2006: My Close Up Look at a Miracle
By now, Abdul was a celebrity and he was joined daily by reporters and photographers eager to document his progress. That progress, however, was to be painfully slow as doctors were faced with tough decisions that would take planning and teamwork among plastic surgeons who specialized in the face, head and eyes. a He would have to have CT scans to examine the structures inside and to evaluate the level of scar tissue. But we all got used to the media folks and they became a happy part of our “family”.
Our first outing was a trip to Pittsburgh Zoo where the staff there did a good job of offering a behind the scenes day. I never felt more proud than when I hoisted Abdul on my shoulders to feed the giraffes and he gave me a big hug. A while later, he started talking very fast in Arabic to his dad, who turned to me, pointed at his boy, and extended his hand for a shake. I’d like to believe the boy said he liked the bald guy. We were filled with emotions that day – emotions that would grow as our bond of friendship and trust increased.
We joined in a clothing drive for Abdul and his father, and planned other activities to fill the waiting time. Abdul’s birthday was approaching and we were making plans for an ice-skating party and a pizza feast.
Meanwhile, the little boy continued to melt my heart and I prayed for a positive outcome to his treatment.
The best part of the miracle was watching with mixed emotions as Abdul and his father prepared to return home. The surgeries were a success. His new eye was entirely realistic and although he will not have vision on that side, it could not be distinguished from his good eye. His mouth and jaw were normal and well shaped. The tissue on his cheek was still bandaged and looked a little sore, but time will heal that wound. The film was rolling, the cameras were flashing and reporters’ pens were flying over their notebooks. Something very big had happened and everyone felt it.
I would like to devote all my time to The Ray Tye Medical Aid Foundation to spearhead a fundraising effort here in Pittsburgh, but that is impossible. Part-time is feasible and I am committed to do what I can. I was able, however, to dedicate my free time for several months to the boy and his struggle with pain and recovery. I was able to arrange for dental care for his father, Ismael, and these small acts gave me and my family a feeling of belonging – to the Foundation, to this young boy’s world and to the system of “Doing unto others …”, for Abdul will now be able to smile at everyone without having to duck his head in shame.
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Dick O’Toole is Executive Director of the Dr. Richard R. O’Toole Pediatric Fund dedicated to fighting Fetal Alcohol Syndrome through education. Contact him at nofasd@aol.com or visit www.stopfasd.org
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