Help Sami Selo Ahmed In The Fight For His Life
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UPDATED April 22nd where it says TODAY, before “Who is Sami” section.
WHAT HAPPENED:
There are no words to describe what happened on Thursday February 19, 2021, but I will do my best.
Our dear friend Sami Selo Ahmed was driving from Maryland to Virginia on highway 495. Unfortunately his car hit a patch of black ice and he crashed into the cement divider between the highway and the exit. Despite his windshield cracking and both airbags going off, Sami wasn’t hurt.
He called 911 and he was told they were gonna be on their way to help him. He called me right after and sent me his location so I could go pick him up. As we were on the phone he told me that he was witnessing a 3 car accident happening exactly where he had his. A few seconds later the phone call went silent. I stayed on the line for what felt like an eternity, but was about 40 minutes while I was on my way to where he was.
I heard cries, sirens and a police officer say that it appeared that Sami had been hit by one of the cars in that accident. I also heard the sound of an ambulance and heard he was being transported to a nearby hospital.
Once I found out where he was taken, I picked up Sami’s mother to take her there. Upon arrival we found out that he was undergoing emergency brain surgery because he had cracks in his skull and there was internal bleeding. Doctors had to open his head to release blood. He also had very low blood pressure and almost no pulse. We were told to prepare ourselves for the worst outcome as his chances of surviving the surgery were slim to none.
Being the fighter he is, Sami survived surgery and he was somewhat stabilized. But now the fight to stay stable began. Doctors told us that it had been a miracle to survive the surgery and his chances were very low to make it to the next day. He was then transferred to the ICU; due to COVID, trauma patients are not permitted visitors, however, due to the extenuating circumstances, they have allowed his mother, uncle and one more family member to be with him.
When he heard his mother’s voice, Sami’s eyes started to tear up. We are hoping he can hear us. With much love and prayer, he survived the night.
Friday, February 19, 2021:
Sami’s vitals had been stabilized with the exception of his blood pressure. The Doctors suggested that he undergoes a second brain surgery so he could be stable enough to run more tests and be able to provide him with the best treatment possible.
After his mom agreed to the surgery, our friend Sami went into the OR ready to fight for his life. After almost 2 hours, he successfully came out of his second brain surgery. Now the doctors are able to run some more tests because he is more stable than before. But the fight is nowhere near done.
Saturday February 20, 2021:
Today has been a better day so far . During yesterday’s CT Scan the nurses noticed that Sami was trying to breath on his own. So today, Saturday, the doctors decided to try and let him breath on his own, but still keep him connected just in case he needed help. He has been breathing on his own so far, but they have said that they want to keep monitoring his breathing for 24 hrs to make sure it’s stable. In the afternoon he was taken to get an MRI done. This is to check if there’s any damage to his neck. The results of the MRI hopefully will be given tomorrow. Today has been a great day, he is making progress And that’s what we need him to do every day. Please continue to pray for him ❤️
Monday February 22,2021:
Yesterday the doctors got the results of the MRI test and saw that his neck is ok . These are great news. We have been explained that the road to find exactly what’s wrong it’s long and very delicate. We know his swelling is coming down and he continues to fight ❤️ Let’s keep praying and sending all the healing energy and good vibes.
FEBRUARY 25, 2021:
In the past few days Sami has been resting due to everything he’s been through. Tomorrow is gonna be a very important day for him. He’s strong and he continues to get better Keep your prayers up please ❤️
MARCH 2, 2021:
Doctors have slowly starting to let some medicine and anesthesia wear off. Yesterday SAMI opened his eyes for a little bit . The progress is coming and his vitals are getting stronger everyday. Some days are more difficult than others but he is moving forward. Doctors are checking him constantly and they are happy with the small positives results they are seeing. Please keep thinking about him and remember him smiling and always helping someone because that’s how Sami is
MARCH 5th, 2021:
It has been 2 weeks since the terrible accident. And it seems like all our positive energy and healing power have been working a little. His mother was talking to him yesterday when he had opened his eyes a little. And SAMI, in Sami’s fashion, gifted her with a smile. This smile means so much more than what we are used to. Regardless of his condition he is managing to give a little hope to his mother and to all of us. Doctors are hoping that with more rest more small steps will come. Please continue to have him in your thoughts and prayers.
MARCH 25, 2021:
In the past 20 days there has been some progress SAMI has opened his eyes and seems like he can hear ❤️ His mom talks to him everyday and he blinks and sometimes moves his hand. Even though the most dangerous part of the recovery is behind him. The road to recovery is a very long one. Thank you for all your energy, prayers and thoughts. We need to continue having him in our thoughts
APRIL 22, 2021:
Today marks exactly 2 months from the day of the accident. Let me tell you that SAMI is a fighter. There has been a few stages where he had to fight for his life and he has won those battles. Today SAMI begins a new stage He is strong and ready to work on his rehab. This is gonna be the longest stage but nothing has ever stopped SAMI. Keep Him in your thoughts and prayers becase this battle is not over. In the future we will all get together and celebrate together ❤️
TODAY NOVEMBER 25, 2021
GIVING THANKS……
……...On the eve of Sami’s favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, here’s a positive & uplifting update in the spirit of gratefulness.
Please bear in mind that this recovery process is a slow one and updates are given when significant changes occur. The information provided is always when an update is available, approved and no additional information can be provided beyond these, thank you for your understanding! Sami’s family remains extremely grateful for the love and support Sami’s worldwide community continues to give:
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Sami continues day-by-day in his recovery process from the traumatic brain injury he suffered in the accident earlier this year. As of recent, the tracheostomy tube initially required to assist Sami with his breathing & keeping his throat soothed has been removed & no additional support is required for his breathing. A huge milestone! Although Sami had some recent fluid build-up on the brain, it was quickly addressed and after undergoing MRI’s, CT scans, his brain function shows to be continually improving. Amazing! Within the last few months, his motor skills slowly, but surely are improving. Sami is beginning rehabilitation therapy to regain his ability to speak. We can’t wait to be able to chat it up with you again Sami. We have so much to catch you up on!
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9 months of care is still the 1st leg of this marathon & we’re here for you Sami. Another update will be provided as new progress is noted……….in for the long haul & in it to win it!
WHO IS SAMI:
Sami Selo Ahmed is someone who most of us know from different periods in his life. From IT work, to Capoeira, to dance, DJing and organizing - Sami is someone who can truly do it all. Regardless of when and where you met Sami, our connections to him tend to be lifelong. We all know Sami as an incredibly loving and caring human being who would never ask anyone for help yet would always give 200% of his time and energy for anyone, regardless of how long he knew you.
As is to be expected, his mother is devastated and is in no position to worry about everything that comes with accidents, hospitals and emergency surgeries. The doctors told us that if Sami were to win this battle and survive, his recovery time is uncertain. It could take weeks, months, years or even his entire life.
We are asking those who have ever come into contact with him, if you’ve ever shared a dance with him, rehearsed with him, taken one of his classes, listened to him DJ, practiced Capoeira with him, shared a meal, went to school, attended DC Zouk, Sensual Day, or any of his events and/or exchanged conversation with him, to please help his mother take care of him.
Like Sami would say: “Obrigado Irmao” which means “Thank you brother” because to him everyone he came in contact with became family. Let’s pray and give all of our positive energy so that Sami , our family, our brother, can come out of this
I will continue to keep updating this post with more news.
Organizer and beneficiary
Vladimir Aragon
Organizer
Arlington, VA
Farida Yosuf
Beneficiary