The Story of Firoz

The Chicago Public Radio Journalist Andrea Wenzel shares her experience with one of the many people served by The Hand of Mercy, a program created by The Zakat Foundation to help those with special medical needs. The young man described here is being provided for in Sri Lanka to receive the much-needed operations, please take a moment to read the touching words expressed by Andrea Wenzel.

“When I met Firoz I was impressed by the seriousness of his expression. He is the oldest son of Saleela Ummah. At only 14, Firoz is the man of his home. His mother is divorced, and must support Firoz, 3 year old Abinas, and 1 year old Fatima Jullah.

Firoz’s family lives in poverty. They were displaced by the tsunami, and for the past two and a half years they have been living in a temporary shelter. Saleela has had limited assistance from her three brothers, but they also have families to support from the meager incomes they earn working manual labor jobs.

Firoz seems aware of the responsibility he must share as eldest son. But for the past two months, Firoz has also been living with the knowledge that his heart could give out at any moment if he does not have an operation.

Two months ago, Firoz was an active boy. He was an avid cricket player. He was also committed to his education. His favorite subject in school was Islamic studies. Firoz was performing in a cultural program when he suddenly developed a cough. When his mother saw he was coughing up blood, she took Firoz to the hospital.

The doctor advised that Firoz had a problem with a valve in his heart and needed an immediate operation. Unfortunately this operation is very costly and far beyond the means of most Sri Lankan families, let alone Saleela Ummah’s family which had been struggling just to provide daily meals.

The doctor told Firoz that until his operation he could not walk—let alone play cricket, and he could not go to school. For the past two months, Firoz has lay waiting in his cramped temporary shelter. Firoz has been experiencing stomach pains and has had difficulty eating. Saleela says when she sees Firoz like this she starts to cry.

Firoz found a government hospital that could do the operation for $5,500 U.S., but they would not be able to schedule him until November 15, 2007 due to a long waiting list. November could be too late for Firoz. If Firoz can raise the necessary funds of $8,000US, he can be admitted for an operation July 5th at a private practice.

Through the generosity of The Zakat Foundation of America, In’sh’Allah, Firoz will successfully complete his operation in July [By the grace of Allah (SWT), as of the time you are reading this article, Firoz had a successful operation on July 9, 2007 – (ZF)]. Firoz says he is confident that “after the operation all will be right”. Firoz has high hopes for his future. He now says he would like to study to become a doctor, or to become a politician who will do social work for the poor.

Firoz’s mother Saleela sends her wishes to The Zakat Foundation of America for making this operation possible. She says, “May Allah support them to develop further.” She sends her prayers and warmest thanks.”

Like so many people in this position, Firoz had to wait for help to come and risk death because the healthcare he needed was out of reach. The Zakat Foundation is asking it’s donors to provide funding, so that a Hand of Mercy can lift up people like him and provide the medical care needed. None should suffer, none should cry. Save a life today, Donate Now.

Ps. Andrea Wenzel is currently in Sri Lanka and teaches radio journalism. We thank Andrea for dedication and support.