Cochlear Implants for Somaya
Donation protected
Three year-old Somaya was born profoundly hearing impaired. She can't hear or speak. Her family worries that life will be hard for her in Afghanistan. Doctors have recommended that Somaya get cochlear implants -- and soon, while she is still young enough to learn to comprehend and produce speech. This surgery is widely available around the world, but not in Afghanistan. It will cost approximately $10,000 to get Somaya the surgery elsewhere. The family does not have that kind of money.
I have created this fundraiser because I'm in a position to vouch for this family and this child. Somaya's aunt, uncle, and four cousins came to the United States from Afghanistan on a Special Immigrant Visa a few years ago. I got to know the family during their first year in the U.S., when they lived near Washington, DC and my congregation helped them settle in. They're a wonderful family, and are building a life for themselves in Michigan while helping to support their extended family in Afghanistan. They have pledged to come up with $2,000 for Somaya, and are asking for help with the remainder. (If you prefer to give directly to the family in Michigan, please let me know.)
When I heard Somaya's story, I knew I had to find a way to help. I reached out to international charities but got nowhere. The clock is ticking; to make the most difference, this surgery must be done when a child is 3-4 years old, while they are still especially capable of learning language.
Here is a statement from Somaya's doctor in Afghanistan, which I received by video:
"I am Abhul Hamid Momtaz Hadi. I’m an ENT specialist. We are talking about Somaya dear. She is 3 years old. Somaya has congenital deafness. Her condition developed in utero. Audiometry is not available in Afghanistan for diagnostic purposes. ...She requires a cochlear implant. The diagnostics/treatment are not available in Afghanistan...although they are in India and Europe. We do not know about Pakistan. In our country, in our war ravaged country, even if you get the diagnosis, there is no capability of offering the treatment."
Please think of the difference you can make in Somaya's life, and give what you can.
I have created this fundraiser because I'm in a position to vouch for this family and this child. Somaya's aunt, uncle, and four cousins came to the United States from Afghanistan on a Special Immigrant Visa a few years ago. I got to know the family during their first year in the U.S., when they lived near Washington, DC and my congregation helped them settle in. They're a wonderful family, and are building a life for themselves in Michigan while helping to support their extended family in Afghanistan. They have pledged to come up with $2,000 for Somaya, and are asking for help with the remainder. (If you prefer to give directly to the family in Michigan, please let me know.)
When I heard Somaya's story, I knew I had to find a way to help. I reached out to international charities but got nowhere. The clock is ticking; to make the most difference, this surgery must be done when a child is 3-4 years old, while they are still especially capable of learning language.
Here is a statement from Somaya's doctor in Afghanistan, which I received by video:
"I am Abhul Hamid Momtaz Hadi. I’m an ENT specialist. We are talking about Somaya dear. She is 3 years old. Somaya has congenital deafness. Her condition developed in utero. Audiometry is not available in Afghanistan for diagnostic purposes. ...She requires a cochlear implant. The diagnostics/treatment are not available in Afghanistan...although they are in India and Europe. We do not know about Pakistan. In our country, in our war ravaged country, even if you get the diagnosis, there is no capability of offering the treatment."
Please think of the difference you can make in Somaya's life, and give what you can.
Organizer and beneficiary
Amy Eisner
Organizer
Washington D.C., DC
Abdul Munir Kharooty
Beneficiary