Marines Launch Rescue Effort to Save Hadithah Girl

Photo By Sgt. Shawn Coolman | While on a routine meet and greet, Marines from Company L, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, came across a family with a two-year-old girl in need of heart surgery. The battalion surgeon examined Amina Al?a Thabit, and determined that she had a congenital heart condition, and was in urgent need of surgery. The battalion, in conjunction with full Iraqi government support, along with the U.S. State Department and The Department of Homeland Security gave support in getting Amina the help she needed. Amina was flown to Jordan Tuesday morning and is scheduled to fly to Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday to have open heart surgery at Monroe Carol Children Hospital which is apart of Vanderbilt University. The surgery is being done at no cost to the family with all the money being privately donated. Amina is scheduled to return home one month after the surgery. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo/Lance Cpl. Shawn Coolman)  

AL ASAD, IRAQ

01.24.2008

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Corps Iraq Public Affairs

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.

• Date Taken: 01.24.2008
• Date Posted: 01.24.2008 10:42
• Story ID: 15740
• Location: AL ASAD, IQ