My name is Tara Britton, and I am based in Seattle. I am a founding member of the Ayla Project International. We advocate for critically-ill children and their mothers who have been evacuated from conflict zones around the world. We also assist these families holistically - medically, emotionally, educationally and economically - to achieve sustainable resettlement.

I would like to tell you the story of the third family we were able to assist in evacuating from the conflict in the Middle East - six-year old Adam, his mother Noura, and his sister Sarah. Adam was referred to our team by Schevet Achim (Save A Child’s Heart). Adam was born in Gaza with a congenital heart defect. After Adam was born, Shevet Achim arranged for Adam’s surgical treatment in an Israeli hospital.

Before the surgery, Adam was an alert, talkative child. During the surgery, Adam did not receive enough oxygen, which caused damage to his brain. Post-surgery, Adam began experiencing seizures as well as developmental and motor delays. Adam now needs medicine to control his seizures and physical therapy to assist with his mobility for the rest of his life, in addition to care for his heart.

Despite these daunting health challenges, before the war, little Adam Lulu loved to sit on a special swing under a tree every day, while playing and eating meals. He enjoyed cuddling with his family during story time. Adam loved to swim and to float in the sea. Adam also enjoyed when his family did physical therapy along with him, trying to encourage him to strengthen his muscles.

Then, the war began. Adam Lulu’s home was among many civilian homes destroyed and his grandfather was killed. Adam Lulu, his sister Sarah and mother Nourah were among 1.1 million civilian refugees displaced to the South, staying with various families along the way. The stress of the war, the bombardment, and losing his home caused a significant downturn in Adam’s health. His convulsions and seizures worsened. Adam's mother feared he that he would not survive.

On April 13th, 2024, the Ayla Project team was able to assist in the evacuation of Adam, his mother Noura and his sister Sarah into Egypt. Now, the Ayla Project aims to empower Noura and her children, not just to survive, but to thrive, as they build a new life.

Since the war started, over 115,000 people from Gaza have crossed into Egypt (The Washington Post June 2024). Most enter Egypt having lost everything. Because they are considered stateless, the UN and the Egyptian state are not providing assistance to Gazan refugees. Refugee children cannot even attend state schools. Refugees like Adam Lulu, his mother Noura and sister Sarah rely instead on grassroots networks of volunteers and small collectives, such as the Ayla Project to uplift them after having survived one of the greatest humanitarian catastrophes of this generation.

Mr. Rodgers once said that when things get bad to "look for the helpers!" When governments fail, individual changemakers can step in to meet a great need. One last relevant quote here: "Never doubt that a small, thoughtful, committed group of citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead. Will you join us in changing the world, one family at a time?

We are seeking to raise $20,000 to support this family, to cover:

We also teach families computer skills and assist them in launching small income generating businesses. Funds are distributed monthly to the families we serve, they provide expense receipts to demonstrate that the funds were spent on the categories outlined above.

Whatever gift you can give, large or small, it will make a huge difference for this family! Thank you for your support!