Werkneh Legal and School Fund

His name is Werkneh Gurmecha Ourga.  When he was four years old, tumors started growing on his hands. These benign tumors continued to grow as he grew.  When his parents could no longer care for his hands (one of which had grown to the size of a bowling ball),
they took him to the Black Lion Hospital in Ethiopia where they wanted to amputate his hands!  Werkneh's father then felt his only hope was to take Werkneh to Mother Theresa's for the Dying and Destitute.  Hope did come in the presence of Dr. Rick Hodes who found Werkneh and connected him to Mending Kids.  Werkneh was brought to Los Angeles where two world renowned surgeons at Cedars Sinai, Dr. Myles Cohen and Dr. David Kulber, performed a series of complex surgeries saving Werkneh's hands and life.

Werkneh's first stay here lasted 8 months where he was introduced to English and school for the first time in his life.  He now speaks English fluently and has a passion and an understanding of the value of an education.

Over the years, Werkneh has returned to Los Angeles on an annual basis where further surgeries have been performed by his amazing  surgeons funded by Mending Kids.  He has always returned to Ethiopia where all those that have learned to love him have  supported his education by sending him to a  boarding school instead of going back to the orphanage.

Werkneh is a child who anyone would be proud to call their own.  Shocking, as he basically grew up without the loving support of a family to care for him. Instead he has chosen to be a happy well adjusted kid.

Werkneh's story and journey has been a tough one.  He has been navigating his own way in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where a country of people find it hard to eeck out an existence and he has managed to do it on his own.
Not only that, but has done so with a smile on his face and a heart of gratitude for all that have helped him.

Ethiopia in the last years has become a  country under siege by it's own government.  Last week, the LA Times declared it a state of emergency.  The government has been targeting certain ethnic groups of which Werkneh is one of.  It is no longer safe for him to live there.

We have consulted with an imigration attorney and he believes that Werkneh has a good case for political asylum.  That is why we are asking for your help.

Not only does he need attorney fees, but we are asking for money in which to help support him in his first year here as he begins a new life. We are actively looking for a Host family were he can live while he can finish 11th and 12th grade and further his education .

Thank you for your consideration in helping his dreams come true.

Laurie and Nancy xoxo





Fun Fact:
Greys Anatomy did a show based on my story.





Check out these links for more of my story:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5a6V8p5mBg

http://www.thedoctorstv.com/articles/1390-incredible-surgeries

A few words now from people who love him:

Laurie Dugan (Host Mom)
Werkneh is someone that smiles and instantly steals your heart.  He is incredibly happy, positive, thankful and simply fun to be around.  He reads, studies and is always inquisitive.  He can run like the wind and loves children, pets, soccer and working out.  He has the innate ability to bring out the best in everyone he meets.  Words simply can't do justice.  You must meet him to understand how special he is. 



Nancy Bittan (Host Mom)
7 years ago I was invited to meet Werkneh through my friend and surgeon who had just done a life transforming surgery on a boy from Ethiopia who had tumors on his hands the size of bowling balls, his name was Werkneh. I never forgot him! To know him is to know a special human being.  Ironically, friends I knew directly and indirectly in Malibu would host him each summer while being brought here on a medical visa through Mending Kids  for his surgeries each year. Several months ago it was brought to my attention directly that Werkneh wants to come to the US to have a chance for a future and that Ethiopia was becoming more and more dangerous to even walk the streets. He is pretty much on his own in Ethiopia while lucky enough to be in a boarding school .He only started school when he was 11 and now is in the 11th grade. He is smart and always happy.  In meeting with an imigration lawyer it has been affirmed he has a good chance of asylum. Their are many who love Werkneh and want to help give him a future. He has been through so much and deserves to have peace and love in his life.
Thank you for your consideration!