Changing the World, One Child at a Time

Everyone of our children has an extraordinary story. And with over 146,000 children helped since we began in 1979, there is no way to share them all. Here are a few we’re sure will touch your heart the same way they did ours.

Devandra from Guyana

Devandra was born with a condition called bladder exstrophy, meaning his bladder developed outside of his body. Healing the Children brought him to the U.S. when he was just 8 months old for a series of operations that would change his life. He stayed with host parents Scott and Laura Cassell of West Bloomfield, Michigan, who were immediately taken by his beautiful eyes and constant smile. Doctors at Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor performed successful surgeries to correct his bladder exstrophy and hip problems, and repair double hernias. Once he recovered, he returned home to his family in Guyana and is thriving and happy!

Baneen from Iraq

2-year-old Baneen suffered from severe burn scars she received when a fuel tank exploded near where she was playing. Accompanied by her aunt, Zainab, she came to the U.S. for treatment at the Shriners Burn Hospital in Cincinnati. There she was prescribed intensive therapies which began in the hospital, but were taught to Zainab so she could continue them once Baneen returned home. During their stay in Ohio, Baneen and her aunt were hosted by Saleem and Karii Jeelani of Batavia for four months.

Hadile from Iraq

Hadile, age 7, was diagnosed with a severe heart defect when she was very young, but under Saddam Hussein’s regime she was unable to receive treatment. Healing the Children made arrangements for her and her mother Sundus to travel to Kuwait, then to the States. They stayed with host family Jill and Charlie Taylor in Chelsea, Michigan, and also received help from a translator from the University of Michigan who helped bridge the communication gap—and became like another member of the family. After recovering from her successful surgery, Hadile returned home with her mother and is now healthy, strong, and ready to take on the world!