An anxious new father paced the hallway outside the NICU doors early in the morning. “I need her to survive and be strong,” he told the nurses. Baby Misk was born at 26 weeks, with her arms and legs no bigger than a teaspoon in circumference and length. Although she is too tiny to hold in his arms, her father, Abdalla, is constantly holding her in prayer within his heart.
Baby Misk is getting stronger every day. Despite the numerous lifesaving tubes, she is in constant motion. Dr. George, the Head of the Neonatal Department, has been closely monitoring Misk’s care. An ultrasound revealed a brain bleed in Baby Misk’s first few days, but thanks to her excellent care, the bleed has begun to recede and heal. Dr. George is confident that she will go home in a few months with no long-term complications.
The Neediest Baby Fund will cover Misk’s medical bills, as now affording basic medical care is out of reach for most in Bethlehem, let alone complex NICU care. Bethlehem’s economic activity has halted and salaries are a rarity. Abdalla and his wife Rawan are thankful, as no one knows how long Bethlehem will remain shuttered.
Abdalla and Rawan prayed for years for a baby after suffering multiple miscarriages. “I thought our dream had come to an end when I went into premature labor and began losing too much blood,” Rawan said, “I was praying to reach the Hospital and when we arrived, the staff was ready and rushed into action. We had hope we would meet our baby.”
Abdalla and Rawan long for the day when they can hold their daughter in their arms. “In these difficult days, Holy Family Hospital is the hope for Bethlehem.”
