Assyrian Medical Society Sponsors Patients in Syria

                          Helen Talia

                    Ms. Virginia Elias is a 24 year-old Iraqi refugee in Syria who was diagnosed with a recurrent neuroendocrine nasal tumor (cancer) that was treated with chemotherapy, and is currently under several sessions of radiation therapy. 

The patient has reached out to the Medical Relief Project of the Assyrian Medical Society [“AMS”] to sponsor some of her radiation therapy sessions.

The project has approved to cover some of the costs, totaling (21,000 Syrian Liras [“SL”]) to sustain the continuity of the treatment plan. The allocated financial aid was delivered to the patient through AMS representatives in Syria. 

Mr. Tony Hirmiz Hedo is a 39 year-old Iraqi refugee in Syria who has been crippled by a ruptured right-sided nucleus bulbosus of the L5-S1 spinal vertebrae causing severe back pain. The patient was evaluated by a specialist in Syria who recommended an urgent operation to prevent permanent nerve damage.

The Medical Relief Project of the Assyrian Medical Society has approved to cover 50% of the cost of the surgery, a total of (31, 000 SL), that was successfully completed in August, 2009 at the St. Louis Hospital in Damascus, Syria.

Mr. Balsem Gular Nissan is also an Iraqi refugee in Syria who has been complaining of distortion of vision, with multiple vision and sensitivity to light. He was diagnosed with bilateral Keratoconus of the eyes that failed non-operative management. 

The patient was referred to a specialist through the assistance of the Roman Catholic Church which has paid 75% of the cost. The Medical Relief Project of the Assyrian Medical Society has approved to cover the remaining 25% of the cost (22,000 SL). 

The patient has successfully undergone intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation on one side and keratoplasty on the other.

On the horizon ~ Dr. Samir Johna, Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Loma Linda University School of Medicine has evaluated the medical report of Mr. Wilson Sargis Benyamen, a 46 years old Iraqi-Assyrian refugee in Syria who has a perforated tympanic membrane of the right ear that may have been due to a near by explosion. If not treated, he is subject to the loss of hearing in that ear and recurrent infections and tinnitus.  A surgery called tympanoplasty is required which costs $430.

The Assyrian Medical Society has appropriated the monies for the treatment through its Medical Relief Project in Syria.

Also on Dr. Johna’s agenda is the medical report of Mr. Richard Danial Somo, also an Iraqi-Assyrian refugee in Syria who is 49 years old with microscopical hematuria. This patient is in need of a bladder cystoscopy (a procedure under anesthesia) to rule out and some times even treat early bladder cancers.  This procedure costs about 30,000 Syrian Lira ($650).

This treatment, too, has been approved through the Medical Relief Project of the Assyrian Medical Society.

The Assyrian Medical Society in the United States extends its deepest appreciation to the following persons and organizations in Syria for their orderly assistance and timely intervention:

St. Louis Hospital in Damascus, Syria , The Assyrian Aid Society, Syria for their intercession on behalf of AMS patients to receive discounted medical treatments, and the  Assyrian Medical Society representatives, Syria ~ Ms. Sargina Youshya and Mr. Yobert Ethnail. Mr. Benyamen Admon, Canada.