COB SPEICHER, TIKRIT - There are children in Iraq who suffer from congenital heart diseases that rob them of ever having a normal childhood. However, with the combined efforts of dedicated Iraqi and American physicians, the road to mending the lives of these children is becoming more and more within reach.
The medical professionals of the 3rd IBCT, 25th ID and 47th Combat Support Hospital hosted a diagnostic cardiovascular screening session, Sept. 17, for 12 Iraqi children. The screening is the first phase of a GoI and U.S. forces effort to link potential sponsors from various non-governmental orgs to fund children's heart surgery. "I'm thankful for the invitation to allow my son to get medical attention. We've knocked on many doors in the past and none of them opened, but this door was opened with a very warm welcome. I'm thankful because our children are receiving the help they need and deserve," said Eissa Sayir, a Sharqat native and father of one of the children being treated.
"Today we're screening 12 Iraqi children for congenital heart disease. We're performing several different tests to see what the anatomy of their heart is, and what kinds of medical problems they have in order to potentially correct these defects," said Lt. Col. Lance Cordoni, of Kailua, Hawaii, the 3rd IBCT surgeon.
Col. John Scott, the only American pediatric cardiologist in Iraq, said the Iraqi professionals have the equipment to provide accurate diagnosis for children with heart diseases, but have difficulty connecting potential patients to outside support from NGOs. "The Iraqi cardiologist has a echocardiogram, so what we're doing here is showing him how to relay the info found through the tests, so the potential NGOs and hospitals that perform the surgery will take the patients," said Scott.
Capt. Daniel Sem, the bde medical planner, says by helping these 12 children, the GoI and U.S. forces are working together to set up a system to assist future families in receiving the proper medical attention that may keep their loved ones alive.
