By Lamiya Lin & Hsiu-Ling Wu
A New Life Born Amid Hardship
Ayat was born in 2023 in Azraq Refugee Camp, Jordan. Her parents, Adeeb and Manar Aljasem, fled their hometown in Syria in 2016 after bombings destroyed their bakery and home. The young couple, once living a stable life, became refugees overnight—crossing into Jordan with their two children after walking for two days and two nights. Their third child was born en route, near the tri-border of Jordan, Syria, and Iraq.
Settling in Azraq Refugee Camp, the family found some stability. Though rent and utilities were covered, life remained difficult. Each family member received 15 JOD (approx. 21 USD) in food vouchers per month. Adeeb took occasional construction jobs, but life within the refugee camp imposed restrictions that made steady work impossible.
Over the years, the family grew to nine members. When Ayat was born prematurely at seven months gestation, she weighed only 900 grams and stayed in an incubator for 35 days. Her medical costs were fully covered by UNHCR. But back home, no one noticed anything unusual—until over a year later, when Ayat still wasn’t speaking. Doctors confirmed there was a problem but lacked specialists for a definitive diagnosis. The family was devastated.
Cross-Border Compassion Opens a Path
In early October 2024, a glimmer of hope emerged. During a free clinic hosted by the Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps at the camp, Ayat was identified as a candidate in urgent need of hearing care. Dr. Chin-Lung Hsieh of Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) and Dr. Hsiang Lee from Taiwan Root reached out to Tzu Chi Jordan CEO, Chiou-Hwa Chen and Ambassador Hsin-Yi Yang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Jordan. Together, they located Ayat’s family and arranged for her to receive treatment in Amman.
On October 17, Ayat and her parents visited HearingTec Center in Amman, accompanied by Tzu Chi volunteer Mohamed Khir Roz and Asmaa Akhras. Dr. Rami Nasrawi, a long-time collaborator with Tzu Chi, conducted a thorough examination and delivered the diagnosis: Ayat had profound hearing loss in both ears, and hearing aids would not be effective. Only a cochlear implant could help.
However, the cost was staggering—18,000 JOD (approx. 25,380 USD). Dr. Nasrawi graciously reduced the fee to 16,000 JOD (approx. 22,560 USD), but for a refugee family, it was still an impossible sum.
Dr. Nasrawi stressed the urgency: “We can’t wait. At one or two years old, she can still develop normal speech. If we wait until she’s four, it’ll be much harder.” He explained that Ayat's ears could only perceive low rumbles—like distant thunder—and without sound, speech development would be nearly impossible.
A Movement of Love Across Continents
With time ticking, Dr. Hsieh in Taiwan launched a donation drive among Taiwanese dentists. In Jordan, CEO Chen mobilized local supporters. Altogether, 116 donors from Taiwan, 129 from Jordan, and six from the U.S. responded with love.
On October 31, Ambassador Yang presented a donation of USD 5,000 on behalf of the Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps. She also personally donated another USD 500. Every contribution added hope to Ayat’s journey.
A Surgery That Changed Everything
On the morning of November 12, Ayat and her parents arrived at Abdali Hospital. As Dr. Firas Alzouabi, the lead surgeon, gave final instructions, volunteers offered comfort and companionship. Ayat clutched her mother’s scarf, unaware of the life-changing procedure ahead.
In the operating room, the anesthesiologist playfully inflated a balloon, distracting Ayat before she slipped into sleep. The surgical team marked her right ear and began the delicate operation. After two hours, Ayat was reunited with her mother—head bandaged, eyes wide, holding tightly to her comfort.
A New Chapter Begins
Ayat was discharged the next day in good health. On November 18, she returned for her first post-op checkup, and on November 26, her cochlear implant was activated. Audiologist Dr. Rozana carefully instructed the parents on caring for the device—how to charge and store it in a dehumidifying box overnight.
The moment Ayat heard her first sound, she was terrified. Having never experienced sound before, she clung to her mother and cried. She didn’t recognize her own name or understand the voices around her. But the doctor smiled, “She heard it!”—a moment that brought tears of joy to everyone present.
From that day, Ayat began a six-week program to gradually increase her sensitivity to sound. She is now on the path to hearing her parents’ voices, learning to speak, and communicating freely—no longer limited to sign language or lip reading. Her future, once silent, is now filled with sound and promise.
A Journey Marked by Love
On the day of her surgery, volunteers brought gifts and warm wishes. Ambassador Yang presented Ayat with a teddy bear and sweets. Executive Director Chen and volunteer Sister Hana gifted a Tzu Chi eco-blanket and charm, sharing with the family that support had come from many countries and kind hearts.
“Thank you to Tzu Chi and every donor who made this possible,” said Ambassador Yang. “This surgery will change her life.”
As Ayat begins this new chapter with love from across the globe, her story is a powerful reminder: when people come together, miracles happen. The sounds she now hears are not only those of the world—but the echoes of compassion that brought her into a brighter future.
