Hi there, my name is Briellen and I am a piano teacher based in Washington state. I am fundraising on behalf of my friends Nader Al-Majdalawi and Tasneem Al-Majdalawi for their 7yr old daughter Iman Nader Al-Majdalawi (who they call Amuna).

Amuna was born as one of triplets at only 26 weeks, along with her two siblings (a brother and a sister) who unfortunately passed away shortly after birth. During her time in the NICU, she was exposed to harsh lights, which caused retinal detachment in her eyes leading to blindness. Once it was discovered, she began receiving treatment and underwent two surgeries which showed great improvement and she was beginning to see shadows and light. Unfortunately, after the genocide broke out in Gaza in Oct 2023, all treatment immediately stopped. Retinal detachment repair is urgent, and the longer she goes without treatment, the higher the risk of permanent blindness. Her family hopes to be able to evacuate her to Egypt as soon as possible in order for her to begin treatment and continue her surgeries in the hopes that she will be able to regain her sight.

The situation in Gaza is very difficult. Her family (including her 5yr old brother, Anwar) is currently displaced living in a tent in unbearable conditions. The temperature inside the tent reaches over 100°F. Mice frequently enter at night because there are no doors. Amuna began to suffer from epileptic seizures as a result of the intense bombing, because she could not see, but she could hear the sounds of bombing and explosions all around her. After this she was unable to sleep for long periods. On top of this, everyone in Gaza is struggling to find food. They have been surviving off dried and canned foods for many months, and a family member (her 17yr old cousin) was recently injured because he was ran over by an aid truck while attempting to get a bag of flour. The conditions are truly unimaginable.

The funds will be go directly to the family to help support their immediate needs such as food, clothing, and basic supplies.

Below I've attached some photos of Amuna from the NICU, and post-op after eye surgery, and of her and her brother Anwar prior to the genocide.

Thank you for listening to their story. If you can donate, please do. And if you cannot, please share and pray for this family, along with all of those struggling in Gaza at this time.

With love,

Briellen ️️