We are Lebanese and we were staying in Dubai when I was pregnant. At our 35 week pregnancy appointment, the doctors recognized that Iman’s legs were smaller than the normal size, so they asked for more testing.  As a result, they said she was missing part of her spine and some of the doctors advised us not to keep her because she would be in a very difficult situation. They said she would not be able to move and that she would stay in sleeping position all the time. Also, they told us she had a heart issue and that she would be a blue baby, meaning that she may also have brain issues. They told us she would not be able to breathe normally or eat or do anything normally. They said that she wouldn’t have control of her bladder or bowel. Nevertheless, we continued with the pregnancy.

The day I delivered I was in the best hospital in Lebanon. After she was born, they just kept her for few days, waiting to see what would happen with her. They did not try to do any studies or research to know what they should be doing for her.

She was 3 months old when we returned to Dubai, where i found a pediatric surgeon who helped her with some casting and treatment. Her heart condition stabilized on its own so we did not need any
surgery or treatment for that.

I’m happy to say that despite all of these challenges with her diagnosis and delivery, Iman is now a thriving and happy two year old.  She started nursery school a few months ago; she can sit, talk,
eat and do everything other kids can do. Already her teachers love her and they are so happy with her performance. She is so smart and active.  She is very strong and independent, always trying to
do everything by herself. Although she can’t walk, this never stops her from moving around and getting wherever she wants to go. She is fun and cute and everyone loves her.