GIRL WITH HOLE IN HER HEART NEEDS HELP --
Contact: Lisa Dallas Tel. 401-316-1210 Email: LJDALLAS@cox.net
WORK CONTINUES IN SIERRA LEONE -- WHERE SAFFIATU RETURNED AFTER HER SURGERY
Published September 14, 2006
Dear Donors and supporters:
Daniel and I spent much of July and the first half of August in Sierra Leone
working in Freetown and Kabala. Narsarah Clinic, our partnership venture with
the people of Koinadugu District in general and Kabala town people in particular
continues to grow in service and relevance.
‘Clinic day’ and ‘clinic hours’ remain dictated by demand, and that means every
day and any hour of the day. Our staffs are slowly gaining ground in their
effort to encourage the people to implement ‘regular hours’. Attendance
continues to grow. Four CITA board members (Hope, Les, Daniel, and I) together
with the CITA Sierra Leone Country Representative Sarah James met with
Peacemaker and Theresa has agreed to implement the Board’s decision to employ an
additional nurse when necessary. The search is on for a nurse with the heart and
mind to serve the people of remote Koinadugu.
Providing the people with true as opposed to fake medications, accompanied with
pleasant staff disposition and communication in Koranko, the local language of
the majority are growing hallmarks of service at Narsarah Clinic. The community
radio station, Radio Bintumani keeps spreading the news that Narsarah Clinic now
provides primary healthcare services for the area. The government medical doctor
for the whole district is full of praises of the work being done by our staff.
With masters in public health he is keen on and very supportive of primary
health care. So are Paramount chiefs Mansaray of Wara wara chiefdom and Ali
Marah II of Sengbe. On the eve of our departure we had dinner with most
dignitaries in Kabala including chiefs, government medical personnel, head of
police, and leaders for women, men, and youth groups. They all expressed their
thanks and gratitude to you our donors and supporters. They hope you remain
interested in and supportive of their primary health care. The two Honda Motor
cycles donated by Foundation for West Africa are serving very much in the area
of transportation. The clinic remains in need of a multi purpose vehicle that
could transport patients, medical products, and clinic personnel.
We completed building the Women’s Center. It is meant for the women to practice
tailoring, tie dying, and other arts and crafts that generate funds to help
particularly the neediest. The center when fully functional will also house
workshops and conferences for women on issues such as HIV/AIDS education and
prevention. For now the center is the temporary home of the clinic. This may
last for the remainder of 2006 while we construct the main clinic building.
We also laid the foundation for the main clinic building. There were huge
boulders just below ground level. They slowed the clearing and preparation of
the land. Much of this has been overcomed. We witnessed community participation
and help. Men, women, and children volunteered their services to dig and move
boulders, stones, and earth. At one point Chief Marah led a team of workers from
one of his villages, and they spent an entire day at the building site.
Construction is on in earnest. We have spent almost $9000 so far. Estimates
indicate we do need 20 to 30 thousand dollars more to complete construction and
provide basic furniture of chairs, tables, and benches.
We visited Sengbe-Bendugu some 7 miles from Kabala. The road is treacherous and
dangerous particularly in the rainy season. The people as always were very kind
and welcoming. They thank you for all the help and assistance you now provide
for them through Narsarah Clinic. They donated over 100 acres of land to grow
cash crops like palm trees and cocoa nuts that could eventually help provide
money to maintain the clinic. This will be discussed at our next Board meeting
in September.
In Freetown we paid a courtesy call on the government minister for health and
sanitation, Honorable Abator Thomas. We presented Saffiatu Bah to her. Saffiatu
is the 12 year old girl who was brought to Narsarah Clinic last year, and had a
hole in her heart. Through help and support from you and the SACH’s organization
in Israel, Saffiatu received a successful cardiac operation in Israel and is now
back in Sierra Leone. The minister thanked you all and promised to communicate
with some of you. She is keen on maintaining a link with CITA and taking
improved health care to our people at the grassroots. This success story was
published by major newspapers and radio stations in Sierra Leone.
In summary, the identified primary healthcare need of the people of Koinadugu
remains. Narsarah is growing to meet this need. We hope you continue to support
us with your prayers and donations of money and other resources. Thank you and
God bless.
Dorcas and Daniel
===========================================================
Saffiatu Arrives Home
Published June 16, 2006
Hi-
I am writing you with wonderful news! Saffiatu Bah and her mom have safely
arrived home in Sierra Leone! Reports indicate she is looking good and has met
with her doctor there. She will meet with the press and the Ministry of Health
officials. Many thanks to Save a Child’s Heart and all those involved from all
over the world to save this little girl. We will report back with details of her
return when they are available to us. Just wanted to let you know she is safe
and happy at home!
Blessings,
Lisa
===================================
PHOTOS FROM SAFFIATU -- This week the church received photos of Saffiatu taken at the hospital in Israel before her recent release. We also received a letter from Saffiatu's mother. Photos below show a much healthier Saffiatu. To read letter from Saffiatu's mother, click here.
Published May 14, 2006
SAFFIATU RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL
Published April 29, 2006
We have GREAT NEWS!
Saffiatu was released from the Israeli hospital this week and is living at the house associated with the Save a Child’s Heart program! In two weeks, her condition will be assessed and hopefully we will make travel plans for her to return home to Kabala, Sierra Leone. She sounds wonderful and is very excited. ‘Thank you to everyone for sending me here and saving my life’ came across the ocean from this sweet little 12 year old girl. Please share her message with all who helped her obtain a new lease on life! Also, many thanks to the doctors and staff at Save a Child’s Heart who are so dedicated to establishing peace in that area while curing children from all over the world, regardless of their nationality and religion. See the following link for additional information on this wonderful program: http://www.saveachildsheart.com/
Donations are still being accepted to help Saffiatu obtain the continued help she needs through the NarSarah Clinic in Kabala, Sierra Leone. Dorcas and Daniel Kamanda established this clinic after the war when there was no medical care. It serves 10,000-15,000 people. Currently, a young RI man’s Eagle Scout project is to send an ocean liner shipping crate to Kabala with medical supplies, equipment, and hopefully a car that will be used for patient transport. Think of this… when a woman is in labor and is having difficulty, her only option is to WALK to the clinic for assistance where they can only provide minimal help due to lack of resources.
If you are so moved, he is accepting donations for the shipping of this crate which will be $5000. Donations are also being accepted to help build a second room on the clinic so that patients who report for health care can have a roof over their heads. Presently, even the seriously ill have to wait outside, under rain or sunshine. All donations are tax deductible.
Donations can be made payable and sent to:
CITA International
9 Exeter Ct
East Windsor, NJ 08520
Thank you again for all of your support and prayers to help Saffiatu and her family get the help they need! I will keep you posted on her progress and hopefully be able to share some pictures too!
Blessings and peace,
Lisa Dallas
=================
UPDATE March 30, 2006
In Israel, Saffiatu continues to improve. She is still in the children’s ward and will probably be there another 4 weeks. The doctors are treating her for fluid around her heart. Fortunately, it is not affecting her breathing. She is eating well and spends time visiting with her new friends. The doctors are clear that she was a very sick little girl when she arrived and they are encouraged by her progress.
Thanks for your continued support, thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Dallas and friends of Saffiatu…
=========================================
Update March 26, 2006
Dorcas Kamanda reports that Saffiatu received the get well card from the church and was delighted to know she has so many friends around the world. Dorcas calls each week to check on Saffiatu. Her recovery is going well.
Update March 16, 2006
I just spoke with Safiatu and her mother. They are both doing very well. Safiatu is out of intensive care and into intermediate care. This means she still needs medical care and monitoring. She was very glad to speak with me and immediately said to say thanks to everyone.
Dorcas Kamanda
=======================================
Update March 11, 2006
Hello-
The most recent news from Israel on Saffiatu is that she continues to improve. She is talking and eating! Although she is still in intensive care, she is now receiving physical therapy and could be out of intensive care next week. Thanks for your continued prayers and support.
Lisa Dallas
=====================
Update March 3, 2006
Praise God for Miracles: Saffiatu Bah Has Her Heart Surgery
Thanks to God’s blessings, the unbelievable kindness of strangers, and the hard work of the North Kingstown, Rhode Island United Methodist Church congregation, Saffiatu Bah, the 12-year-old girl from Sierra Leone, West Africa has had her long awaited and so far successful heart surgery at a hospital in Tel Aviv.
The surgery repaired two valves in her heart and Saffiatu is slowly recovering at the hospital’s pediatric intensive care unit. Since Saffiatu’s condition was worse than expected when she finally arrived at Save A Child’s Heart Hospital on February 7, her recovery period may be extensive. Doctors will determine her post operation care over the next several weeks. She has a long way to go, but the first critical step has been taken to save her life.
Doctors evaluated Saffiatu and provided extensive medical care in the weeks between her arrival in Tel Aviv and the operation. In addition to the hole in her heart, doctors determined Saffiatu had two faulty heart valves that needed surgery to repair.
The good news on Saffiatu’s surgery came Thursday March 2nd in a note from Lisa Dallas, a member of the church, who has been coordinating the fund raising effort to pay for the medical care. Since this summer, the church has been conducting fund raising drives to provide the estimated $25,000 needed for the girl’s travel, medical evaluation, surgery and post operation medical care.
The congregation has offered daily prayers for Saffiatu and her family, made Valentine’s cards, bracelets and work projects to help raise the money for the surgery. An 8-year-old boy staged a 16 mile bike ride to raise over $1,700 for Saffiatu. The public responded with generous giving after learning of the effort in local newspaper and television reports. A local toy store donated part of a day’s receipts, schools collected money and a flood of people responded to make the miracle happen. Lisa Dallas said, “Thanks to you all for your prayers, generosity and hard work to make this happen.”
In an email to many who contributed, Lisa included two photos of Saffiatu that show the marked difference in the child’s condition between November of last year and her condition after doctors had spent several weeks improving her health just prior to surgery.
The Rev. Beverly Stenmark, pastor of North Kingstown United Methodist Church, said, “God has blessed this child and we pray He will continue to watch over her. At a time of great religious strife in the world, people of many faiths have come together to help save a Muslin child at a Jewish hospital in Tel Aviv.”
Lisa Dallas' note on Saffiatu's surgery:
Saffiatu has successful surgery (March 2, 2006)
It is with great excitement that we share this wonderful news with you all! Safiatu underwent surgery in Tel Aviv, Israel. She traveled from Sierra Leone with her mom and arrived safely at Save a Child’s Heart Hospital on February 7th. They have been preparing her for this surgery during the past few weeks.
The
surgery successfully repaired two valves in her heart and she is now slowly
recovering at the hospital's pediatric intensive care unit 
As her condition was quite poor upon arrival at the hospital, her recovery might
take a bit longer than originally expected. During the next month or so, her
post operative medications and care will be determined. She has a long road
ahead of her but this was the most critical step. Thank you for all of your
prayers for Saffiatu, her mother and the medical team caring for her.
I have attached two pictures. The first is of her prior to traveling to Israel, taken in November. The second was taken just prior to her surgery. What a remarkable difference! Thanks to you all for your prayers, generosity and hard work that made this possible.
I will keep you posted.
Blessings, Lisa Dallas
Photo at left above, Saffiatu in November 2005. Photo at right above, Saffiatu in February 2006
========================
Update February 18, 2006
Waiting for News about Saffiatu Is Difficult
Published February 18, 2006
Waiting for good news is difficult. So it is on the watch for Saffiatu Bah, the 12-year old girl from Sierre Leone with an ailing heart who waits in a Tel Aviv hospital for surgery to save her life. Lisa Dallas, the mother of four who has tirelessly led the successful effort to get Saffiatu from her home in West Africa to the hospital in Israel, described it best when she said it has been a “roller coaster ride of hope.”
Saffiatu arrived in Tel Aviv on February 7, and an anxious congregation has waited for word on the condition of their little friend. The first real update on her condition arrived this week when doctors reported she has several serious heart ailments – more than the hole in her heart -- that are being evaluated to determine a course of treatment. Doctors remain hopeful they can treat her successfully, but the evaluation needs to be thorough and it will take time. It may be some time before we know more.
Born and raised in a country where modern medical care is not readily available, Saffiatu Bah is a victim of circumstances and as a result her health has been endangered. Lisa’s daughter Samantha, with wisdom beyond her years, put it in perspective when she said at the beginning of this effort, “If she lived here, she would have had the surgery by now and would be playing with her friends.”
We are all looking for a happy ending to this miracle and remain prayerful that it will be written; but the waiting, the worrisome waiting, is difficult. In times like this, we can only pray, and leave it in the hands of God, and skilled doctors.
I am reminded of that wonderful Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” The congregation of this church, and a generous public, has had the courage to change Saffiatu’s chances for life. We continue to pray and labor each day for that happy ending, but we also need to have the serenity to accept the waiting, knowing that God is with us, and more importantly, with Saffiatu and her family.
Look how far God has taken us. In a world of religious strife, the congregation of a Christian church has placed a precious Muslim child in an Israeli hospital, securing the best of hope for life. Now we pray and wait. “Wait patiently for the Lord, be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” – Psalm 27, verse 14.
Larry Price
Update February 16, 2006
Doctors in Israel continue to evaluate Saffiatu
The latest word today from Saffiatu's cardiologists in Tel Aviv is the young girl is suffering from several heart ailments, but doctors remain hopeful that her condition is treatable. She will continue to undergo additional medical evaluation prior to any surgery. Saffiatu arrived in Tel Aviv on February 7 and has been under the watchful eyes of doctors. Please continue to pray for Saffiatu. We will update you when more information is available.
Update February 7. 2006
Saffiatu arrives in Tel Aviv
Saffiatu arrived safely in Tel Aviv and is being evaluated by doctors for her heart surgery.
This is the Day that the
Lord has Made, Let us Rejoice and Be Glad in It!
I write to you this morning with great news. Saffiatu Bah has arrived in Tel
Aviv. For anyone who isn’t aware, Saffiatu is the 12 year old child in Sierre
Leone whom we have been trying to help have the heart surgery that is essential
to save her life. I announced Sunday morning that Saffiatu was in the air
traveling from Sierre Leone to Ghana. From Ghana she was to fly to Ethiopia and
then on to Israel, where she was to arrive Sunday night. We had some anxious
hours when we learned that she and her mother had not arrived in Tel Aviv. We
learned that there had been a problem with a plane and the Ethiopian Airlines
had put them up in a hotel overnight.
The e-mail below is from Lisa Dallas letting us know that Saffiatu and her
mother have arrived safely in Tel Aviv along with 4 other children who are
traveling to SACH (Save a Child’s Heart). Thank you for all your prayers and
continue, please, to hold Saffiatu and her mother in prayer as the doctors in
Tel Aviv evaluate Saffiatu and we pray are able to perform the surgery that we
believe she needs. Saffiatu is a bit of a mystery to the doctors right now,
because she has not had the required diagnostic tests (echocardiogram, etc) that
they need to have since there is no place in Sierre Leone where this test could
be performed.
This raises the additional concern of the lack of medical equipment available in
the area. This is a bigger question that needs to be addressed as well. We
continue to try to raise money for Saffiatu’s surgery. If you would like to help
in that area, please make checks out to “CITA International” (Christ is the
Answer) and send them to us at the church – North Kingstown United Methodist
Church, 450 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852 (or put them in the
offering plate on Sunday).
Thank you everyone for your prayers and efforts to help this young girl have a
chance at life.
Blessings,
Pastor Beverly
Update February 3, 2006
Saffiatu leaves for Tel Aviv Sunday February 5; Fund raising efforts continue to pay for medical care
Hi Everyone-
We have great news to share! After months of waiting on a roller coaster of hope, the little girl from Sierra Leone, Saffiatu Bah, is traveling to Israel for treatment for her heart!!
What originally seemed like a simple task turned into a larger project but in the end, much more came out of this than getting a little girl treatment that she needs to live. Miracles occurred daily in all parts of the world, including our local school, church and neighborhood. Also, the clinic that she is being treated at in Sierra Leone received much needed publicity, drawing attention to the awful living conditions that are a way of life in this war-torn country.
In summary- she leaves Sierra Leone Sunday ~6am EST and arrives in Tel Aviv 14½ hrs later. Exactly what will happen when she arrives is yet to be determined. Her doctor in Sierra Leone spoke with the doctor who will treat her in Tel Aviv and her condition is ‘good for traveling’.
Thank you for all your prayers and all you have done to make this possible.
I will keep you posted on her progress.
Blessings,
Lisa Dallas
FOR MORE ON SAFFIATU'S STORY, SCROLL DOWN THIS PAGE
Hudson Reynolds to bike 16 miles to
raise funds for Saffiatu's heart surgery
An 8-year-old North Kingstown boy plans to ride the 16-mile Kingston Bike path
Saturday, February 11, to raise money for a 12-year-old girl’s surgery to repair
a hole in her heart.
Hudson Reynolds, son of Donald and Melody Reynolds, 1240 Tower Hill Road,
attends North Kingstown United Methodist Church with his parents who are members
of the church. Hudson is seeking sponsors to pledge $20 each to help Saffiatu
Bah, a girl from Sierra Leone in West Africa, have the life-saving heart surgery
at a hospital in Tel Aviv, Israel.
The North Kingstown church has been raising money for Saffiatu’s surgery for
several months through CITA International, a charitable organization started by
Dorcas and Daniel Kamanda, also members of the church. Dorcas started a medical
clinic in Sierra Leone and learned of Saffiatu’s plight this summer. The little
girl needs the surgery soon.
Through fund raisers and donations by church members, the local congregation has
raised more than half of the estimated $25,000 needed for the surgery, medical
care, and travel from Sierra Leone to Tel Aviv.
Hudson and other youth from the church are staging several fund raisers and work
projects in the next few weeks to help Saffiatu. Hudson says, “If you would
please sponsor me for $20.00, I will send you a picture of Saffiatu on a card.
She raises goats, like my family, and I want to help her. I am hoping to raise
$1,000 with my bike ride. I know I can do it with your help! If you are a kid
and want to ride with me, we will e-mail you the plan. You will need to get
sponsors as well.”
Hudson asks that any people wishing to sponsor him or kids who want to join in
the Bike4heart ride on February 11, should email him at thereynoldsbarn@cox.net.
Sponsors should make checks payable to ‘CITA International’ and write
‘bike4heart’ in the memo line. Checks can be sent to North Kingstown United
Methodist Church, 450 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852.
Other young people in the church are planning a Service Blitz Lock In Saturday, Feb 25-Sunday, Feb 26.
The youth
will be doing needed jobs around the the church building. Sponsors will support
youth with a donation. All proceeds will go to Saffiatu’s Heart Fund.
Update February 3, 2006 -- Church members will be offering bracelets to benefit Saffiatu on Saturday February 4 outside Stop and Shop in North Kingstown from 9 AM to Noon. The donations will help raise money for Saffiatu's operation. For more on Saffiatu, scroll down to story.
Valentine
Cards Help Raise Funds for Saffiatu -- Church members
created a Valentine's Day card which has been sold to help raise funds for
Saffiatu's surgery. We sold out our first printing. If you would like one,
please contact Charlene Price. For information on Saffiatu, scroll down to
story.
(At left, front of card. Photo at right is back of card)
Saffiatu's story will also be featured in the February issue of Spirit.net, the monthly publication of the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church. Look for it on the conference website www.neumc.org in February.
Update January 12, 2006
Rhode Island Church Rallies to Save A Child in Need of Heart Surgery
Three religions
that trace their roots to Abraham are coming together as a United Methodist
church in North Kingstown, Rhode Island raises funds to provide life-saving
heart surgery for a Muslim Child at a Jewish hospital in Israel. Saffiatu Bah, a
12-year-old girl has been waiting at her home in Sierra Leone, West Africa for a
trip to Israel and the operation at a hospital in Tel Aviv that could save her
life, by repairing a hole in her heart.
Lisa Dallas, a member of North Kingstown United Methodist Church and mother of four girls from West Greenwich, Rhode Island has been leading the church’s effort to raise the estimated $25,000 needed for the surgery, travel and medical care following the operation. Lisa’s daughters – twins Samantha and Abbey, both 11, Carly, 8 and Grace, 4 – learned about Saffiatu’s ordeal from an item posted in the North Kingstown church weekly bulletin by Cranston residents Daniel and Dorcas Kamanda. The Kamanda family, also members of the North Kingstown church, started the NarSarah Clinic four years ago in Kabala, a town in Sierra Leone where Saffiatu lives and where Dorcas grew up. Dorcas became aware of Saffiatu last summer and began reaching out for help to save the girl’s life.
Lisa Dallas and her family have developed a strong bond for the little girl they have never met. Saffiatu’s ordeal has also become a mission for The Rev. Beverly Stenmark, pastor at the North Kingstown United Methodist Church, and the church congregation which has earmarked a portion of a special fund to help meet the goal. Church members have also contributed additional donations. After countless long distance phone calls, emails and hard work, Lisa Dallas, husband Jeff, and their children have worked tirelessly to secure the hospital in Tel Aviv where the surgery can be performed. Lisa credits her four young daughters with inspiring their congregation to act on Saffiautu’s behalf. Notes 11-year-old Samantha, “She should not have to suffer because of where she was born. If she lived here, she would have had surgery by now and would be playing with her friends.” The hospital where the surgery will be performed also treats Palestinian children in need of medical care.
The North Kingstown congregation, helped by some contributions from the public, which became aware of Saffiatu’s condition through local Providence television and newspaper accounts, had raised $15,000 by mid January -- over half of the estimated amount needed for the surgery and travel. The Dallas family also has secured the necessary passports and visa paperwork for Saffiatu and her mother to travel to Israel for the medical evaluation and, hopefully, the needed surgery. “With God’s help, we are going to make this miracle happen,” said Lisa.
Updates on the current status of the fund raising and story of Saffiatu can be found on the North Kingstown United Methodist Church website at www.nkumcri.com. If you would like to contribute, donations can be made by writing a check to ‘CITA International’ and mailing it to North Kingstown United Methodist Church, 450 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852.
“We are trying to give Saffiatu a fighting chance,” says Dorcas Kamanda. “Her condition will continue to degenerate unless she is evaluated and receives treatment now.”
#
Contacts for this story: Lisa Dallas 401-316-1210 LJdallas@cox.net
Update January 8, 2006
Faiths Rally to Save A Child in Need of Heart Surgery
A United Methodist church in North Kingstown, RI is raising funds to provide life-saving heart surgery for a West African Muslim Child at an Israeli hospital. Saffiatu Bah, a 12-year old girl is waiting at her home in Sierra Leone, West Africa for an operation at an Israeli hospital in Tel Aviv that could save her life by repairing a hole in her heart.
Lisa Dallas, a member of North Kingstown United Methodist Church and mother of 4 girls from West Greenwich has been leading the mission to raise the $25,000 needed for the surgery. Lisa’s daughters – twins Samantha an Abbey, both 11, Carly, 8 and Grace, 4 – learned about Saffiatu’s ordeal from an item posted in the church bulletin by Cranston residents Daniel and Dorcas Kamanda. The Kamanda family, also members of the North Kingstown church, started the NarSarah Clinic four years ago in Kabala, a town in Sierra Leone where Saffiatu lives and where Dorcas grew up. Dorcas became aware of Saffiatu last summer and began reaching out for help to save the girl’s life.
After countless phone calls, emails and hard work, Lisa Dallas, husband Jeff, and their children have secured the hospital in Tel Aviv where the surgery can be performed. Lisa credits her four young daughters with inspiring their congregation to act on Saffiautu’s behalf. Notes 11 year old Samantha, “She should not have to suffer because of where she was born. If she lived here, she would have had surgery by now and would be playing with her friends.”
The congregation and the public, through television and newspaper accounts of Saffiatu’s condition, have raised over half of the amount needed for the surgery. The Dallas family also is securing the necessary passports for Saffiatu and her mother to travel to Israel.
Donations can be made by writing a check to CITA International and mailing it to North Kingstown United Methodist Church, 450 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852. “We are trying to give Saffiatu a fighting chance,” says Dorcas Kamanda. “Her condition will continue to degenerate unless she is evaluated and receives treatment now.”
#
Update January 7, 2005
Saffiatu is now scheduled to have her surgery performed in Israel, according to Lisa Dallas. The latest development was covered by the Providence Journal in its January 6th edition.
Update posted January 3, 2006
Rhode Islanders Rally for West African Girl with Serious Heart Condition
A group of Rhode Islanders is racing against the clock to save the life of a twelve-year- old girl from Sierra Leone, West Africa who is suffering from a hole in her heart. Saffiatu Bah, from Kabala in northern Sierra Leone, is unable to receive a full diagnosis and treatment because of inadequate medical facilities in the West African country.
Members of the North Kingstown United Methodist Church are rallying to Saffiatu’s cause by raising the funds needed to send her to Ghana, a nearby West African country for an echocardiogram and, depending on results, a procedure on her heart.
“We are trying to raise $25,000, quickly, and we are about half-way there”, notes Lisa Dallas of West Greenwich, a member of the congregation who is leading the effort. “Saffiatu needs to travel to Ghana, with her mother, to receive full diagnosis and a heart procedure. Time is of the essence.”
The church community was made aware of Saffiatu’s plight by one of its members, Dorcas Kamanda, a nurse midwife who hails from Kabala, Sierra Leone. A resident of Cranston, Rhode Island, Kamanda has worked with Sierra Leoneans and Americans to launch CITA International, a faith based organization whose mission includes providing basic medical services to people in rural areas of Sierra Leone. The NarSarah Clinic in Kabala is their first project. Nurses at the clinic, including Kamanda’s sister and brother, have been caring for Saffiatu, providing medicine to relieve symptoms and give her strength. But Saffiatu spends most of her days in bed, resting.
“We are trying to give Saffiatu a fighting chance” says Kamanda. “Her condition will continue to degenerate unless she is evaluated and receives treatment now.”
Lisa Dallas credits her four young daughters with inspiring their congregation to act on Safiautu’s behalf. Notes 11 year old Samantha, “She should not have to suffer because of where she was born. If she lived here, she would have had surgery by now and would be playing with her friends.”
Tax-deductible donations can be made, payable to CITA International, and mailed to North Kingstown United Methodist Church, 450 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852. Any excess funds raised will be used to treat other children at CITA’s NarSarah Clinic in Kabala, Sierra Leone.
For more information, contact Lisa Dallas at 401-316-1210.
UPDATE DECEMBER 23, 2005 -- Surgery has been arranged. You can help with your donation by sending a check to 'CITA International' and mailed to North Kingstown United Methodist Church, 450 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852.
Phase One – Passport for Saffiatu’s mom. Getting Saffiatu and Mom from Kabala to the Airport in Sierra Leone. Flight to Accra, Ghana. Echocardiogram and food while in Accra, Ghana.
Phase Two- Surgery and recovery time (food) in Accra, Ghana.
Total cost $25,000
Donations should be made payable to ‘CITA International’ and mailed to: North
Kingstown United Methodist Church, 450 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown, RI
02817
For more information, call 316-1210.
Eleven-year-old
Saffiatu Bah has a hole in her heart. She lives with her Muslim parents and two
other siblings in Kabala, Sierra Leone, West Africa. Although she may have been
born with the hole in heart, Saffiatu looked fairly healthy until age 9 years.
Then she developed a toothache and was taken first to the hospital in Kabala, and to the government hospital in Freetown. The latter referred Saffiatu to Dr. Black who is in private practice, also in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Dr. Black discovered Saffiatu’s heart condition in December 2003. Her parent’s had since sought treatment at another hospital in Sierra Leone.
Unfortunately, little Saffiatu continues to be sick. Then in July 2005, Saffiatu now back in Kabala was brought to NarSarah Clinic. NarSarah Clinic is first project of CITA (Christ Is The Answer) a faith-based organization. CITA was founded by Daniel and Dorcas Kamanda of North Kingstown United Methodist Church in Rhode Island, and Dorcas’ American parents Hope and Les Law of Colorado. The clinic provides primary health care for persons in the disadvantaged District of Koinadugu, in Northern Sierra Leone. The District is predominantly Muslim. Like all other healthcare facilities in Sierra Leone, NarSarah Clinic does not have the instrumentation and manpower to treat Saffiatu.
Compared
to a year ago, Saffiatu has lost weight, most likely because of poor
nutrition. Her family is destitute. She spends long hours sitting alone in her
bed. She cannot walk long distance like she used to, and does not have the
energy to
play with her friends.
Saffiatu’s condition requires surgery to close the hole and get her heart working
properly for the first time. The surgery should be done quickly. Time does not
seem to be on Saffiatu’s side. When asked what she needed, Saffiatu answered
simply, “Help me.” Perhaps Saffiatu belongs with the lucky ones who beat the
odds, get successful surgery in America, and return to their home countries with
a new lease on life. To achieve this, Saffiatu would need help with at least the
following:
An army of prayer warriors to pray for a successful intervention.
A roundtrip air ticket from Sierra Leone to the place where the surgery will be performed.
A Sierra Leone passport for her to leave her home country.
A hospital and a cardiologist that would offer to do the necessary surgery.
For further information, please call Daniel and Dorcas Kamanda at 401-463-1909, or e-mail kamandad@yahoo.com