"My baby was born with a hole in his heart."

John, In Syria, mothers have endured unimaginable suffering. They've barely escaped falling bombs. Many have given birth in the midst of the brutal conflict. Again and again, they've had to find safety for their families. But, when we interviewed mothers we work with in Syria, they—like mothers around the world—were mostly concerned about their children. They wanted to protect their children’s health, well-being and future. In honor of Mother's Day, we wanted to share their stories and celebrate the strength and resilience of mothers in Syria and worldwide.

Amany Amany and her family fled home in Mayadin when planes began blowing up their civilian neighborhood. They were displaced four times, during which Amany gave birth to her daughter Dana. "There were no doctors and when she got sick, I couldn’t take her anywhere. I would just pray for her to get better. I was so worried and scared." After they arrived at Areesha Camp, Amany received a newborn baby kit from the IRC and took part in IRC parenting workshops, both of which she found very useful. She is grateful that she can now take her children to a clinic if they are sick.

Um Yaqub Um Yaqub and her two daughters have been living in a building with no doors or windows in northern Idlib. The mother worries about the toll the conflict has taken on her children. "Home feels like a distant heaven to us now. My eldest daughter is afraid of all sounds. She wakes up at night to ask me if there is helling." The IRC provided Um Yaqub with cash assistance, which gave the family shelter, furnishings and help with other basic needs.

Jumana Jumana's baby was born with a hole in his heart at Areesha Refugee Camp. The new mother was fearful about her son's ability to survive, and struggled to pay for his treatment. The IRC helped her to cover some of their expenses, and gave her a newborn baby kit. "It's important not to lose hope, not to lose faith...The most important thing is to make the children  omfortable." Her greatest hope is that her baby and older children can one day go to school.

John, your support is essential for vulnerable mothers and children around the world, especially as they face the added threat of the coronavirus. This Mother's Day, help us raise awareness about their stories and humanity. Please share what Syrian moms love most about their daughters on social media. All the best, Emily Martin Director, USA Digital Fundraising International Rescue Committee Mother of two   Share this:

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