Aram's heart surgery
Donation protected
Meet a special seven year old girl named Aram Liya Leh who lives in glorious Cameroon. The story begins with a summer trip in 2007, when I visited my 93 year old great-uncle, Mehdi Samandari, in Buea, Cameroon with my family. Uncle Mehdi and Auntie Ursula moved to Africa in the 1950’s, where he served as a pediatrician and a true brother to this population. My 80 year old father Amin Jazab accompanied us on this memorable trip, thrilled to be back on the continent where he served with all his heart as a physician in Tunisia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for 23 years. The beauty of Africa and its people is charming to the soul. I basked in its warm sunlight and the radiance of the population. I spent formative years on this continent. My dream was for my children to visit this uncle of mine. Kimia, my daughter, made that dream come true. At Uncle Mehdi’s request, she painted a portrait of his mother, and was determined to hand deliver it to him. And that she did!
During our week there, visitors streamed through my uncle’s home- young, old, rich, poor, barefoot, well-dressed, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, atheist, Bahai- all eager to have a conversation with Mehdi, who always made them laugh heartily. They loved him, and he loved them. No one left without a bowl of his home made yogurt with raw honey, and of course a prayer for protection or health. Uncle Mehdi and Auntie Ursula worked tirelessly for the elimination of all forms of prejudice, the empowerment of women, the education of children, and the understanding that we were created to serve one another. Their exemplary life attracted folks from all strata of society, and their humble home was the center of vibrant discussions around social justice, spirituality, and the oneness of humanity.
We also became acquainted with our Baha’i sisters and brothers in the cities of Buea and Limbe, excited to share the latest news from our community with each another, learning and reflecting together. Incredible to see that the junior youth group in Buea was doing similar things to the junior youth group in Nashville! We met the hospitable Frooghi, Yeganeh, Melo, and Bushrui families. Another outstanding Baha’i family in Cameroon is the Leh family. Father is Isaac, mother is Mercy, son is Hofman, daughter Setareh, and youngest daughter is Aram Liya. These parents are sincere servants of the community in numerous ways. I would like to share the story of their youngest child with you.
Aram Liya was born July 8, 2010 weighing 2.6 Kg. She was very calm at birth. In December 2011 Aram Liya was diagnosed with congenital heart disease, suffering from a restrictive perimembranous ventricular septal defect with accessory tissue. For the past 6 years a cardiologist followed Aram’s case. In 2015, pediatric cardiologists came from Europe, examined her and scheduled her open heart surgery for November 2017 at St. Elizabeth Catholic General hospital Shisong. The cost estimate for cardiac surgery and prosthesis is around $5000 USD.
Aram Liya has an abundance of love for people she meets at home and in school. At her school in the first semester exams, she led her class with only one pupil ahead of her. A favorite prayer she loves to say is: “O God, my God, my Beloved my heart’s desire”. The food she loves most and finishes quickly is rice and beans. Despite her health situation, she enjoys running around. She also likes watching cartoons. Her love for the computer has helped her excel in information and communication technology in school. She does well in basic mathematics and is quite a determined young lady! Raising $5000 for her surgery is a formidable task in Cameroon and therefore, I am presenting Aram Liya’s case to you to see if you would like to be a part of her health-giving team by a contribution. Any amount is greatly appreciated. Prayers are also a treasured gift that you can send her way!
Aram Liya, presently 7 years old
Issac and Mercy Leh, Arams parents
Kimia and Uncle Mehdi
Our family with part of our Cameroonian family.
Visiting Auntie Ursula's gravesite.
Mount Fako, an active volcano, outside of our hotel room.
During our week there, visitors streamed through my uncle’s home- young, old, rich, poor, barefoot, well-dressed, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, atheist, Bahai- all eager to have a conversation with Mehdi, who always made them laugh heartily. They loved him, and he loved them. No one left without a bowl of his home made yogurt with raw honey, and of course a prayer for protection or health. Uncle Mehdi and Auntie Ursula worked tirelessly for the elimination of all forms of prejudice, the empowerment of women, the education of children, and the understanding that we were created to serve one another. Their exemplary life attracted folks from all strata of society, and their humble home was the center of vibrant discussions around social justice, spirituality, and the oneness of humanity.
We also became acquainted with our Baha’i sisters and brothers in the cities of Buea and Limbe, excited to share the latest news from our community with each another, learning and reflecting together. Incredible to see that the junior youth group in Buea was doing similar things to the junior youth group in Nashville! We met the hospitable Frooghi, Yeganeh, Melo, and Bushrui families. Another outstanding Baha’i family in Cameroon is the Leh family. Father is Isaac, mother is Mercy, son is Hofman, daughter Setareh, and youngest daughter is Aram Liya. These parents are sincere servants of the community in numerous ways. I would like to share the story of their youngest child with you.
Aram Liya was born July 8, 2010 weighing 2.6 Kg. She was very calm at birth. In December 2011 Aram Liya was diagnosed with congenital heart disease, suffering from a restrictive perimembranous ventricular septal defect with accessory tissue. For the past 6 years a cardiologist followed Aram’s case. In 2015, pediatric cardiologists came from Europe, examined her and scheduled her open heart surgery for November 2017 at St. Elizabeth Catholic General hospital Shisong. The cost estimate for cardiac surgery and prosthesis is around $5000 USD.
Aram Liya has an abundance of love for people she meets at home and in school. At her school in the first semester exams, she led her class with only one pupil ahead of her. A favorite prayer she loves to say is: “O God, my God, my Beloved my heart’s desire”. The food she loves most and finishes quickly is rice and beans. Despite her health situation, she enjoys running around. She also likes watching cartoons. Her love for the computer has helped her excel in information and communication technology in school. She does well in basic mathematics and is quite a determined young lady! Raising $5000 for her surgery is a formidable task in Cameroon and therefore, I am presenting Aram Liya’s case to you to see if you would like to be a part of her health-giving team by a contribution. Any amount is greatly appreciated. Prayers are also a treasured gift that you can send her way!
Aram Liya, presently 7 years oldIssac and Mercy Leh, Arams parents Kimia and Uncle MehdiOur family with part of our Cameroonian family.Visiting Auntie Ursula's gravesite. Mount Fako, an active volcano, outside of our hotel room.Organizer
Aram Ferdowsi
Organizer
Brentwood, TN