Balad medical team turns tragedy into triumph

Published April 7, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Allison M. Boehm
332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Sajad Hany Shaker Mahmud was involved in an improvised explosive device attack Jan. 24, 2010. He had just climbed into a vehicle for a short trip when the IED detonated. Unfortunately, it's not an uncommon occurrence as scattered violence continues across Iraq. Sajad, however, has no known enemies, disputes, business conflicts or political aspirations. He is only six-years-old.

Sajad is still recovering from the blast that killed his grandfather and left him with multiple burns to both legs, a right arm fracture and a severely fractured left leg -- which had to be amputated from below the knee. The constant care and close-knit bonds he formed with the medical staff at the Air Force Theater Hospital here helped pull him through.

"I remember wondering if this boy was ever going to have a normal life again," said 1st Lt. Emily Adams, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Operations Squadron intermediate care ward nurse. "I remember taking care of him his first night on the unit, and it was horrible - horrible for Sajad, his father and the staff. It has been amazing to see him transform throughout his stay here."

For weeks, the inconsolable child constantly cried out, he pulled at his hair, he screamed and regularly awoke during the night from nightmares, but as the weeks went on, he formed close relationships with his caregivers, and he began to feel more comfortable in the unfamiliar surroundings. Medical staff went out of their way to make one of their youngest patients feel loved and cared for in a time that he needed it the most.

"We always would try to make him smile and for the longest time he wouldn't," said 2nd Lt. Sarah Marks, 332nd EMDOS intermediate care ward nurse. "One day we were racing around in his wheelchair, and he finally smiled. It was so exciting to finally see him laughing again."

Over the last 72 days, the bonds shared between the medical staff and Sajad have proven valuable as a deep trust ensued. This trust is displayed when Sajad gives the medical staff, which he knows by name, hugs and kisses - referring to many as "Habebe" which means my love in Arabic.

The staff in turn has learned many words in Arabic to better communicate with Sajad and their compassion shows.

"Gradually this little boy no longer looked at you with sheer terror in his eyes," said Lieutenant Adams. "His personality began to shine through, and you started to believe this kid could have a normal life again after such a tragedy. He's grown to trust us, and we've grown to love him."

The smiles and laughing continued as the medical staff celebrated his sixth birthday with him and his father. Hospital staff and fellow patients gathered around his bedside as he received numerous birthday wishes, gifts and even a cake.

"I have never seen this kind of care at an Iraqi hospital," said Sajad's father Hany Shaker Mahmud. "They care about Sajad, and I am very appreciative for this celebration -- nobody can do this for him at home. All the ranks came to tell my son happy birthday, and I can't forget what they are doing here. I will leave with a lot of good memories of the Americans -- I don't know how I will ever repay them for what they have done for my son. What I saw here -- it is something you can't dream of."

For many, the celebration gave them a great deal of satisfaction in knowing that they got Sajad to the point of being up, smiling, and celebrating another birthday with his family.
And for Sajad, who now plays and laughs with the medical staff, he is more than okay. His wounds are healing, and he will soon be able to go home -- with positive memories of having made new friends.

"It's a privilege and honor to care for the kids who have undeservingly suffered from this conflict," said Lieutenant Adams. "To see him off will be bittersweet, but mostly sweet. We will miss his bright eyes and smile, but we are thankful that through all the hard work and dedication by the amazing health care team he will be able live life to the fullest."