Multi-National Corps Iraq Public Affairs

Courtesy Story

Multi National Force – West PAO

CAMP RIPPER, AL ASAD, Iraq – Marines operating in Al Anbar province, Iraq, airlifted a young Hadithah girl in desperate need of a life-saving surgery and her mother to the Jordanian border Tuesday, where they were met by a team of medical professionals who will escort them to Nashville, Tenn., for open-heart surgery.

Amina Al'a Thabit, a three year old who suffers from a congenital heart defect, was discovered by Marines assigned to 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines, which is now part of Regimental Combat Team 5, patrolling the area as part of their daily interaction with the populace.

The battalion surgeon diagnosed her condition, and recognizing the gravity of the situation, coordinated arrangements with doctors in the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt University who agreed to perform the surgery at no cost to the family.

The Marines, in concert with numerous government agencies, thereby initiated a coordinated effort to transport Amina and her mother from their home in the Hadithah region to Nashville for the procedure.

Travel costs and incidentals were financed by private donors.

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