BY CHARLEE BEASOR
BROWNSBURG — Another child has been given the chance to live a healthy life, thanks to the Gift of Life International program and the Brownsburg Rotary Club.
Zayneb Bahrami, 8, of Jalalabad, Afghanistan, had tetralogy of fallot, a congenital heart defect that causes a hole in the membrane between the two chambers of the heart. The defect was keeping her from growing properly, and although she is 8 years old, she’s only the size of a large 4- or 5-year-old.
She and her father, Abdul Quam Bahrami, came to Indianapolis on Feb. 10 for the operation, which she had a few days later.
“Her blood wouldn’t go into her lungs, her heart would not pump adequately,” Jim Graham, with the Brownsburg Rotary, explained. “She had her final check-up today. They will go back this week or early next week.”
Zayneb’s aunt and uncle are hosting her while she’s in the country. Her aunt, Bibi Bahrami, lives in Muncie with her husband, who is a doctor.
“We want to thank the Rotary Club for their existence and mission,” Bibi Bahrami said. “My husband is a Rotarian. It is a blessing to have this kind of program. Thank you. What you have accomplished is great.”
The Gift of Life International program helps to further the cause of world peace and understanding by facilitating free medical services to children suffering from congenital heart defects and other similar illnesses, regardless of their race, creed, gender, religion, and national origin.
Graham and his wife, Roberta, are members of the Brownsburg Rotary Club and help facilitate the program in the Brownsburg and Indianapolis area. Jim is also a member of the board of directors of Gift of Life International.
Zayneb is the first child to be helped by the Gift of Life International in Indianapolis this year. So far, Jim said they are preparing for four more children, one from El Salvador and one from Senegal, and the other two from locations yet to be determined.
“We’re very proud of what our Gift of Life program has done here,” Jim said to a group of Rotarians. “This girl is 8 years old with a good heart now, which will help her grow like a giraffe.”
Zayneb had her surgery at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.
The Brownsburg Rotary Club will host their annual Pancakes for Polio breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. Sunday at Noll Hall at St. Malachy School, 330 N. Green St., Brownsburg.
For more information on the Rotary Club or Gift of Life International, visit the website at http://.brownsburgrotary.org.
charlee.beasor@flyergroup.com
