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DEL.ICIO.USCaptain wants to ease her sight plight
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Camp Taji, Iraq — More than a month ago, Capt. Alan Hicks promised a young girl in a central Iraqi village that he would help her regain sight in her right eye. He had told her mother he would never forget her daughter’s plight.
Sara Hussein damaged the eye three years ago when playing ball with her brother. Hicks, an Army reservist from Birmingham, Ala., told Sara’s family he would seek medical treatment so that Sara, 12, could see again.
He made good on his promise, but it wasn’t enough.
Sara was taken to the head of ophthalmology at a Baghdad hospital a few weeks ago. The prognosis, however, was not what Hicks wanted to hear.
The ophthalmologist told Hicks that all he could do was remove the bad eye and replace it with a prosthetic one.
“It’s not looking good,� said Hicks, who serves with Alpha Company of the 490th Civil Affairs Battalion.
Hicks’ soldiers routinely check up on residents who live in villages along the Tigris River 20 miles north of Baghdad. The Georgia Army National Guard’s 48th Brigade Team Combat Team provides security for those missions.
But Hicks, who works for the Alabama Organ Center back home, hasn’t given up yet. Sara can see light with her bad eye, but she can no longer focus on anything.
“In the U.S., there might be a way to save her eye,� he said. “There’s probably a couple of places that could treat her. We are going to try to get her over there.�
Comments
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By J
September 24, 2005 11:44 AM | Link to this
I remember hearing of this young girl. Just a thought, but what about the Knights Templar Eye Foundation? Perhaps if they were contacted they could find a way to help. CPT Hicks, if you read this, thanks for caring enough to try. I wish more people (i.e. “no blood for oil” folks) would realize that we are making a difference in Iraq, and that the world could appreciate the compassion of our soldiers.
By Bobbie
September 27, 2005 10:33 AM | Link to this
CPT Hicks, I am a friend of your sister’s. I pray for you and all of our soldiers that you all are safe and return home soon. Thank you for the work you do here at home and abroad.