Layanne was a fun loving nine-year old. She was helping her mom in the kitchen one evening, when a bomb exploded on the street right in front of their home. The entire roof of their house caved in. Layanne and her mother were the lucky ones;  they could squeeze out on hands and knees through the rubble of the kitchen.

She had a bruise on her shoulder; but unfortunately her mom, who was fourth months pregnant, had a skull fracture. Thus began a long and arduous journey in and out of refugee camps in Jordan, without access to treatment and only minimal medical care.

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It was a life changing experience when Layanne set foot in Wayne County Airport in Detroit with her family. With help from ICNA Relief and Wheels for Change, Layanne’s  mom was finally able to get the brain surgery she needed to resume her functionality.

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With the support of volunteers and donations of school supplies, Layanne enrolled in school even while her mom was in hospital.  With her mom back home, Layanne loves going to school even more. She’s a determined little girl and aspires to become a neurosurgeon one day!