Thank you for your help with Rahama’s surgeries

Ever since she was a little girl Rahamatu Mohammed dreamed of having an eye where her right eye had been, so she would look more like other children. When she was only 2 years old in 1991, NOMA. a terrible, aggressive infection destroyed her eye and rapidly ate away all the bone and tissue on the right side of her face, leaving a gaping hole. Her only hope for treatment was to leave her family in Tamale, Ghana and travel halfway around the world to Norfolk, VA. 

There a team of Operation Smile surgeons worked for 26 hours straight to reconstruct Rahama’s face. Over the years she was blessed to receive many more surgeries, but the damage from that childhood disease could never be completely repaired. She was left with facial deformities and impaired function of her mouth and nose that can make eating and breathing difficult.

But today, like a miracle, new surgical procedures and advances in technology have made it possible for Rahama to have the normal looking appearance she has long hoped for. In October 2022 she traveled to Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore, MD to undergo the 1st of 3 procedures that will give her a prosthetic eye and make her face more symmetrical, her nose and mouth more functional. 

Complications from the first surgery unfortunately led to more expenses than Rahama expected. Now she must also come up with funds for 2 more operations needed to complete the facial reconstruction. She will return to Johns Hopkins in March and and once more later this year for a 3rd surgery . 

Rahama urgently needs assistance today to cover medical expenses.

Rahama suffered excruciating pain for more than 2 months following her surgery last October. A bone graft and a full thickness flap were taken from her left leg to lay the framework of the next 2 facial reconstruction surgeries. These procedures did not heal well, leaving her in great pain and unable to walk. Additionally, there were expenses for follow up trips to Baltimore, for physical therapy treatments, supplies, meds and living expenses. As these costs continue to pile up Rahama now faces even more time off work without pay, with more operations scheduled soon. 

These next 2 surgeries will truly be life changing for Rahama. Ever since she was a 2 year old child she has bravely endured ridicule, the shocked cries of frightened children, rude stares hurtful comments and even isolation. The support of lifelong friends and a loving community in Norfolk, VA helped to keep her encouraged. Her strong faith and positive spirit carried her forward as she worked hard to complete her education.

In May of 2022 she graduated with a Master’s in Social Work from Norfolk State University. She is a fighter and a believer and is determined to continue doing all she can as a social worker to help others .

These surgeries promise Rahama the freedom to walk in public and feel that she is accepted, not singled out and branded as strange and different. She has travelled a long tough road. She now has the opportunity for a future she silently dreamed of but never thought would ever be her reality. 

Your donation will help make that future real for Rahama.

They have a saying in Ghana, where Rahama was born, that “a poor man has no friends”. We know that to mean that to have friends is to be rich. True wealth comes from having people who love us, friends who enjoy our good times together, and who will also walk along with us through our difficult days.

Rahama’s friends are indeed her great treasure. We are thankful for each and every one of you. You are truly loved and appreciated. 

Thank you all for your prayers, your kind actions, and for hanging in there with Rahama on this journey.

#RahMo-Laari #LiveLife 

#thankyouDrMagee #thankyouDrBoehe

#StMarys ❤️#SistersofNotreDame #LovedFavoredGod #GhanaGirl #NOtoNOMA

#CathedralofFaithCOGIC ❤️#NSU #SpartanPower #LakeTaylorHS

#BerkleyFam #NorfolkStrong