Iraqi Girl Travels to Maine for Surgery

Portland, ME, NECN- At first glance all anyone sees is a happy and polite six year old girl, Noora Afif Abdulhameed is getting a taste of home at a middle eastern cafe in Portland. But Noora is not just a visitor from another country she is a victim of war, and hoping doctors in Maine can help repair her shattered skull.

NMV Editor’s Note: Despite multiple operations in Iraq, Noora was left with a large hole in her skull covered only by skin and scar tissue. Her parents slept with her between them because they were afraid she would fall during the night and damage her unprotected brain. She could not go outside to play with her friends. The family asked for assistance from the occupation authorities, but were told help would be provided only if they would lie by saying that the injuries were caused by “terrorists”. Multiple witnesses saw the American snipers firing into the family’s car. Noora was denied treatment for the injuries US forces had inflicted.

NMV brought her to Maine for the extensive treatment she needed. We had received an email that stated the following:

“On October 23, 2006, at 4 in the afternoon, American snipers positioned on a rooftop in my neighborhood started firing toward my car. My daughter Noora, a five-year-old child, was hit in the head. We rushed her to Heet General Hospital but she could not be treated there because the hospital lacked supplies and qualified doctors. We were forced to take her to Ninawa hospital, which is 600 kilometers north of my town. Two operations were performed in the Neurological Department. Then she was transferred to Ramadi General Hospital where two more operations were performed by a neurosurgeon.”

“Noora lost bone in her skull and needs a prosthetic replacement. She also needs plastic surgery. These operations cannot be done in Iraq due to the terrible state of Iraq’s medical care system. If you can help us with this problem, please try…”

It is possible for American communities to intervene on American militarism, and to help civilians of US lawlessness and violence abroad. We urge you to get involved.

Categorised in: Children, Noora Afif

This post was written by Cole Miller