking from a syringe was the only way his father
could handle his request.
The
doctor
told me that he is doing a little bit better and they would try again
to extubate him in the next few days.
Ali’s
father is one of the most caring, loving fathers I have ever
seen. He is right there for any and every request from his
sick
little boy.
Jesus
is the only answer for this suffering little child. We need
your
prayers that as the doctors continue to treat him, Jesus would heal him.
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 Monday, November
17, 2008
After Two Months Indoors,
Ali Sees The Sun
Filed
by
Equipped
with an oxygen tank and two IV medications, accompanied by the head of
the ICU, an ICU nurse, and a medical student, Ali made his way outside
this afternoon for the first time in over two months!
It was around lunch time when Dr. Houri, the head of the ICU, suggested
that it was time for Ali to venture outside. He said, "I just
wanted him to see the sun." Ali's father loved the
idea. It
took about 30 minutes to disconnect Ali from all of the wires and
reattach him to portable devices. With Ali's oxygen mask on
tight, Ali's father carefully placed him in a stroller and they  walked
outside. They passed some rose bushes just outside of the
entrance and Ali's father quickly picked one for Ali and handed it to
him. A few minutes later he tried to take it out of Ali's
hand as
Ali pulled away and let out a soft "na" (no) in Kurdish.
We sat outside for about 10 minutes before we were told to bring him
back in. It was a great day for everyone. Ali's
father
couldn't stop smiling and even put up a brief protest when it was time
to go back in. Dr. Houri was so excited, he made sure that I
took
pictures of this historic event in Ali's recovery.
As they placed Ali back in his bed, he continued to hold on to the
rose. He asked for water, but he no longer seems to be in
such
great desperation. It was obvious that this short
adventure
wore him out. After finishing his water, he put his head down
and
closed his eyes. A few minutes later he opened them and
softly
said, "botani" (blanket). His father
quickly covered him up.
In
such a short time Ali had managed to say three words (no, water, and
blanket). The doctors were very pleased by this because it
serves
as some indication of the neurological damage that he may or may not
have suffered due to the length of his medically induced coma.
Please continue to pray!
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Sunday
November
16, 2008
Slowly Getting Stronger
Filed
by
Today
I spent an hour in the ICU with Ali and his father. Ali's
father
was full of joy as his sons health continues to improve.
Ali's
oxygen level fluctuates between 80 and 89%.
As
I spent time talking with Ali's father, Ali awoke and asked for some
water and something to eat. To my amazement, Ali's father was
able to give him a drink and some small pieces of a
tangerine.
Ali continued to ask for more and dad helped him little by
little. He seemed to struggle with every bite, but was
determined
to eat and drink.
Dr.
Houry, the head of the ICU, said that Ali is a strong little boy and
continues to fight to get well. The doctor's concern seemed to be
focused on a very expensive drug that is being used. He said that this
drug alone costs about $266 a day. Please keep praying for
Ali's
continued recovery and for those who are helping to make him well.
Pray that they will not give up on this precious little child.
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 Wednesday
November 12, 2008 Extubated Again; Stronger
This Time
Filed
by
As
I walked into the ICU I was able to get a glimpse of Ali's
stats.
His oxygen was in the upper 80's so I assumed he had not yet been
extubated. When I approached his bed, I saw that I was
wrong. They
extubated him this afternoon and it appears that he is much stronger
than the last time.
Ali seems to be very uncomfortable and he is still begging for water.
(In the picture you can see him lift his arm and point to the sink at
the side of his bed.) Yesterday, after he begged me for several minutes
for water, I finally got the nurse's approval, filled a sponge with
water, and put it in his mouth. A few minutes later he
vomited
the water along with the formula he receives via a feeding tube.
The doctors are very optimistic, always confirming that he is
doing
well. Please continue to pray!
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Monday,
November 10, 2008 Very Thirsty, Very Weak
Filed
by 
While I was with him yesterday, I thought we were having some fun
playing with a ball. I would put the ball in Ali's hand and
he
would throw it towards the end of the bed. After doing this a
few
times I saw that he had a very angry, almost tearful look on his
face. I realized that he wasn't playing, but was throwing the
ball because he didn't want it. Instead he wanted
water. It
is so difficult to watch a child beg for water and not be able to give
it to him. More than any toy we put in front of his face, he
wants water. His father is able to fill a cloth with water
and
put it to his lips, but that is it.
I can't imagine how traumatic this must be for a
three-year-old.
Ali's hands are tied down in order to prevent him from pulling out the
various tubes attached to his body. He is fully conscious with two
tubes running down his throat, and he is so weak that he can't sit up
on his own. Please continue to pray!
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 Thursday, November 6, 2008
Ventilator Temporarily
Re-Inserted
Filed
by
I
got to the hospital this evening to find Ali's father eating dinner by
himself just outside the ICU. With a sad look on his face, he
told me that they had reinserted the ventilator this afternoon.
As I sat next to Ali in the ICU, he seemed to be sleeping
pretty
soundly. After about 15 minutes, his eyes suddenly shot
open. He
looked over at me and reached for me as if he wanted me to pick him
up. It was a sad sight to see. He then just reached
to the
air continuously. He was asking for water.
The doctors said that the breathing tube will hopefully only be in for
a few days. His body was tired of having to breathe on its
own
and just needs to gain a little more strength before they remove the
breathing tube permanently. I did notice that, now that they
have
reinserted the breathing tube, his oxygen is higher than ever--around
85.
As I left, his father seemed in good spirits in spite of
this. He
seems to understand that Ali is still doing really well, but the
recovery process is slow. I thank God that Ali has such a patient
father. There are few parents who could go through this and
remain
strong. Please continue to pray for him.
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 Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Thirsty, Uncomfortable
When Awake
Filed
by
Ali
was sleeping today as I approached his bed. A few minutes after I
arrived, the nurses came over and wanted to give him a bath, which
quickly woke him up. Afterwards, we sat him up and gave him
water. Even though Ali is properly hydrated, he drinks water
as
if he has just finished a long trek through the desert without
any. After he finishes a cup and his oxygen mask is on, he
will
reach for the cup, hold it in his hands and tilt the cup up on his mask
trying to get another drop into his mouth. The doctors will
only
allow him to have small amounts at a time, so after his first cup, we
spend the next 15 minutes calming him as he begs for more.
Much to my surprise, he doesn't have the same reaction to
food.
Yesterday, his father started feeding him yogurt. He took
only a
couple bites before he turned his head away at the sight of the
spoon. Today, the nurses brought him 'soup'. It
looked more
like a pumpkin colored paste. Ali's father gave Ali one bite,
which he swallowed with great difficulty. Ali opened his
mouth
for a second bite, but this time he just couldn't swallow it.
Suddenly there was this pumpkin colored paste throughout his oxygen
mask. We cleaned it up and tried again. Immediately
Ali
spit it out. I leaned down and smelled it and his father did
the
same. He then asked with a very curious and disgusted look on
his
face, "What is this?" He put the lid on and turned around and
threw it in the trash. We laughed knowing that if someone
tried
to feed us this pumpkin colored paste, we would have the same reaction
as Ali. I told the nurses that we needed
something different
and they laughed too as if they never expected a child to really eat it.
Ali is continuing to improve off of the ventilator.
With an
oxygen mask on, his saturation level is in the lower eighties, but he
is miserable. He sleeps most of the day, but the few hours
that
he is awake, he is very uncomfortable. He can't even sit up
without his father's help. The doctors are very anxious for
him
to speak. So far we have only heard soft cries. If
Ali
begins to speak it will serve as another indicator regarding the
neurological damage that Ali may have suffered because he was under
anesthetic for such a long period of time.
It has been very difficult over the past month and a half to watch Ali
lie unconscious and fight for his life, but it is even more
difficult to watch him now that he is aware of his suffering.
Please continue to pray!
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Sunday,
November 2, 2008 Ali Successfully Extubated
Today
Filed
by 
He
remains in a critical state. He has a mask strapped to his
face that helps with his oxygen level, but if he doesn't remain stable
there is fear that they may have to reinsert the oxygen tube.
Once I heard that he was extubated, I was
hoping to find Ali in a more conscious state, but he still seems to be
heavily sedated and has a hard time following any movement. I
have also noticed that he has lost a lot of weight. I can
wrap my thumb and index finger around his thigh.
Most of the muscle in his legs have deteriorated over the last month
and a half. When Ali does seem to wake
up he immediately begins to pull at all of the
numerous tubes attached to him.
The
long road to recovery has only just begun for Ali. Please
continue to pray.
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Sunday,
October 26, 2008 Ali's Eyes Open and
Following Movement
Filed
by
 When we got to the
hospital we went to the ICU and Ali wasn't there.
We found him in the intermediate ICU.
They were adding a
sprinkler system to
the
ICU, so all patients had been temporarily moved.
Alex
was able to
speak with the doctors and they reported that Ali is slowly getting
better. They
thought that Ali may be blind or deaf
because he was sedated for so long, but they found out that both his
eyes and
ears are fine. The
doctors are still
unsure whether or not he has neurological damage.
Ali
was previously
on 10 medications and they have been reduced to four.
Last night his oxygen level went down,
but
has since come back up and remains in the mid-seventies.
He is now moving
his eyes and following movement, instead of staring straight ahead, and
he seems to
be very alert. His
dad was holding a
blue bear and Ali reached up and grabbed it and shook it around. Overall he looks so much
better. He looks
like Ali before his surgery.
We
want to thank
everyone for all of their prayers, because God hears them and has
answered. This has
been very encouraging for his father.
Ali is a miracle in progress.
Pray that he continues to
get better. Click to
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 Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Looking Like Himself Again
Filed
by
When
I walked into the ICU today Ali was laying on his side
snoring. I
tried to talk to him a little, but he seemed to be pretty sound
asleep. About 20 minutes later the medical staff gathered
around
him to discuss his case. With the sound of so many people
around
him, Ali’s eyes quickly popped open and stayed open until the
doctors left. The overall report was that he is still
improving
and that the doctors are happy with his progress so far.
Today
for
the first time since his surgery Ali seemed to me to look like
himself. Most of his swelling has gone down with the
exception
for his abdomen. Ali was more alert today than
before. He was
even able to follow some of my movements. This is a positive
improvement.
However, as they reduce his medications, Ali becomes more aware of what
is going on. When he is awake he tries to gag every few
minutes
because of the breathing tube that runs down his throat. His
father said this morning he woke up and one of his hands was free and
he managed to disconnect one of the tubes connected to his stomach.
After
I left
Ali, I joined his father, Sara’s
father and Sara in the ward. When I walked into the room
Ali’s father was trying to convince Sara to eat
something.
Erica was with me and we both looked at him with
concern. Erica
then told him that he needs to take his own
advice. Ali’s
father wasn’t a large man to begin with, but he has begun to
look
too skinny. He told us that his heart is heavy so he
can’t
eat a lot. He said that once Ali is out of the ICU he will eat
a
big meal. Ali’s
father
has regained hope. Please pray that God will be glorified in
the life of Ali. Click to
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Sunday,
October 19, 2008 Slow, but Steady
Improvements
Filed
by
Yesterday
when I saw Ali he wasn't as alert as he had been the day
before.
I thought that maybe he had been awake earlier in the day and had
fallen back to sleep. However, his father said that he hadn't
really opened his eyes much all day. Today things were
different. When I walked into the ICU his eyes were
closed.
But as soon as I approached his bed and touched his hand, Ali opened
his eyes and kept them open for most of the afternoon. Much
of
the swelling in his feet, legs, and hands has gone down. His
fingers look like wrinkled prunes, even in color. His skin
was
stretched so much when he was swollen that there is too much now.
The
doctor told us that every day they are continuing to see improvement as
they reduce Ali's medication. Occasionally, when Ali's eyes
are
open, he seems to choke a bit on the oxygen tube than runs down his
throat. His father has noticed this and asked when it would
be
possible to take the tube out. The doctor said he still isn't
strong enough to breath on his own and continues to retain a lot of
fluid. They would like to see his breathing become a bit
stronger
and the fluid to reduce significantly before they consider removing the
breathing tube.
As I was with Ali today I remembered my visit
with Alaa
a few weeks ago. Alaa
had only received food by a tube
running up her nose and down her throat for several weeks.
Despite the fact that she was properly nourished, she had a hunger for
real food. This hunger was so great that she actually tried
to
eat her fingers. As I watched Ali I thought that he might be
experiencing something similar to Alaa. He continually
bites his
lower lip, which has caused his lips to be severely dry.
Despite
his efforts Ali was unable to bite his lower lip this afternoon because
they were so dry they stuck together. Ali's father saw this
and
gently pulled them apart. He then used a cloth to put some
water
on his lips. Ali began to turn his lips in so his tongue
could
taste the water. His father pulled some chap stick out of his
pocket and applied it to Ali's lips. Ali seemed to enjoy the
taste of that as well.
Although Ali remains in critical
condition, every day we are encouraged to hear that he continues to
improve. It looks as if the long road to recovery may have
begun
for Ali. Please continue to pray!
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Friday,
October 17, 2008 Opening His Eyes and Trying
to Speak
Filed
by
When
I arrived at the hospital today, Ali’s father was visiting
with Kale
and her mother. We all sat together while the nurses took a
couple of final stitches out of Kale, and then Ali’s father
and I
walked down to see Ali while Kale and her mother prepared to return to
Jerusalem.
When we walked into the ICU it was immediately obvious that Ali was
doing better. Much of his swelling has gone down although his
lips, toes, and fingers remain blue. Ali’s father
put his
hand on Ali’s forehead and leaned in towards Ali and began
talking to him. Immediately Ali’s eyes slowly began
to
open. The nurse told us that every time his father talks to
him
his heart rate goes up signifying that Ali hears him. When I
saw
Ali respond to his father's words, I started to cry. At that point, the
doctor on duty came over and asked me why I was crying. She
said,
“You have no reason to cry. This child has improved so
much”. For the last four weeks every time I entered
the ICU,
the only response I would get from the doctors was that there was no
change in Ali’s condition, but today things were
different. Today the doctor’s words suggested that
many
prayers from around the world were being answered.
Later on, as Ali’s father and I sat by his bed, his father
slowly
waved his hand in front of Ali’s eyes trying to get Ali to
follow
the motion, but Ali just stared straight ahead. However, when
we
put our hands close to his eyes he responds by blinking and a couple
times he would move his lips as if he wanted to respond to his
father’s voice. I was holding Ali’s hand
as his
father was talking to him and every once in awhile I would feel him
moving his fingers. He remains heavily sedated, but the
medical
staff has started to wean him from some of these medications.
Ali is a very active child. Even with his heart
problem he
managed to run around the Shevet house all day always looking for a
ball to throw, a balloon to play with or for a new adventure with the
other, older kids at the house. Following his first surgery
the
nurses had to tie his arms and legs down because he was too active and
refused to wear his oxygen mask. His recovery would be
extremely
difficult for any child, but I foresee it being especially difficult
for him.
Please continue to pray. Ali remains in critical
condition. Pray that he will continue to improve
and that
he would respond well as his medications are reduced. Our prayers have
only begun to be answered.
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Thursday,
October 16, 2008 Unexpected Signs of Recovery
Filed
by
As
I
entered the ICU a team of eight doctors and nurses were gathering
around Ali's bed to discuss his last 24 hours of recovery. I was very
surprised when they spoke in English so I could understand most of the
interaction and dialogue.
There is less
treatment for hypertension and Ali is stable, his need for oxygen is
reduced and his lungs are looking better, and the oxygen saturation in
his blood has risen to 78-79 % of normal. They even discussed the
possibility of letting him wake up a little bit and to move around to
see how he will respond in his current condition. This to say the least
is all really good news! In the words of Dr. Houri, "It must be miracle
time." We are thanking God for his mercy and your faithful prayers as
we begin to see the first signs of new hope.
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Tuesday,
October 14, 2008 Ever So Slight Improvement
Filed
by Tonight
as
I entered the ICU, there was a tending nurse doing some routine care on
Ali.
When
the nurse was finished, I asked the doctor how Ali was doing at this
moment in time. He said that in many areas of recovery, Ali is not
doing well, but also that there is an ever so slight improvement day by
day.
If
they can get him stable enough, they will do a CT scan to check a spot
in his lungs that has not responded to any of their treatments. The
doctor also told me that Ali is still in critical condition, and they
are doing all that they can possibly do.
When
faith
fails, loyalty prevails. Please keep praying!
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Saturday,
October 11, 2008 Ali Hanging On in the ICU
Filed
by
During
yesterday's trip to Wolfson I wanted to have some time specifically to
sit with Ali. While his father was visiting with the other families I
went to the ICU to visit Ali. I sat by his bed and prayed for a little
while, and afterwards spoke with one of the nurses who
attends him, asking if there had been any change in Ali's
condition since our last visit (before Yom Kippur). She said first that
there was no change, but then she said that he'd had a chest x-ray
yesterday, and it showed no fluid in his lungs. This, she said, is an
improvement, but everything else is the same. His oxygen level hovered
around 73% during my visit. The ICU director Dr. Houri was not
available to speak with while I was there, so I didn't get to ask him
for further specifics. I was encouraged that there was no fluid in
Ali's lungs, and he seemed to look a little less swollen from fluid in
his mid-section, but otherwise was still quite swollen.
His
father came to the room of Shanaw and Kale after we arrived there, and
I noted a look on his face that I had not seen before, a rather
disoriented look. I was concerned for him for a few minutes, but then
he began to visit with us all, and seemed himself. I realized he'd
probably just awakened before coming down the hall to see his friends.
Even in this prolonged and exhausting process, Abu Ali is very gracious
at comforting the other children before and after their surgeries, and
seeing them return to the Shevet house as he continues to wait at the
hospital with his son. It is hard to imagine just how he really feels
,and how he continues to keep going after all these many months.
Please
keep believing with us for the miracle which the doctors say Ali needs.
They encourage us to pray, knowing we believe in miracles. Let us go
before God with our requests and see what He will do.
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message to Ali and his father.
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me when Ali's page is updated at this
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Wednesday,
October 8, 2008 Ali's Condition is Critical
Filed
by
ICU
director Dr. Houri told us that Ali's body is getting tired and that
his kidneys are beginning to shut down. He is so swollen that
he looks like a football player in uniform, but without the
uniform. Even his head appears to be severely
swollen. One of the doctors explained that his blood isn't
clotting properly so there is some type of internal
bleeding.
Mary Dailey adds:
Little
Ali really needs your prayers and his father too. He is in critical
condition and he needs a miracle. This is one little boy we must not
forget. When everything seems to fail and doctors and man and finances
can't help, who can we turn to? GOD!!!! God hears the broken
hearted, can you imagine how broken hearted his father feels? Let's
hold him up in prayer and pray for a miracle. After all that's what a
miracle is, something that no one else can do but God and He is the
miracle maker. Thank you all for all your prayers.
Click to
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message to Ali and his father.
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me when Ali's page is updated at this
email:
Sunday,
October 5, 2008 Ali's Father Exhausted by
Bedside Vigil
Filed
by 
Please do not give up
praying for a miracle for Ali. We serve a living God who can bring Life
into this extremely difficult case. Pray for his father to come to know
the reality of our Father as He really is, in all His fullness.
Click to
send an e-mail
message to Ali and his father.
Notify
me when Ali's page is updated at this
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Saturday,
October 4, 2008 A Difficult Night, A Little
Better
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Yesterday
I had
another visit with Ali and his dad at Wolfson. I was
encouraged to find out that Ali was a little better, but this was in
contrast to the fact that he had had another very difficult night. To
hear the doctors say he was a tiny bit better was the only way I would
have known that Ali was indeed improved, for his appearance made me
think otherwise. It is for this reason that I did not feel it
appropriate to photograph him yesterday. Even though he is on
diuretics, they are not able to draw off all the fluid in his body, so
he is very swollen at this time. He had been positioned on his stomach
for several days until yesterday, when he was returned to lying on his
back. Because of his poor circulation, his skin was somewhat discolored
(temporarily) giving his midsection a bruised look. The doctors said
his problem is with his lungs, and complications from how long he has
been on the respirator.
When we arrived,
we did not see Abu Ali, but he came into the room not too long
afterwards. He walked quietly to his son's bedside and stood for a
little while and then settled himself in the chair by the bed. Mary and
I had already gone to pray for Ali, and walked back over to see his
father. He is concerned with the swelling as you can imagine. He is
very tired. As I visited with Shanaw and Sidqi, also in the ICU, I
continued to watch Abu Ali. I felt the Lord would have me go to him and
tell him what a good father he is. This seemed to affect him deeply, as
it did me. I pray it was some small encouragement to him.
Please
keep praying for Ali and his father, along with the medical staff. The
staff is working tirelessly at Ali's side to do what is required
medically for his healing. His father is 'there for him' as a devoted,
gentle and loving parent should be. And we are seeking to continue
standing in the gap for them, believing God for the life of Ali. Please
continue praying and believing with us.
 Tuesday
September 30, 2008 Enduring With Ali
Filed
by
As
I entered the
ICU I noticed that little Ali was getting an x-ray of
his chest. The doctor said that they were using this to see what is
happening in his chest cavity. As I looked at Ali, I wondered how much
his little body could endure. When I asked the doctor on
duty how
he was doing, she said that he is not doing well at this moment in time.
As I
stood there, Ali's father came in to his son's bedside and just
stared
at him for a few minutes, and turned around and walked out.
How painful
this is we may never know, but for now we pray and hope in the God of
miracles and the one who said, "I am the resurrection and the life."
Every part of me screams, "I believe, but help me with my
unbelief!" Click to
send an e-mail
message to Ali and his father.
Notify
me when Ali's page is updated at this
email:
For the rest of Ali's
story, please click here.
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