We finally bid a tearful and fond farewell to our dear and sweet Cheesta. She had spent 76 days here in the United States with us – one of the longest stays of any of our patients. And with her bright and sparkling personality and her 40 unbearable days in ICU....we fell in love with her....above and beyond any of our other wonderful children....if that is possible.
As you recall, our miracle girl came to us thanks to Dr. Amir Mehbod....Iranian-American spine surgeon, who had first met her in Iran. Having determined surgery in Iran would be impossible....and her life expectancy was being reduce by the day with the pressure put on her lungs and other internal organs by her distorted spine....Dr. Mehbod approached FCI. We gladly accepted the challenge. After a few months Cheesta and her mom arrived.
Dr. Mehbod also recruited his senior partner, nationally recognized spine surgeon and scoliosis expert, Dr. Jon Lonstein...incidentally this is not the first patient Dr. Lonstein has graciously operated on completely free of charge for the FCI. After many hours of testing and consultations....a surgical plan was agreed to with Mom. (You can actually see some of the footage of the activities in a news report done by the ABC affiliate on our website.)
What followed was by all measures a "brilliant surgery". The recovery, however, took a lot longer. Her poor little body, suffering from years of distortion and malnutrition was having a difficult time recovering.
But with the help of the wonderful nurses, therapists, doctors and many friends at Gillette Children's Hospital....she was finally discharged by Drs. Lonstein and Mehbod to go home to Iran.
This is always the most gratifying and bittersweet moment of our journey with our children. As Cheesta and her Mom came to the Foundation office to say goodbye....the many volunteers gathered around with gifts, love and kisses, and yes - a few tears....
Farewell sweet Cheesta....don't forget your therapy, eat well....take your protein powder, study well, write to us, remember you are the future of Iran....invite us to your college graduation....take care of your mother...she is a good mother....keep smiling.
And then to the airport and on to NY into the loving arms of Mr. & Mrs. Mirian and the rest of the chain of hope that carries them back to Iran and their home.....including NSF & my dearest....and the Ts....every link in the chain gives strength and courage to us and to the families of these children.
So ....thank you all. Or as little Ali once said "Barikalah....you all succeeded!"....again.
Remembering Cheesta This 3-minute video captures some images of the time Cheesta spent with us.(For best playback, pause the video and let the gray progress bar at the bottom fill all the way to the right before playing again.
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