Laalikhan

8 months
Flight dates: 11/11/2021 (A)
01/02/2022 (R)
Miles 7.656 Miles
Company: Turkish Airlines
Flight Erbil - Milano Malpensa
Origin:Duhok Iraq
Hospital:Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo
Involved ONG:Verso il Kurdistan OdV
Flight cost€960(A/R flight fare)

Laalikhan story

Baby Laalikhan is only a few months old, and she suffers from Hirschsprung’s Disease, a congenital malformation of the intestine, which can become obstructed.

Her only chance at survival is a colectomy, but in Iraq there are no specialized healthcare facilities where this kind of surgery can be performed. There is only one option left: with the help of Flying Angels, Laalikhan needs to embark on a long journey towards a specialized hospital abroad.

The departure

Flying Angels learns about Laalikhan’s story through the surgeon that will treat her, who previously cured her brother from the same disease. The Foundation promptly arranges a lifesaving flight to Italy, where she is admitted to the Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo.

Surgery

On November 25th, Laalikhan undergoes a hours-long surgery, carried out by a team of specialized surgeons, and everything goes according to plan. The girl stays in the ICU for some days, where doctors and nurses take care of her during her slow recovery. Then she undergoes a second, conclusive surgery.

Back home

After the final surgery, Laalikhan’s recovery is much faster than expected. Her family and the surgery team are all surprised by her strength: her determination is uncommon, especially at such a young age! She can fly back to Iraq weeks before than expected, and she is now back at home, healthy and with a great outlook for her future.

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