Hi Everyone,

Just a quick update to let you know that Dr. Attwood preformed Noora’s surgery on Monday at Maine Med and she is currently recovering on the regular Peds floor.

Shortly after her pervious surgery, an area (approx 50cent piece size) opened over the prosthetic skull. After the consultation in Boston, last week, it was decided that Dr. Atwood would re-open the area of scalp that was used to cover the prosthetic skull, and try to stretch it a bit, in hopes of closing as much of the current opening as he could. He was able to close all but about a penny size area. In that area, he applied a product which encourages blood vessels and other cells to grow a new layer of skin. In approx. two to three weeks, he will be able to assess the area and determine the next course of action.

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Mustafa is a different boy than what we think of when we think of a boy. Mustafa has been deafened by US missiles in Iraq that hit the house next door to him (and were very loud.) Not being able to hear is very challenging because of communication, but Mustafa uses facial expressions, and gestures to get his point across. Not hearing for Mustafa means not being able to talk. Mustafa still makes noises, but he just can’t hear them.

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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.

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I flew to San Francisco to be there for the arrival of Mustafa Ghazwan, his father, Ghazwan al-Nidawi, and Cole, as they flew in from Jordan on December 31st, 2008.  A very excited group of local volunteers from the NMV Bay Area chapter, and a crowd of print, radio and television reporters were also on hand to greet Mustafa and his father.  Lead local organizers Amy Skewes-Cox and Ruth Friend of the Ruth Group, as well as Dr. Daniel Lowenstein of the Iraq Action Group, Ilona Sturm of the Bay Area NMV chapter, and many other friendly faces who’d worked so hard to make this happen also waited anxiously for the plane to land.

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We are happy to say that Ahmed and Mustafa arrived safely. What a wonderful Eid celebration for them and their family.

We miss them so much, but are glad they are home with those they love.

I just spoke to Ahmed and Mustafa at the No More Victims apartment in Amman, Jordan. They arrived a few hours ago without problem. They are tired but are surrounded by the No More Victims staff/friends in Jordan. They were sharing a nice meal when I called. It sounded very happy there!

Ahmed said over and over, “I love you, Portland!!”

Mustafa sounded very good.

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To all of our total surprise and gratitude, the amazing prosthetists at Shriners WERE able to make a leg for Mustafa. There were tears and smiles and lots of encouragement as Mustafa put on his leg and took several steps. Pictures will come. There is much learning involved for him to successfully use such a full leg and hip prosthesis, BUT we all thought it couldn’t be done. Mustafa is incredibly athletic and determined, so this good news is very encouraging!!

He will do lots of intensive PT for the next 2 weeks, then, in early December, he and Ahmed will be returning home to their family in Iraq, whom they miss terribly. Watch here for announcements about good-bye activities and appreciation gatherings for all of Mustafa’s medical providers, interpreters and the staff at Ronald McDonald House. Mustafa and Ahmed will definitely leave a deep impression in our hearts and they will take our loving friendship with them when they go.  More updates of their departure plans in a few days or so.

Watch for news coverage of the prosthetic leg and the great work of Shriners Hospital in the coming days.

Apologies that it has been a while since an update on the general status of Mustafa’s health and treatment. The days have been busy.

Last week we learned a lot in several appointments. Here’s the summary: Kidney and bladder function– Mustafa’s right (now only) kidney is working well. That is great news. It will be important to preserve the function of that kidney — i.e., preventing infection and keeping his bladder empty on a regular schedule. The injury caused a loss of much of the nerve impulses that make the bladder work. So, in order to keep the bladder emptying adequately, Mustafa requires catheterization every 4 hours. It is not a fun thing, but both Mustafa and Ahmed are adjusting to this routine in an amazing and dignified way. Much of Mustafa’s pain (and the fever)at the start of their time here was due to the bladder/kidney situation. It is so wonderful to report that he is now pain and infection free!

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I’ve got quite a bit to catch you up on since I last wrote. First and foremost, Noora successfully completed her final saline injection this past Friday with Dr. Atwood! As you can see from the attached picture, she has quite a bump on the top of her head. The other day, Noora pointed at a cinnamon bun, said “Noora”, and then pointed to her head and started laughing. Both Dr. Atwood and Dr. Wilson are very pleased with the end results, and if everything goes as planned she should be having her final surgery (to replace the missing section of skull) within the next few weeks.

The past month has brought a lot of fun activities for Noora, from celebrating her 7th birthday with some of her little friends, dates with playmates, visits to a couple of Kindergartens, a private boat ride in Casco Bay, the Cumberland fair, apple picking in Yarmouth, and an afternoon at Pumpkinland …..to….. trips to the ocean, hiking in state parks, and a visit with friends out on Little Diamond Island. She remains enamored with swinging, the computer and helping(?) the staff of the Ronald McDonald House. She steadfastly continues to vote chocolate ice-cream and olives as her top food choices but proves to be a “swing vote” when a pizza shows up. Her English comprehension and verbal skills have soared in recent weeks, along with her confidence and her undying love for Tom and Jerry cartoons. She experienced her first “crush”, ate her first piece of pumpkin pie, and has yet to tire of the sight of rain. She can pack away more food than a body builder, when she’s hungry and undoubtedly burns up the excess calories with her boundless energy.

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