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DEL.ICIO.USBaby is Atlanta-bound for treatment of spina bifida
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Abu Ghraib, Iraq — Baby Noor al-Zahra, born with spina bifida and little chance of survival in the slums of Abu Ghraib, made her first move Tuesday in a long journey that Georgia soldiers pray will end, possibly this week, with medical care in Atlanta.
And perhaps give the frail child new hope for life.
Born in September with the severe spinal cord defect, Noor was discovered by soldiers of the Georgia Army National Guard’s 48th Brigade Combat Team earlier this month when they raided the family home looking for suspected insurgents.
After two weeks of sorting out bureaucracy — it’s not logistically easy to shuttle Iraqi citizens out of the war zone — and frantic communications with military officials, lawmakers and a host of Atlanta-area hospitals and charitable organizations, Gainesville-based soldiers picked up the baby, her father and grandmother Tuesday night and carried them back in a Humvee to Baghdad’s Camp Liberty.
“I’ll feel much relieved when we get her under a doctor’s care,” said Capt. Anthony Fournier, commander of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment.
The soldiers had instructed Noor’s family to be ready to go at a moment’s notice because when arrangements finally fell into place, there would be no time to waste; for Noor, every passing day lessened her chances of survival.
With just one last obstacle remaining — clearance for Noor to enter the United States — Fournier thought it best to bring the baby on base to be seen by military doctors.
A spokesman for U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) said the senator has been in touch with the American Embassy in Baghdad and that the paperwork for Noor and her relatives should be processed within two days or so.
“I’m very pleased that Baby Nora is now at a place where she can receive the critical attention she needs,” Chambliss said in a statement sent via e-mail, calling the baby by the soldiers’ nickname for her.
“This has been a top priority of mine over the past few days,” Chambliss added. “I’m proud of our troops, and we will continue our efforts to get her back to Georgia, where she can be treated.”
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is committed to treating the child at no cost, spokeswoman Jennifer Sinclair said Tuesday night.
Hours earlier, when Fournier took his men back to Abu Ghraib, he was concerned that the family would not yet be ready to go. He was unsure if they had been able to obtain passports on such quick notice — and if the family would be ready to let go of the child who lit up their lives.
For family members, whose full names are being withheld because of security issues, the moment was bittersweet. They want so much to see Noor receive the medical care she desperately needs. But America, the land of the gun-toting soldiers they know little about, is so far away.
“Please don’t be afraid,” Fournier told Noor’s grandmother Soad through an interpreter as he looked over the three passports handed to him by the woman draped in black. “We are going to take care of you.”
Three of Soad’s daughters quickly packed a bag for her and Noor. They gave Soad a brand-new black purse to carry with her to America.
Tears rolled down the cheeks of Noor’s mother, Iman. Only two adults could go with her only child: It was decided that her mother-in-law, Soad, the matriarch of the family, would be one; the baby’s father, Haider, would be the other. The family thought it was inappropriate for a Muslim woman to travel unaccompanied by a male relative.
“I am happy my baby is going,” said Iman, wiping tears. She knew that it could be many months before she would see her baby again. “It’s hard to be separated like this. But what else can I do?”
Once Noor is fully evaluated by a pediatrician here and the family gets permission to travel to America, Charlie Company hopes to put Noor, Soad and Haider on a commercial flight to Atlanta.
Under cover of night — Noor’s family lives in an impoverished area west of Baghdad that is racked with political violence — the soldiers came into the modest house where they had found the baby two weeks ago during a raid for suspected insurgents. They were smitten with the tiny girl, cradled in her mother’s arms.
“Most of my guys are fathers,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Sonen, a furniture maker from Dahlonega. “We would do anything we could to take care of our babies. It’s been a little frustrating that this is not working as fast as it could.
“She’s so young,” Sonen said. “What makes my daughter more special than this child? Nothing.”
Noor was born with a severe form of spina bifida, in which her spinal cord was not fully enclosed during her prenatal development. She has a large, tumor-like growth on her back.
With no resources to treat her, Iraqi doctors told the family that Noor would not survive more than 45 days, but she beat the odds.
Charlie Company Lt. Jeff Morgan, a Douglas County engineering inspector, contacted his church back home for help. As the case drew more attention, the soldiers saw that their Christmas wish might come true.
“I am thankful that this child is being given a chance for a normal life, but she still has a long way to go,” Morgan said.
Military doctors who have examined Noor said she is showing some signs of developmental delay but she could still have a chance at a productive life. Maj. Susan Robinson, an Army doctor who examined Noor on Tuesday, said she was doing well, “considering.”
Babies born with this severe form of spina bifida usually don’t survive very long.
In the United States, the defect is usually treated with surgery in utero or within the first few hours of birth.
As Robinson checked her, Noor smiled at her from a blanket-covered bed in a soldier’s trailer. Soad covered the frail child with a white-lace zippered quilt to shield her from the night’s chill.
“She’s fragile, but she looks good. She will probably end up in a wheelchair, but she’s doing remarkably well,” Robinson said. Spina bifida often causes paralysis of the legs.
Spina bifida also could cause brain damage from too much spinal fluid buildup, Robinson said. Soad explained to the doctor that the baby’s head was getting big.
“Where at the top of her head does it feel big?” Robinson asked, feeling Noor’s head.
“It is bigger, especially in the forehead,” Soad said.
Robinson said surgeons in the United States probably would have to insert a shunt to help the fluid drain.
The doctor’s visit was happily interrupted by Sgt. 1st Class James Wong of the 48th Brigade’s Chicago-based 133rd Signal Battalion, Alpha Company. He burst into the trailer with two beanbag toys for Noor.
“We heard the baby was here,” Wong said. “I love babies. I’ve got two of my own. That’s what we’re here for — to take care of the kids for the future.”
Fournier picked up a can of baby formula the grandmother carried and asked: “Is this the last of it?”
“Yes,” Soad replied.
“OK, we’ll get some more,” said Fournier, writing down the name of the formula: Dieluc. “Can she eat oatmeal?”
His question generated a stream of laughter from both interpreter and grandmother. “No,” Soad said. “She is only 3 months old.”
Later, at Charlie Company headquarters, Fournier joked about calling in his latest assignment for his soldiers.
“Here’s the mission,” he said. “Find the baby formula. Stand by for the name.”
Staff writer Maryn McKenna contributed to this report.
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Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Mike & Kathy
December 28, 2005 06:55 AM | Link to this
I am so proud of our military-and “Thank You” for the bottom of our hearts. We are a military family-husband served 20 yrs. in the USMC. These are the stories that need to be put up in lights, bold and capital letters. We are making a difference. We would like to get little Nora some goodies while she is here and necessities for the family. Please let us know how we can help. God Bless the USA and keep our military safe.
By Friend of the 4th Alabama
December 28, 2005 06:56 AM | Link to this
I swear it is just a shame that more stories like this do not make National Headlines, all you see on the major networks are the death and violence, “this many Americans were killed in Iraq today” or “x amount of people marched in protest in Iraq today”. When I first read this, it touched my heart and to see the guys with the 48th “network” with the higher ups in the military and with Doctors back in Atlanta to follow up and get this child taken care of touches my heart and proves to me there is hope for this world we live in after all. God bless my boys at Scania (4th Alabama aka 167th INF), everybody else with the 48th and with the military in general, and may God lay his healing hands on this child, and may God Bless America!!
By Joan Flowers
December 28, 2005 08:12 AM | Link to this
Our fervent prayers go with this child and her cartakers as they begin this journey of hope and healing. “By the stripes of Jesus she will be healed”.
Mike and Joan Flowers Parents of Lcpl. Martin White, USMC
By Katie
December 28, 2005 09:11 AM | Link to this
My daughter was treated by the neurosurgeons from CHOA earlier this year. They are a remarkable team. It makes my heart so glad to hear what they are doing for this precious little girl.
I wish the press would talk about MORE of these amazing stories.
By Phyllis Kassum
December 28, 2005 09:53 AM | Link to this
Thank you so much for all you do in Iraq. Fortunatly, CNN has picked up this story and is now being reported on their web-site. My prayers are with all involved. God bless you Charlie Company.
By Karen McCarty
December 28, 2005 10:50 AM | Link to this
I am the very proud grandmother of a healthy three year little girl. I am just as proud of what these soldiers represent - the best of the best. My heart was touched by this wonderful story of hope. My thoughts and prayers are with this precious child and her family members as she begins this journey. May God Bless all of our soldiers and God Bless the USA.
By wife of Iraqi Freedom veteran
December 28, 2005 11:59 AM | Link to this
Thanks to the AJC for getting this story out to the public. Thanks to the 48th for your kindness even in war. Y’all watch your backs and drink your water…with koolaid or gatorade or ANYTHING to make it taste better!… and come home safe!
A big hooah to the group from Griffin!
By Jenni
December 28, 2005 12:26 PM | Link to this
I am so proud of you LTCJ!!! I love you!!! The work of you and your men is such a blessing to see! May God Bless all of you!
Love, Jen (Girlfriend of 1st LT. Jeff Morgan)
By Linda Jones
December 28, 2005 01:30 PM | Link to this
I personally know and went to church with Lt. Jeff Morgan. I was not surprised to find his name mentioned in connection with this touching story. He is a wonderful father and has children to be proud of. God bless all of our soldier who are in harm’s way protecting the children of the world and their right to grow up and make their own decisions without worrying if they will even grow up at all.
Linda Jones Douglasville, GA
By Lynn
December 28, 2005 01:57 PM | Link to this
This is an awesome story. These men will be blessed many times over. Is there a fund established to help out w/ the family expenses?
By Rae Reniker
December 28, 2005 01:58 PM | Link to this
The 48th has suffered so much…and yet they are still capable of offering love and hope to the helpless. What a wonderful story! May God bless all of our military members.
Rae Reniker, proud mother of SSG Jonathan Gilmer, US Army, Camp Victory, Iraq
By James Rayis
December 28, 2005 01:59 PM | Link to this
Thanks once again go to our soldiers who daily in Iraq are valiently surpassing all expectations of any military force in mission effectiveness, committment and humanity. My prayers will go to this family for the life of their daughter.
By Ella-Kate
December 28, 2005 02:43 PM | Link to this
Way to go, you guys!!! I have just recently relocated to Georgia, and I am so proud to be able to say that our soldiers took this huge step of kindness towards a stranger. Kudos to AJC for reporting on this kind of news, rather than the gloom and doom we tend to hear from the media regarding the war. THIS IS WHAT YOU’RE FIGHTING FOR, BOYS AND GIRLS!!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!! Praying for you, Ella-Kate
By Jim Waddell,Sr
December 28, 2005 03:27 PM | Link to this
We do no want this baby coimg to the U.S. or any where close by. Leave it in Iraq where it belongs.
By Nianya
December 28, 2005 04:22 PM | Link to this
Way to go Jeff and D.S. You’ve got all the parents on my SNK network in tears of joy. Nianya (a friend).
By Margaret Theodore
December 28, 2005 04:51 PM | Link to this
There are so few ‘good’ stories that make it out of the Middle East. This one truly touches our hearts. Our prayers go out to this family and to the doctors and caregivers that will be providing for them. May God’s omnipotent power and almighty hand guide all the procedures that this child will have to undergo. He is the Ultimate Healer, and so precious to Him are the lives of children.
By virginia myers
December 28, 2005 04:55 PM | Link to this
Thank you for a beautiful story. I wish God’s blessing on little Noor and all the wonderful people helping her. God bless all our service people and God bless America, the greatest country of the Universe. Lover to all, V. Myers
By Elizabeth
December 28, 2005 06:13 PM | Link to this
Awesome! C’mon Baby Nora and family! Atlanta is here with open arms!
By Tonya
December 28, 2005 06:16 PM | Link to this
My husband is with the 48th. He talked to me last night about how precious baby Nora is. He said that contributing to helping her has made his deployment even more worth while. Rock on Charlie Co Supply Crew!!!!!!
By Jenni
December 28, 2005 06:25 PM | Link to this
The fund set-up to help can be found at www.lifeover.com
Jenni (LT. Morgan’s girlfriend)
By Taylor Jackson
December 28, 2005 08:49 PM | Link to this
May God bless Noor and her family as they make thier way here to Atlanta. CHOA is one of the finest pediatric medical facilities in our nation and one of the most generous. I hope all Atlantans will pray for this child as she begins the healing process. I pledge to do my part, and I ask that ALL of you embrace Noor’s family and give them a warm welcome to our great city.
Thank you, AJC, for reporting this story! There are so many great stories like this from Iraq. It is a shame that the national media does not report more stories like this.
By Dawn Gallant
December 28, 2005 11:02 PM | Link to this
Greetings to all of the heroes of the 48th BCT! I am a wife of a soldier with 1-108 AR Charlie Co. It makes me so happy that we are hearing of the good things you guys are doing in Iraq and the impact you guys are making in Iraqi lives. I am very proud of you. I will have you guys in my thoughts and prayers always as well as baby “Nora”. If anyone knows of how I can help with a donation monetary or other, please email me at dawnerD27@aol.com. I would love to help if I can get the info. God Bless our heroes and the USA! HOOAH!!!!! Sincerely, Dawn Gallant
By bubba
December 29, 2005 05:11 AM | Link to this
God Bless you for your work and helping the Iraqi people..I pray for you guys ever night
By Tony Foster
December 31, 2005 03:52 PM | Link to this
As a Georgia native and three tour veteran of the Vietnam War with the U.S. Army, I have not read a more touching story as of the men of this Georgia National Guard unit and the Iraqi baby. Southern chivalry still lives.It makes me extremely proud of our people in uniform with particular emphasis on the one’s from Georgia. Outstanding job, may God watch over you. God bless America.
Tony Foster, Marietta, Georgia
By Rayne Dabney
January 2, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this
I am so thankful that Baby Noor is now in the U.S. Thanks be to God for the soldiers who cared enough to help her. In this day and age spina bifida is a highly treatable birth defect, leading the child to a more active and healthy life than ever before. I have spina bifida and am 47 years old. With these life saving operations Baby Noor should do just fine. GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.
By Ms. Odum
January 4, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this
Anthony Fournier is a teacher at Cross Creek High School. We are starting the second semester at Cross Creek and Mrs. Warr brought the faculty and staff together into the media center to tell us the wonderful news. Not only is Fournier over in Iraq but some of his previous students from Cross Creek is there as well. From all of us at Cross Creek High School, we love you, we miss you, and cannot wait to see you come home. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you do to keep me safe. Go baby “Georgia”! Love, Ms. Odum CCHS FFA Advisor