The power of hope for Palestinian boy

12-year-old Muayad Al Arjani was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, better known as ‘brittle bones disease’, and was unable to stand or walk without breaking bones in his legs. He was confined to a wheelchair throughout his childhood, unable to play with his friends or lead a normal life.

Due to the lack of corrective treatment in Palestine life was a struggle for Muayad who was flown to Dubai for treatment with the help of The Little Wings Foundation in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation.

Muayad underwent a complex surgery to insert telescopic steel rods into his legs and repair the repeated fractures which will allow him more independence and, hopefully one day, free him from his wheelchair.

Life was hard for Muayad’s mother Mona Al Tarabeen, raising five daughters and two brothers in war-torn Gaza so when Dr Sinclair, orthopaedic surgeon and founder of The Little Wings Foundation, confirmed they were bringing him to the UAE for treatment, the family were overjoyed.

“It was very difficult to find help in our country. I am so grateful for this life-changing gift and filled with hope that Muayad can walk like other children and be happy.”

The Little Wings Foundation provides medical assistance to children who have musculoskeletal deformities in the Middle East. The foundation is run by volunteers, and since 2018 it has been working with Al Jalila Foundation to help facilitate life-transforming treatment to vulnerable children in the region.

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