How 9-Year-Old Taman Defeated Congenital Heart Defect

"I was born with a cleft lip and palate and had 4 surgeries, the first at 3 months old," says Aza Aram, 7. "I am healthy now. I can speak just fine. I love my friends and school."

KSC funds surgeries for kids with specialized Health issues.

Rayan Jutyar’s Journey of Hope and Healing

Meet Rayan Jutyar, a bright little girl whose story exemplifies the profound impact of compassion and dedicated medical care. Born in 2020 in Kirkuk with a cleft lip and palate, Rayan faced significant challenges from the start.

In 2021, when she was just one year old, hope arrived in the form of Dr. Sommerlad, who performed a series of transformative surgeries. Rayan underwent three critical procedures that year, marking a crucial turning point in her journey towards healing. Since then, she has been under the attentive care of Dr. Nawzad, who has provided ongoing support and follow-up treatments. Though Rayan has made remarkable progress, she will need additional surgeries in the future to continue her path to full recovery.

Rayan lives with her family in Kirkuk, including her two sisters. Despite the challenges she has faced, she remains an enthusiastic child who loves playing games and drawing. Her most distinctive quality, as noted by her mother, is her generosity, a trait that shines brightly even in the face of adversity.

Today, Rayan is thriving. Her journey is not just about overcoming physical challenges but also about the transformative power of care and the positive outcomes it can bring.

Rayan’s story highlights the incredible work done by KSC and its partners in providing life-changing medical support and follow-up care. It stands as an inspiring reminder of the significant impact that compassionate and persistent support can have on the lives of children and their families.

Ahmed Bahaddin, age 17, is on a hopeful path to recovery after successfully undergoing scoliosis surgery at Shar Hospital. Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC) has been vital in facilitating this life-changing procedure for Ahmed.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Kardo Salahaddin Rauf, a spine specialist surgeon, along with Dr. Awder Abdulrazzaq and the neurosurgery team at Shar Hospital. Their expertise ensured that Ahmed's spine was perfectly corrected, with no changes to his spinal cord or blood vessels.

Since 2021, Kurdistan Save the Children has successfully completed 22 surgeries, with Ahmed being one of the beneficiaries. We extend special thanks to everyone involved, including the Slemani General Directorate of Health and the International Medical Teams Spine Team supervised by Dr. Kardo Rauf from Sweden.

Ahmed expresses his heartfelt gratitude, stating, “I would like to thank Kurdistan Save the Children, Shar Hospital, and all the doctors.” His journey reflects the power of community collaboration in providing essential medical care to children in need, inspiring hope and resilience in others.

To see more about Ahmad's journey and her inspiring experiences, click here.

Ravan Abubakr Hussein, a joyful 5-year-old from Sulaimani, was born in 2019 with a congenital condition—cleft lip and palate. Despite the challenges, Ravan’s journey is a powerful testament to courage, perseverance, and hope.

In 2019, Ravan’s family turned to the Kurdistan Save the Children Organization, where his treatment began. Over the years, Ravan underwent three major surgeries to repair his lip and palate. The organization provided crucial financial and logistical support for two of these life-changing operations.

Dr. Nawzad, a dedicated staff member of the Kurdistan Save the Children Organization, worked closely with Ravan, providing speech therapy and training his vocal muscles. Thanks to this care, Ravan has made remarkable progress. Today, he speaks clearly, enjoys his favorite meals, and lives a vibrant, joyful life.

Ravan’s story is one of resilience and triumph, with a bright future ahead thanks to the unwavering care and commitment of his family, medical professionals, and the Kurdistan Save the Children Organization. We are proud to have been part of his journey, and his success gives hope to many others.

My name is Yara Ali, and I’m 11 years old. I live in Kirkuk city, and for the past seven years, I have been receiving treatment for my condition at Hiwa Hospital.

Throughout my journey, I have faced many challenges, but I am grateful to have received unwavering support from the dedicated staff at Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC). They have been by my side every step of the way, providing not only medical assistance but also emotional encouragement.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the staff and doctors at Hiwa Hospital. Their expertise and care have been instrumental in my recovery, making a significant difference in my life.

To my fellow patients who are currently receiving treatment, I want to share a message of hope: be strong, and overcome this disease. Together, we can fight through the tough times and emerge victorious.

Thank you, KSC, for being a beacon of support and strength in my journey. Your kindness and dedication have inspired me to believe in a brighter future.

To see more about Yara's journey and her inspiring experiences, click here.

Maivy Muhammad, a spirited one-and-a-half-year-old from Slemani, has faced tremendous challenges since birth, bravely navigating life with a cleft lip and palate. Her journey, supported by Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC), is a powerful testament to the impact of compassionate care and unwavering determination.

At just three months old, Maivy underwent her first surgery, followed by a second at seven months, both skillfully performed by Dr. Luqman Abdulqadr, a dedicated plastic surgeon. These crucial operations addressed her cleft condition and set her on a path to healing. Throughout this journey, KSC provided essential financial assistance, emotional support and guidance to her family, ensuring they never felt alone.

Dr. Nawzad Chamani, a compassionate KSC staff member, delivered comprehensive training vital to Maivy’s recovery and ongoing development.

Today, Maivy is thriving, with her cleft lip and palate repair progressing successfully. She is expected to undergo dental repairs soon, further enhancing her quality of life.

Maivy’s story exemplifies KSC’s commitment to transforming lives, demonstrating how meaningful support can give every child the chance for a healthy and happy future.

Yadgar Shakhawan, a lively 5-year-old from Kalar, has faced significant challenges in his young life. Born with a cleft lip and palate, he required multiple surgeries and specialized care to improve his health and build his confidence.

Yadgar underwent his first surgery in Kalar, marking the beginning of his transformation. His second surgery, performed in Slemani by the skilled Dr. Luqman Abdulqadr, was a key step in his recovery. Following these surgeries, Kurdistan Save the Children stepped in to provide essential support.

Under the guidance of Dr. Nawzad, a speech therapist at KSC, Yadgar received personalized speech therapy. This training has significantly improved his communication skills, helping him express himself clearly and boosting his confidence in everyday interactions.

Today, Yadgar is shining, feeling happy and healthy. His journey is a testament to the power of specialized care and the commitment of organizations like KSC to help children overcome challenges and embrace brighter futures.

Adam Halo, a bright two-year-old from Kirkuk, is an inspiring example of the transformative work carried out through Kurdistan Save the Children’s Health Program. Born with a medical condition that affected his speech and appearance, Adam’s journey toward recovery began at an early age, thanks to the collaborative efforts of dedicated professionals.

Through the KSC’s Health Program, Adam underwent life-changing surgery performed by Dr. Brian Sommerlad, Chairman of CLEFT Organization. This surgery was a vital step toward improving his facial structure and enabling him to lead a healthier life.

Post-surgery, Dr. Nawzad Chamani, a devoted staff member of Kurdistan Save the Children, played a key role in Adam’s rehabilitation. Through specialized speech therapy and guidance, Dr. Nawzad helped Adam find his voice, improving his ability to express himself and building his confidence. These efforts have significantly enhanced Adam’s speech, appearance, and overall well-being.

Adam’s story stands as a powerful testament to the impact of early intervention, professional care, and unwavering support. KSC remains committed to ensuring that every child like Adam has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Kalar, Iraqi Kurdistan – In the heart of Kalar lives an 11-year-old girl with big dreams and a resilient spirit. Despite enduring profound loss—her father was tragically assassinated in 2017, and she lost her mother in an accident in 2022—this young girl remains hopeful and determined to create a better future for herself and others.

Since November 2021, she has been a beneficiary of Kurdistan Save the Children’s (KSC) Sponsorship Project. With financial assistance provided through the project, supported by her sponsor Hero Ibrahim Ahmed, she has been able to continue her education and live a stable life with her older sister.

Her older sister, born in 2002, is married and takes on a motherly role, ensuring the young girl’s care and safety. Another sister, born in 2003, lives with their uncle and has completed her education. Though their family structure is unconventional, the support from KSC provides them with much-needed financial stability and a chance to move forward.

Through regular home visits, dedicated KSC staff ensure the girl’s needs are met, offering not only financial aid but also emotional and educational support.

Life, Dreams and Resilience

Currently a sixth grader, she finds joy in simple pleasures. She spends her free time playing with cats, drawing in her room and watching movies. Her favorite outing is to the local funfair, and she loves Dolma, a dish she says she could eat every day.

Despite her young age, she is deeply reflective about the world around her.

“I want to fix this life because it is so broken. People should go into nature and get closer to it. I wish adults would understand more about our feelings—what we want, and what we don’t want,” she shares.

Her dream is to become a doctor so she can help others heal and lead better lives.

“As we watch this angel thrive, her eyes shining with pure joy, our team is reminded of the profound impact of generosity and collective action. She embodies the ripple effect of kindness and social cooperation,” says Banu Azad Abdulrahman, Sponsorship Chief Officer at KSC. “Together, we can plant seeds of hope—sponsor a child, transform a life!”

How the Sponsorship Project Makes a Difference

The Sponsorship Project, a key initiative of KSC’s Child Protection Program, has been supporting orphaned and low-income children since 1991. Through monthly financial assistance, the program helps children stay in school, avoid child labor and live with dignity.

Funded by generous sponsors from Iraq’s Kurdistan Region and beyond, the program goes beyond financial aid, providing emotional and educational guidance to children like this resilient young girl.

Call to Action

Her story is a testament to the strength of children and the transformative power of community-driven support. By becoming a sponsor, you can give children like her the opportunities they deserve. Together, we can help them build brighter, better futures.

To learn more about supporting Kurdistan Save the Children’s Sponsorship Project, visit this link

Or contact [email protected] directly.

Your generosity can make a life-changing difference.

Born in 2018 with a cleft lip and palate, Hevar Hardi faced significant early challenges. However, with the dedicated support of Kurdistan Save the Children, he underwent four life-changing surgeries—two for his palate, one for his lips, and one for his teeth—giving him the opportunity for a healthier future.

In addition to medical care, Hevar has been receiving speech therapy for five years from Dr. Nawzad Chamani, a devoted staff member. Through persistence and hard work, he has made remarkable progress in his communication skills.

Now seven years old and in first grade, Hevar recently achieved an outstanding academic milestone—a perfect score of 100 in all subjects. His determination and the unwavering support from his family and caregivers have paved the way for his success.

Hevar's journey is a testament to the impact of early intervention and continuous care. KSC remains committed to helping children like Hevar overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.

Lalo’s Journey: A Father’s Story of Love, Support and Hope

This is the story of Lalo, shared by his father, Rebin Khuarahm. It is a story of growth and the quiet power of believing in your child.

Lalo was just three years old when we learned he had autism. It was one of the hardest moments for me and his mother. Emotionally, it was overwhelming. We withdrew from social life, felt isolated and often sensed that others saw us differently. That feeling lingered for a long time.

But with time, things began to change. We stopped hiding. We started helping Lalo engage with us, with others and with the world around him.

Finding the Right Path

Gradually we began to understand what Lalo needed. We enrolled him at the Educational Training Centre for Children with Special Needs, supported by Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC). At home, we gave him our time, our love and our patience—through daily routines, hands-on learning and small shared activities. These moments made all the difference.

A Remarkable Transformation

Today, Lalo is 12 years old and his progress is inspiring. He can read and write in both Kurdish and English. He understands math, eats independently, uses the bathroom on his own and shows growing awareness and focus every day. We take him with us wherever we go—family gatherings, picnics, amusement parks. He's fully part of our lives.

Lalo's World

Lalo has also found joy in the things loves. He’s a gifted swimmer and feels completely free in the water. He rides a bike and has a special bond with music, especially the piano. He’s also a passionate sports fan! He watches football matches closely, knows the names of players and TV presenters, and loves the energy of the game.

Every Child Deserves a Chance

What we’ve learned is simple: Lalo is like any other child—he just needs a bit more support. With the right care and understanding, he’s achieved so much. We are deeply grateful to KSC for walking this journey with us and to everyone in our community who has become more accepting, aware and kind.

Lalo’s story is far from over. But today, we are full of hope—for him and for every child who simply needs someone to believe in them.

 Read more inspiring stories like Lalo’s on our website. https://www.ksc-kcf.org/success-stories

Meet Aria Ahmad Mohammed, a bright 5-year-old boy born with cerebral palsy, which caused delays in walking and speaking.

For the past two years, Aria has been visiting Kurdistan Save the Children’s Educational Training Centre for Children with Special Needs, where the trainers have provided consistent guidance and physical training. During this time, he has made noticeable progress and can now walk while enjoying his activities at the center.

Aria is passionate about football and loves watching matches more than anything. His story shows that with good care and specialized training, everything is possible, and children with special needs like Aria can make remarkable progress and develop their abilities.

Kurdistan Save the Children continues to provide free, specialized support to empower children with special needs.

For a long time, Taman Dara’s parents knew something was wrong. They watched their son try his best to play the game he loved, but he’d come home from football pale, exhausted, and in real physical pain. It was more than just being tired after a match, it was a heart defect that no one knew about until he was eight years old.

Getting the diagnosis was only half the battle. Suddenly, his parents were faced with the terrifying reality of a complex surgery and a price tag they simply couldn’t afford. "The cost stole the sleep from our eyes," they said, remembering the weight of the fear and the medical bills hanging over them.

Everything changed when they visited Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC). From the moment they reached out, they knew they wouldn't have to face this alone. The team assured them that KSC would take care of everything, covering the treatment and travel costs so the family could focus entirely on getting Taman well. His parents describe the support they received as a "gift from heaven," grateful for the kindness the doctors and staff showed them at every turn.

Now, at nine years old, Taman is a completely different kid. He’s healthy, full of energy, and doing incredibly well in school. Looking at him today, you’d never guess he was the same boy who used to collapse after a game.

In a small rented home in Erbil, three siblings aged 14, 6, and 5 lived a life of quiet exclusion. Their hardworking father, living with special needs and supporting his family by collecting cans, faced a barrier he couldn’t overcome alone, his children had no legal identity.

As the children reached school age, the weight of this invisibility became a reality. Without a National ID, every school gate remained closed. “Not having IDs was a massive shadow over us,” the father explained. “Every time we tried to register them for anything, the door was shut. We felt helpless until KSC stepped in, explained why these papers were so vital, and then stayed by our side through every single step.”

The Legal Support Process

When the case reached Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC), we knew that legal paperwork was only half the battle. This family needed a partner to walk with them. Our intervention began at the heart of the home, where social workers conducted five intensive visits to provide the psychological and social support the family needed to navigate a system that felt overwhelming.

As the parents gained the confidence to move forward, the KSC legal team began the grueling process of proving the children's lineage and existence in the eyes of the law. The challenges were significant because the parents lacked a formal marriage contract, and the mother had even lost her own identification documents.

“This wasn't a simple case,” noted the lawyer from the KSC Erbil office. “Between the missing marriage contract and the mother’s lost ID, there were many layers of bureaucracy to navigate. It took two months of persistence, but seeing the family finally hold those documents makes every trip to the court worth it. Every human being deserves the dignity of a name and an education.” KSC took on the full weight of this process, covering all administrative expenses and transportation to ensure that poverty would no longer be the reason these children remained invisible.

The Transformation

After two months of persistent advocacy and coordination with supportive government institutions, the mission was a success. The children finally held their National IDs in their hands. For the parents, the relief was visible and life-changing. “If it wasn't for KSC, they still wouldn't have identities,” the mother shared. “It was such a heavy burden for us, but now we have peace of mind. Now, when we go anywhere and someone asks for their papers, we can show them with a smile.”

This victory is measured in more than just paper. These children are now officially enrolled for the upcoming school year, no longer defined by what they lack, but by what they can become. Today, the house is filled with talk of the future, of badges for a police officer and the paintbrushes of an art teacher. By restoring their names, we have restored their right to dream.