Baby Afeefa, born in June 2009, from Guyana will arrive in Michigan on July 12. She will have retina surgery on July 16, 2010 at Beaumont Hospital. World renowned Dr. Michael Terse is providing her the surgery.
Her host parents will be Kori and Glen VanderKooi from Byron Center,MI. Glen is an attorney at Meijer. His wife Kori is a stay at home mom, she also teaches private Spanish Lessons. They have four kids.
When Afeefa was born she weighed a little over two pounds. Her mother, Afsana gave birth at 24 weeks gestation. During delivery the doctors did not expect her to survive.
The grandmother insisted that the baby be taken to Georgetown Hospital where she was admitted. After 40 days she was released but not expected to live.
At 5 months old she was diagnosed by the Georgetown hospital with cancer of the eyes. Surgery was scheduled to remove both eyes because she had very little chance of gaining her sight.
Afeefa’s mom, Afsana attempted to get a medical visa to take her to NYC for surgery but it was denied. The US Embassy suggested they seek medical care in Trinidad. There Afeefa was diagnosed with Retinopathy of prematurity. A second opinion was sought at a private hospital –Balwant Singh) in Georgetown where Retinopathy of prematurity was confirmed.
Surgery was again recommended by Georgetown hospital to remove baby Afeefa’s eyes but her parents refused.
Shortly after that they heard about Children’s Circle Mission.
On February 22, 2010, Afeefa’s family contacted Children’s Circle Mission and in less than four months a medical visa was granted. CCM is thankful to bring Afeefa to Beaumont Hospital for surgery provided by Dr. Michael Terse, God provides.
My husband and I went to Guyana on June 30, 2010, to bond with Afeefa and to do our ministry. We showed two movies: the Widow and the Oil and Lazarus and the Rich Man and our new ministry – Jump Rope for Jesus. Our theme was God Provides and Fully Rely On God – FROG. We handed out clothes, and over 400 windup toy frogs to people from 4 different churches and two homes
We returned to Michigan with Afeefa, on Monday, July 12, 2010, at 2:30 a.m. Pre-op was on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, it went well. Her surgery is scheduled for Friday, July 16, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for Afeefa and her family who have given up all hope that Afeefa will ever see.
Hebrews 11:1 “ Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” All things are possible with God, in the name of Jesus.
Thank you and God bless.
(Lita) Neilrani Kharmai,Founder, Children’s Circle Mission
UPDATE 7/30/10
Please keep baby Afeefa, the surgeon Dr. Michael Trese, his team and the host family-Kori in your prayers as surgery will be done on her left eye at 10:30 a.m. today.
Dr. Michael Trese confirmed on Tuesday, July 27, 2010, that she is seeing some light, this is a huge praise to our Lord Jesus and a blessing to baby Afeefa.
UPDATE 11/18/10
A child once was blind but now could see… Afeefa Amatulla Ally DOB 6-12-2009
Wow it is amazing how quickly the last four months have past since Children’s Circle Mission brought Afeefa to the USA for medical care. (July 12, 2010 - November 17, 2010)
It is now time for Afeefa to return home to anxious and excited parents in Guyana, South America.
Christ love is truly amazing; it allows us to love because HE is LOVE.
Afeefa’s time in the USA has touched many lives and developed relationships.
We thank Dr. Michael Trese, Beaumont Hospital and their staff, host family Kori and Glen Vanderkooi and respite host Lisa and Dave Trumbulls, our prayer partners and financial supporters and Children’s Circle Mission and it's team for providing medical care, love and compassion to baby Afeefa. This ministry would not be possible without each of you.
Children’s Cicle Mission is thrilled to have had the opportunity to connect the dots through new relationships that we hope will continue. LOVE BINDS US TOGETHER.
Today, Nov. 17, 2010, there are mixed emotions as we prepare to see Afeefa depart Gerald R. Ford Aiport at about 3:30 p.m. We will keep Afeefa and her family in our hearts and prayers and we look forward to hearing about her progress in Guyana.
