The winter snow has introduced Noora to all sorts of new activities, from making snow angels and snow men to sledding and (her personal favorite) snowball fights with Afef. Her spirits are high and her energy level is even higher. She misses her mom, can’t wait to hold her new baby sister “Somya” (born Thanksgiving day), and currently has 4 boyfriends, whose identity must remain a secret, per Noora. She loves hugs, plain yogurt, computer games, and performing “surgery” on any unsuspecting victim willing to take a seat in her O.R. When I asked Noora if she wanted me to pass any message along to you in this update, she thought for a second, burst into a smile and said “have fun!” Words of wisdom from an inspiring 7 year old who most surely lives the “practice what you preach” philosophy.

We were so hoping that this would be the update announcing Afef and Noora’s departure date, but most unfortunately, Noora will be requiring an additional surgery, this time down in Boston. Her healing process appeared to be going along beautifully until a couple of weeks ago, when an area of scalp covering the prosthetic portion of her skull, opened up. Dr. Atwood was hopeful that the area might possibly heal on it’s own, but after two weeks, the area has worsened and now warrants the need for intervention.

As this is a specialized procedure, Dr. Atwood has very kindly connected up us with a micro-surgeon at Boston Children’s Hospital who has offered his help. We will be heading to Boston on Monday morning for a consultation, and if all goes as planned, Noora will be having her surgery within the next couple of weeks.

As you might imagine, this setback has been particularly distressing for Afef and his family, who had hoped that any day now they would be returning home. There have been many times over the past six months that I have marveled at this family’s strength, perseverance and resilience in their attempt to heal their daughter, and this most recent incident is no exception. As they prepare for this next surgery, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers and know how grateful they are for your love and support.

susi and doug