Arkan's Heart Surgery

Saturday, May 16, 2009
Making Us Feel At Home
Filed by

Only a day before we were due to arrive in northern Iraq (Kurdistan), Arkan's father called and offered us any help that we might need in our visit to his home town of Dohuk. He was very welcoming to us, even paying for two flats in a guest motel for me, Donna and a team of six from Germany. In the afternoon he accompanied us visiting several families, showing us the way and patiently translating for us. He treated us as real friends. That was just wonderful, and made us feel very much at home in Dohuk.

Arkan is doing very well. We also got to see his baby sister. We still remember how hard it was for his pregnant mother to be in Jordan and Israel in the summer heat, waiting for their turn for surgery. It does not seem to have had a negative affect on this very active little girl!

Arkan will need a follow-up surgery in a few years since he will have outgrown the artificial blood vessel that was surgically attached to his little heart. It will have to be replaced by a larger tube.

Arkan says "thank you very much" for the help they received and we also want to say "thank you" to them for hosting us so generously.

By the way, Dohuk is really a wonderful city, surrounded by mountains. We really hope that one day we will be able to visit the countryside outside of the city.

Please continue to pray for this wonderful family.

Thursday, July 12, 2007
To Jerusalem, Then Home, With a New Heart
Filed by

Following Arkan's final echo appointment today (which gave him a clean bill of health!) Um Arkan packed her bags and set off with us up to Jerusalem! The goodbyes at the SACH house were so sweet to witness, as Arkan and his mother became close to a number of Iraqi and African children and moms.

The Shevet staff was glad to have Arkan and his mother join us for our potluck dinner tonight. We packed out Martha Berg's living room with good food and fellowship!

Friday morning we'll set out for the border and spend the night in Amman. Arkan catches a midday flight to Iraq on Saturday. Abu Arkan, if you are reading this, they're almost home!!

Thanks for praying for this sweet little guy's heart and please continue to lift up Friday's border crossing and journey to Amman.

You may help sponsor another Iraqi child's heart surgery in Israel by clicking here.

Tuesday
July 10, 2007
Waiting for Final Echo
Filed by

Arkan is waiting things out with his mother at the Save A Child's Heart house, for what looks like his last few days in Israel. Thursday marks his next echo appointment. If all goes well at this checkup, he and his mother should be heading for the Jordan border as early as Friday! We hope to host them in Jerusalem for a night prior to their exit out of the country.

Pictured here are Shevet staff Tom and Alex, engaging Arkan and his mother in conversation and amusement.

Arkan was very eager to share again today. This time his 'toy' of choice was his Pampers. He's a very insightful little boy, we joked, as he gave the diapers to Alex, a new father.

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated at this email: You may join the campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.

Thursday
July 5, 2007
Next Echo In One Week
Filed by

Arkan and his mom were waiting for a ride back to the Save A Child's Heart house when I arrived at Wolfson Hospital today. Um Arkan said everything looked good from her son's checkup that day, and that he'd come back in a week for another echocardiogram. Perhaps this will be the last doctor's visit for Arkan in Israel?!

Um Arkan said that she and her son are enjoying their stay at the SACH house. They have their own room and Arkan has plenty of space to run around and playmates galore! After a long journey, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Please pray for continued endurance for this sweet mother and her little one, as they must be extremely antsy to head home!

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated at this email: You may join the campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.

Tuesday
July 3, 2007
Arkan Back at the House
Filed by

Once he got over his fever, Arkan moved back in to the Save A Child's Heart house, where he spends his days napping, playing around and simply waiting for the doctor's word that he can travel back to Iraq.

Arkan and Ali, also from Iraq, keep each other company during this waiting period.

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated at this email:

You may join the campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.

Thursday, June 28, 2007
So Close!
Filed by

All signs point to discharge…except the thermometer. Arkan’s temperature rose last night, meaning another day in the children’s ward for monitoring. He is as bubbly as ever, enjoying mom’s company and the other visitors as well.

Um Arkan seems in good spirits as well. They look forward to being back at the Save A Child's Heart house, where Sidra and Zinar are staying right now.

Praying tonight for Arkan’s body to fight off whatever’s causing his temperature so he can enjoy the space and toys the SACH house provides.

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated at this email:

You may join the campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.

Tuesday June 26, 2007

Playing, Laughing, Leaving the Hospital

Shevet volunteer Lee Liang Chian found Arkan playing "catch the ball" Monday, and today an Arab Israeli visitor filed this update:

I was so happy that following his surgery in the last week everything was perfect and today he is moving to the Save a Child's Heart house outside the hospital. His mother was soooo happy when I met her; I could see the great smile on her face, and she started talking about how much she is thankful to God and to us, and how her son became " a new person."

He laughed to me and I played with him and he was very energetic. His mother told me that he will need surgery again after 6-7 years to change a plastic implant in his heart, but I told her that it's so regular and many children with heart defects have repeated surgeries, and that he will be older and stronger for such surgery next time. She was so optimistic and told me about her husband, he also works very hard (he is a civil engineer and she is an English teacher). He misses his familly and calls them several times a day.

Do you realize that recentlly the patients' cases are being easier and getting solved quickly ? I think these are blessings from God, we maybe don't see that sometimes, but I think that, first the number of children is being bigger and secondly, the length of being treated is getting much shorter, this is amazing!

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated at this email:

You may join the campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.

Sunday
June 24, 2007
"La Bamba"
Filed by

Arkan is the most generous 1 ½ year-old I've ever met! To calm him down after his bath, the ICU nurse gave him a package of Bamba (peanut butter puffs). After taking a bite of each puff, he passed off the remainder to his mom or the other
Shevet visitors. He insisted that all four of his guests try this delicious snack multiple times. His happy countenance was a refreshing sight for both his mom and us.

Arkan is expected to move out of ICU and into the children's ward as early as Monday.

You can pray for Um Arkan's endurance, as she was feeling tired today, and for Arkan to continue well in his speedy recovery.

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated at this email:

You may join the campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.

Shabbat Eve
June 22, 2007
Arkan's First Post-op Smile
Filed by

Arkan's mother, an English teacher in Iraq, is finding herself teaching Kurdish as well: to Shevet staff! We joined her today in saying, "Supas bohodeh" after Arkan smiled for the first time post-operation. This phrase means "Thanks be to God."

Arkan seemed very alert and in good spirits today, with the exception of having his IV taken out. The nurse encouraged Um Arkan ("mother of Arkan") by saying that discontinuing his IV is a good sign of improvement, as now his body is relying more on itself for regulation. Um Arkan said he started eating normal foods this morning. Praise God for his progress!

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated at this email:

You may join the campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.

Thursday, June 21, 2007
Arkan Is Awake; All Recovery Signs Are Good
Filed by

As we visited Arkan today, we found him extubated and awake. He seemed a little restless and his mother looked concerned. But we have seen this many times before and we understand. I spoke with Dr. Cohen and he says that all Arkan's tests and recovery signs are good. Even though Dr. Cohen did not perform the operation, it was pretty standard procedure and went off without a hitch.

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated at this email:

You may join the campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.

Wednesday
June 20, 2007
Six-Hour Surgery Completed
Filed by

As we entered the Wolfson Medical Center’s ICU, we encountered the relieved and weary mother of Arkan. She moved with slow and deliberate movements as she explained to us the results of Arkan’s surgery. The operation lasted approximately six hours but went without complication. The worst news she received was that Arkan would need another operation in seven years. This is quite common for this type of surgery.

Just an hour before we arrived, we learned that Arkan had experienced a fever, but it's gone now. A monitor read that Arkan’s oxygen was at 100%. Even this morning his oxygen was around 60%, as it has been for much of his short life. Click the arrow below to watch a video of Arkan during his first hours in the ICU following surgery.

These next few days will be the most critical as Arkan’s body fights to heal itself. Let us enjoin that fight with prayer.

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated at this email:

You may join the campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Surgery Moved up to Wednesday
Filed by

Arkan's surgery has been moved to one day earlier--from Thursday to tomorrow, Wednesday the 20th of June. We'll update you with the results. Thank you for your prayers for Arkan, his mother, and his father back home.

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated at this email:

You may join the campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.

Sunday
June 17, 2007
Surgery Scheduled for Thursday
Filed by

Arkan was quite happy and smiling most of our visit today. He was originally scheduled for surgery last Wednesday, but it had to be rescheduled for a more serious condition in another child. As it stands now, Arkan is scheduled for surgery Thursday morning. Please do keep him in prayer. He is such a special little guy and his smile continues to light up the room wherever he goes.

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated at this email:

You may join the campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.

Monday, June 11, 2007
Arkan Meets the Clowns
Filed by

I visited Arkan and his mother today, especially to bring them greetings from Ibrahim, Arkan's father, with whom I've been in touch by e-mail for a few weeks. (He's signed up for the blog updates too.) Ibrahim is a good husband and father--not only talking daily on the phone with his wife and son, but making sure we visit them often!

Arkan may have surgery this Wednesday, though it may be pushed to next week for two reasons. One reason is that the heart-lung machine is being used by a patient who is struggling in the ICU. This machine must be available at the time of Arkan's surgery, in case his heart needed to gradually recovery from the surgery. Another reason is that Arkan's last blood test showed that his coagulation levels are not as good as they could be. Dr. Aki Tamir said this may need to be treated before he can undergo surgery.

The picture up at the top is of two clowns who caught up to Arkan during my visit. They made a balloon-dog for him and blew some bubbles. He wasn't sure how to respond to all the stimulation, but he was happy for the distraction at least.

Sunday
June 10, 2007
Arkan Admitted for Surgery
Filed by

Arkan is currently in hospital in preparation for his surgery. It was thought that it might be tomorrow (Monday) but now it looks like the schedule will most likely place him in surgery on Tuesday or Wednesday this week. He was a bundle of joy and laughter today. There is no question his joy filled the room with smiles. I once heard a man say,"Smile--it increases your face value," and that sure was the case today with Arkan.

Thursday
June 7, 2007
Only God Knows When
Filed by

After visiting Sidra in the ICU and returning Palestinian children to Gaza, my next stop was the Save a Child's Heart (SACH) facility. This is the temporary home of both Arkan and Zinar, while they await the doctor's order to come for their open-heart surgery. This can be a very difficult time, especially for the mothers. They would much rather be at their own homes tending to their other childen, etc. On the other hand, the children love the SACH house, because of the toys, games and activities provided there. Located here is an ever-changing international family of children and mothers awaiting their surgical appointments.

However, the waiting game is a tiring one for these mothers. It was plain to see as I entered the SACH house tonight that Arkan's mother was tired and in talking to her, her response was, "When will Arkan's surgery be?" My reply was, "Only God and the doctors know and I am not so sure about the latter." I stayed only a short time, as there were other guests and activities going on for the children. However, I did snap the picture above of Arkan, as his mother snatched him up into her lap.

Please be in prayer over these moms. This is quite a trying time for them with the multi-cultural, multi-language and unfamiliar environment they are experiencing, and adjusting to, for probably the first time in their lives.

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated at this email:

You may join the campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.

Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Tearful Arkan
Filed by

Today I visited Arkan at the hospital. He was undergoing some tests. More than anyone else, Arkan wants a solution to his chronic constipation, which has plagued him since he was six months old. It is often painful for him. Some very big tears ran down his face today as he cried.

Arkan and his mother kept Sidra's mother company while she anxiously waited for Sidra's surgery to be finished. Soon it will be Arkan's turn for surgery, and Arkan's mother will receive the same kind of comfort she freely gave today.

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated at this email:

Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Just Laughing and Laughing
Filed by

When I see Arkan he just melts my heart. He has been on some new medicine and is looking much better. The color of his lips and tongue are actually pink; last week when I visited they were blue. As we were standing outside watching the children play at the Save a Child's Heart house he was just laughing and laughing. His laugh is starting to become louder and stronger. Please continue to pray for his mother because she is very anxious for him to have his surgery.

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated at this email:

Thursday, May 24, 2007
A Mother's Strength
Filed by

John Pettett, father of Shevet Achim's Jerusalem Director, Alex Pettett, visited the hospital and SACH house today. Here are some of his impressions:

Following our visit to the Wolfson Medical Center, Alex took me to the Save a Child’s Heart house where the latest arrivals from northern Iraq are

now staying. There I met Um Arkan, who is the mother of 1 ½ year old Arkan. Um Arkan was an English teacher and we were able to easily communicate. When she was told that her son could receive heart surgery in Israel, she had to leave her three month old baby to bring Arkan to Israel. The strength of the Iraqi women really impressed me. Her son was a typically shy little boy who had a very brave mother. We all need to pray for successful surgery and perseverance for the family.

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated at this email:

You may join our May 2007 campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Mom Says Arkan Looks Healthier
Filed by

After 15 days of waiting in Israel, Arkan, Sidra, and Zinar are still waiting. The mothers are sharing a room together at the Save A Child's Heart house, while sharing a kitchen and living room with other women from around the world. It isn't easy for them to be in one small bedroom with three bunk beds, but they seem to be dealing well with the stress of not having their own place.

Um Arkan said he has been fussy but while we were there he was nothing but smiles. And his coloring is much better. Arkan has been taking some medication and vitamins since he has been with us, and his mother thinks he is looking healthier. He loved the hand knitted bear brought by Sally and Rosie, supporters of Shevet Achim and short-term volunteers (pictured below). He sat quietly on his mom's lap and let everyone admire how sweet and beautiful he is. Um Arkan's English is wonderful; she completed a bachelor's degree in English and is a teacher. Sally and Rosie spoke with her about her experiences and she helped us to say a few things to Sidra and Zinar's moms who only speak Kurdish. Um Arkan is beginning to get antsy about the long wait before surgery. I can hardly blame her when she had to leave a three-month-old baby back in Iraq who is now entering his fourth month without his mommy.

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated at this email:

You may join our May 2007 campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.

Thursday May 17, 2007
Arkan Comes Through First Major Procedure
Filed by

Click the play arrow to see Arkan waking up following his catheterization

Iraqi baby Arkan started down the road to health Wednesday when Israeli doctors further explored the anatomy of his heart through catheterization. This is done in complex cases to allow a surgeon to better plan surgery before opening the heart.

Arkan's recovery from anesthesia was very fast and soon he was back in the bed, anxious mother alongside, where he had begun his day several hours before.

We will update this page as we have more news of Arkan's progress toward surgery. Thank you for praying for this precious child.

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated at this email:

You may join our May 2007 campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.

Monday
May 14, 2007
Arkan Calls Home
Filed by

Yesterday Arkan was transported to Wolfson Medical Center to take PPT (blood) tests. This was quite obviously not to his liking (nor would it have been mine!). However, these procedures are very necessary for a more precise evaluation by the doctors. Thankfully, the test was short in duration and soon he was back to his sweet little self.

It was also the first opportunity for Um Arkan ("mother of Arkan") to talk with her husband about their experiences so far. It was a wonderful reunion, if only by telephone. Thank God for the technology to be able to do so!

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated
at this email:

You may join our May 2007 campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.

Thursday May 10, 2007
Arkan Begins His Tests
Filed by

Arkan and his mother arrived at the Wolfson Medical Center in Holon, Israel this morning for the beginning of tests to determine his readiness for the open-heart surgery he needs. (Due to a camera malfunction today, the picture above is from yesterday's travel to Israel). It was a very long day again for them, but Arkan seemed to be doing OK during the times I was with them. Thankfully they will not have to come to the hospital for tests tomorrow and can catch up on their rest. Please pray for this little one and his mother as they both go through preparations for this life-changing event. Pray for Arkan's father and siblings at home in Iraq as well. We are thankful for this opportunity for Arkan to receive a new heart.

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated
at this email:

You may join our May 2007 campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.

Wednesday 5/9/2007
Arkan, Sidra, and Zinar Are In Israel!
Filed by

Click the play arrow to watch video of the arrival

It was a very long day for these precious children and their mothers as they traveled from Jordan to Israel. We greatly appreciated the help of the Israeli border workers assisting us, making the crossing as efficient as possible. The manager has gotten to know our work through previous crossings, and today offered to do anything she could to help.

After a snack as we drove, all of the children took at least a small nap (and Arkan munched an apple!) as we travelled across Israel to the Mediterranean coast, where our guests got their first glimpse of the sea.

We stopped for a meal, and at last arrived around 9 p.m. at the Save a Child's Heart house. After they were introduced to their new surroundings, they were quite ready to rest. Let us pray that they will rest well; one of the mothers expressed some feelings of fear over the strangeness of this new place. Soon I believe they will settle in and have the opportunity to see their children experience health to its fullest.

They will report for their first echos in the morning. Watch this page for an update. Thank you for your prayers as they begin their journey to healing.

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated
at this email:

Tuesday 5/8/2007
Arkan to Cross the Jordan Tomorrow

All the final permissions have now been given, and Arkan, Zinar, and Sidra are due to cross the Jordan River into Israel Wednesday, en route to the promise of new life through heart surgery. Watch this space tomorrow for details and photos of their arrival.

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated
at this email:

Monday
4/30/2007

Waiting for Visas
Filed by

The families of Arkan, Sidra, and Zinar have been staying with us at our home in Jordan while we await final security clearance for them to enter Israel.

At first glance the three children look healthy, but if you look closer, you can see the deep blue in Arkan´s face and finger tips.
(I did not recognize it at first, since all Arab children are much darker than our children).
Every two months they extract blood from his body, since the blood gets too thick (I think due to the lack of oxygen). Arkan often has a fever, and he cries a lot and gets tired fast. According to his dad, his surgery will not be easy; Arkan is diagnosed with a double outlet right ventricle. The Israeli cardiologist Dr. Tamir said that they would probably have to use a piece of metal to separate the outlet. This metal will then stay in his body and may later have to be replaced as his body grows. (This is only what I understood from Arkan's father, so no guarantee that it's a correct description of the planned surgery!)

Arkan´s father is a civil engineer, who is in charge of quite a workforce (up to 40 people he said). They build roads and 3-6 floor buildings. They have one other child, a three month old baby, that is now with other family members in Iraq.

During their time here we've enjoyed some sightseeing together with the families, but they are starting to grow impatient. Please pray with us that their visas will be approved tomorrow.

Notify me when Arkan's page is updated
at this email: