Gaza: Help secure emergency surgery for my cousin

Hello,

My name is Reem Shaheen. I’m reaching out to you all for support with hope and gratitude. I’m a Palestinian American from the Gaza Strip, and my entire family resides in Gaza. No words can describe the suffering and tremendous horror the Palestinians are currently enduring.

I’m urgently seeking support for my cousin Noor, a 26-year-old mother to her 7-month-old baby, Magdi. During the delivery of her firstborn on August 8th, 2023, Noor experienced a brain aneurysm that significantly impaired her ability to take care of her newborn and perform basic daily activities such as walking, talking, eating, etc. Luckily, Noor underwent emergency brain surgery in Nablus. The doctors told her she would need to have 2 follow-up surgeries spaced out every 3 months to hopefully heal completely. To this day, she is unable to do normal day-to-day activities. The Palestinian Health Ministry initially planned to cover her medical expenses with the promise to cover the cost of the remaining surgeries. However, with the devastating collapse of the healthcare system in Gaza, Noor’s surgeries will no longer be covered. Noor’s second surgery was scheduled for November 2023. Yet due to the ongoing war, she was unable to go to Nablus for her second surgery. Her last hope for survival was fleeing to Egypt to seek medical care. Leaving Rafah, Noor left behind her family and home to seek a doctor who was willing to do the surgery. Following her relocation and finding a doctor, Noor’s family had to use their life savings to perform emergency surgery on February 7th, 2024. Despite their efforts, the surgeons were unable to fully stop the brain bleed. The aneurysm has completely compromised her artery wall, placing her at risk of her blood vessels rupturing. Due to the severity of Noor’s case, her doctors decided it would be best to complete the last surgery she needs in March 2024 since she had to wait an additional 3 months to receive her second surgery. We are hoping this will be her last procedure needed.

Here is a breakdown of all the costs:

Brain surgery: Each brain surgery is $7,000 USD. With 3 surgeries, the total cost would be $21,000.

Doctor visits post-surgery - (Includes radiation and more): $4,000

Physical Therapy: $1,000

Medication: $1,000

Life necessities (Rent, Food, Baby Supplies, etc.): $3,000

Noor has no way of covering these procedures, as she is one of the many Gaza civilians who are in dire need of medical attention. The people in Gaza are enduring inhabitable conditions, where not only trauma-related emergencies are prevalent, but also lifelong illnesses such as cancer, epilepsy, heart conditions, and more. Medications are barely entering the Gaza Strip, as well as aid that has been limited or blocked. If our goal has been met, the remaining funds outside of the $30,000 will go straight to Gaza to help those in need. These funds will help cover hospital equipment and medication costs, as every individual is inherently entitled to access quality healthcare.

Whether through financial assistance, duaas (prayers), or sharing this message, your help is immensely valued and appreciated. It means the world to me and my family. Despite feeling powerless at times, I'm committed to doing everything within my capacity to not only raise awareness about the situation in Gaza but also to shed light on the struggles faced by others in similar circumstances. The comfort of knowing the power of Allah SWT, that he is Ar-Razzaaq (The Provider), we call upon our community to support us through this calamity for the better. It’s narrated in an authentic hadith, Sahih Muslim Abu Darda reported:

عَنْ أَبِي الدَّرْدَاءِ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ‏ مَا مِنْ عَبْدٍ مُسْلِمٍ يَدْعُو لأَخِيهِ بِظَهْرِ الْغَيْبِ إِلاَّ قَالَ الْمَلَكُ وَلَكَ بِمِثْلٍ

صحيح مسلم كتاب الذكر والدعاء والتوبة والاستغفار باب فضل الدعاء للمسلمين بظهر الغيب

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him said, “No Muslim servant supplicates for his brother behind his back but that the angel says: And for you the same.” May Allah SWT grant Noor shifa (healing) and alleviate her difficulties. May He aid the people of Gaza as a whole and ease their suffering. May Allah bless you all abundantly in this life and the hereafter, elevating your ranks. Jazakullah Khair.

With love and gratitude,

Reem Shaheen