Giving hope to refugees in Jordan

Since 2015, Chain of Hope has partnered with Gift of Life Amman and Riley Children's Hospital on an initiative to help Syrian, Palestinian and Iraqi refugee children whilst also helping some Jordanian children in need of complex heart surgery.

On our most recent mission, led by world renowned heart surgeon Dr Mark Turrentine, a total of 14 patients received cardiac care from the incredible Riley Children's Hospital team and the Jordanian team at Al Khalidi Hospital, Amman. Volunteer surgeon Dr Mark Turrentine, has now been on over 20 missions to Jordan to help these children. He has treated over 200 patients on these medical missions and continues to mend little hearts around the world through his pioneering work.
 
Yousef, 2 year old from Syria, was suffering from a condition commonly known as a hole in the heart; a ventricular septal defect (VSD). It is a birth defect where there is an abnormal opening in the dividing wall between the main pumping chambers of the heart. Repairing a hole in the heart is a standard procedure and usually has little to no complications afterwards. However, if left untreated, it can develop into a much more serious condition and be deadly to the child. Chain of Hope believes that all children should have the opportunity of a healthy and happy life regardless of where they are born in the world. With the help of our partners, we hope to reduce the number of children dying from preventable and curable cardiac conditions. Yousef recovered very well after his operation and was full of big smiles post operatively.
 
Our team worked closely together for this mission to arrange the logistics for two Iraqi children to travel to Jordan to see the visiting medical team. Lamar, 14 month old, and Osama, 4 year old, were flown for emergency treatment from Baghdad. Dr Turrentine managed to perform the operations they so vitally needed during this mission with Chain of Hope sponsoring the cost of their surgery. The dedication and commitment of all the medics involved is truly inspiring and we are so thankful that more children were able to receive the urgent treatment required. Lamar's father first heard about Chain of Hope by researching his daughter's condition and learning about the work of our Founder and President, Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub OM, FRS. He discovered the charity after this and contacted us through social media!

Category: Overseas Updates