Lamiya Lin, Hsiu-Ling Wu | Jordan


Tzu Chi Jordan staff Lamiya Lin (second from left) used her phone to introduce Tzu Chi and Master Cheng Yen's compassionate spirit and history to Yamen's parents, emphasizing, "It is Master's great vow and compassion that unite us."| Photo courtesy of Mohamed Khir Alriz

On May 1, 2024, volunteers from Tzu Chi Jordan witnessed a three-and-a-half-year-old Syrian refugee, Yamen, at a doctor's clinic in Syria, with a urinary catheter attached. He had been unable to urinate for ten days due to bladder stones, posing a life-threatening situation. With his parents unable to afford medical expenses, the child's fateful encounter with Tzu Chi led volunteers to extend their support. This act of medical compassion transformed the young child's destiny and left a profound sense of realization and gratitude among all involved volunteers.

LEFT: Three-and-a-half-year-old Syrian boy, Yamen Anwar Albayadr, visited Dr. Monard’s clinic with a urinary bag. Lying on the examination bed, he wails in pain. RIGHT: Yamen's 44-year-old father, Anwar, wears a worried expression. The family of eight lives in the Zaatari Refugee Camp, relying on UN aid for survival. | Photos courtesy of Lamiya Lin | Jordan | 2024/05/01 


The lament of refugees

Yamen Anwar Albayadr lives with his parents, one older brother, and four sisters in the Zaatari Refugee Camp. His father, Anwar Hasan Albayadr, aged 44, is unemployed. The family lived in a farming village in Daraa, Syria until the war civil war broke out, fleeing to Jordan on December 24, 2012. They settled in the refugee camp where they don't have to pay rent or utility bills. Each person receives food vouchers worth 15 JOD per month (about 22 USD) from the United Nations.

Their family has known tragedy. Their son Wisam Albayadr was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2019 at the age of 12. Unable to gather the 8,000 JOD (approximately 11,433 USD) needed for surgery; he passed away three months later. Yamen's five-year-old sister Sara suffers from cerebral palsy, adding to the challenges faced by this family.

This time, when Anwar noticed his young son Yamen had not been able to urinate normally for ten days, he borrowed 100 JOD (approx. 145 USD) to have a catheter inserted. However, this temporary solution did not last as Yamen’s again experienced difficulty urinating after five days. On May 1, Anwar brought Yamen to see Dr. Mohanad, who is also a member of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA).

Dr. Mohanad found that young Yamen appeared to have a bladder stone which needed to be surgically removed without delay, informing his father, "If we don't operate, his condition won't improve, and his life will be at risk." However, the surgery costs 1,500 JOD (approx. 2,163 USD), a sum they cannot afford.


The compassion of humanitarian medicine

In refugee camps, basic medical care is limited to treating minor illnesses like colds and fevers. If someone falls seriously ill, they must find help outside on their own. Luckily, Yamen Anwar Albayadr had a stroke of luck connecting him with Tzu Chi. At Dr. Mohanad's clinic in Syria, Tzu Chi staff Lamiya Lin and medical volunteer Abu Obaida recognized the urgency and hurried them to Dr. Saleh Ayyoub's pediatric surgery clinic for further examination.

Dr. Madani (left), an internal medicine specialist at Luzmila Hospital, also came to offer support. During the surgery, Dr. Madani moved back and forth between the operating room and the waiting area, updating the parents on the progress and comforting them. | Photo courtesy of Lamiya Lin | Jordan | 2024/05/02 


"He must be hospitalized immediately. The child is dehydrated. If the X-ray confirms the presence of stones, emergency surgery will be necessary tomorrow morning," explained Dr. Saleh after his examination. That same day, Yamen was admitted to Luzmila Hospital in Amman, where Tzu Chi helped to pay for the deposit.

Meanwhile, in Taiwan, during Tzu Chi's anniversary celebration, Chiou-hwa Chen, the CEO of Tzu Chi Jordan, upon hearing about Yamen's situation, earnestly urged and reminded the volunteer team to care for him with utmost dedication, emphasizing respect for life and the importance of children as the seeds of goodness of the future. The volunteer team wholeheartedly pooled their efforts, providing maximum assistance to help Yamen overcome his ordeal and regain his health.

Supporting the family through their toughest times

It may be rare for such a young child to develop bladder stones, but doctors put it down to three likely causes: a hereditary cause since his father also shows signs of kidney stones, hard ground water used at the Zaatari Refugee Camp, and frequent sandstorms and hot weather in the Mafraq area. Without adequate hydration, stones can easily form in the bladder or kidneys.

On the morning of May 2, Dr. Saleh delivered the test results confirming a one-centimeter stone in Yamen's bladder, necessitating immediate surgery. The decision was quickly made, and volunteers hurried to accompany him to the hospital. Dr. Michael Al Madani, the hospital's internal medicine specialist associated also joined to provide care. Throughout the operation, Dr. Al Madani kept the parents updated on the progress, offering comfort and reassurance.

LEFT: Sitting in the waiting room, Yamen’s mother silently shed tears as she prayed, begging for mercy and hoping for a successful surgery. RIGHT: Yamen’s father waited helplessly, silently weeping as he prayed with his prayer beads. | Photos courtesy of Lamiya Lin | Jordan | 2024/05/02 


The parents sat in the waiting room, filled with anxiety, silently shedding tears and praying with their prayer beads, praying for mercy from above and a successful surgery for their child. Yamen’s surgery took two hours, with the doctor later confirming: "The stone has been removed, and a temporary catheter has been placed in the bladder." There was a collective sigh of relief, as everyone rejoiced that Yamen had been given a new chance at life. Relatives from the refugee camp even called to check on Yamen's surgery. His father, who had been visibly worried before, finally broke into a smile, unable to contain his excitement as he proudly exclaimed to his relatives, "It was Tzu Chi, Tzu Chi helped us!"

LEFT: Dr. Saleh (center) explained to everyone about the successful surgery and follow-up treatment. Grateful, he mentioned that it's thanks to Tzu Chi and the outpouring of love that the child has been able to recover and regain health. | Photo courtesy of Lamiya Lin | Jordan | 2024/05/02 RIGHT: After two days of observation in the hospital, Yamen is safe and can be discharged to go home. His once tear-stained face, now shows a smile, revealing his innocence and loveliness once more. | Photo courtesy of Lamiya Lin | Jordan | 2024/05/04 


By May 4th, after spending two days under hospital observation, Yamen was safely discharged home. His face, once streaked with tears, now radiated joy, innocence, and adorableness. The worries on his parents' faces disappeared, reassured that their child had recovered thanks to the overwhelming love and support.

Returning to Dr. Saleh's clinic, the catheter was removed, and Yamen's wound recovery is progressing normally. Yamen's health is good, and his father finally no longer wears a worried frown. | Photos courtesy of Lamiya Lin | Jordan | 2024/05/08 


On May 8, Yamen returned to Dr. Saleh's clinic to have his catheter removed. His wound has healed well, and his health is now excellent. Free from pain and no longer needing a urinary bag, Yamen can play freely again. The volunteers also shared that May is a month of gratitude as it is Mother’s Day and Tzu Chi Day was soon approaching. Hearing the family also expressed their blessings, "Happy Birthday Tzu Chi! Wishing Master Cheng Yen good health! May all Tzu Chi volunteers around the world enjoy good health!"


Love is the Solution

During their time together, volunteer Mohammed Khir Alriz introduced Tzu Chi and its founder, Master Cheng Yen, to Yamen's parents. They shared the spirit of the Bamboo Bank Era and the concept of giving, which in Islam is believed to have the power to change one's destiny.

Volunteer Mohamed Khir Alriz (right) introduced Yamen’s father to Tzu Chi and Master Cheng Yen, emphasizing the significance of giving through the spirit of Bamboo Bank Era. | Photos courtesy of Lamiya Lin | Jordan | 2024/05/02 

Similar to Yamen's family, volunteer Mohammed Khir Alriz also faced hardships as a Syrian refugee before finding Tzu Chi. He earnestly shared with them, "Life often brings challenging moments where it may seem like Allah is distant. It's in these times that we should focus more on giving. Giving has the power to enrich our lives, alter our destiny, and bring beauty to life, all through gratitude and generosity." He stressed sincerely, "Even if it's just a small amount within our capacity, I hope everyone can contribute and donate."

"We're very happy. Yesterday, Yamen was in critical condition, and thanks to Allah, now he had surgery, which was very successful. We are grateful to Tzu Chi." At this crucial moment of life's intersection, Mohammed Khir Alriz was moved and even more thankful, expressing the sentiments of all volunteers.

Local volunteer Abu Obaida also expressed his immense joy, "Just as Tzu Chi consistently aids others, I find great satisfaction in assisting patients. I accompany them to Dr. Saleh's clinic for check-ups, support them during their hospital stays, and ensure all preparations are in place before surgery. Tzu Chi's care for me motivates me to extend the same compassion to patients, alleviating their concerns. Because Tzu Chi has helped me, I feel compelled to give with kindness, benefiting both Tzu Chi and the patients."

"When I spoke with the family, I sensed their simplicity. Their expressions of helplessness and humble pleas deeply moved me," said Lamiya Lin, who stayed by their side the entire time. "Seeing their desperation when they sought help, I felt deeply for them. Why should they endure such profound suffering? When a child falls ill, it pains the parents deeply. And when there's no money for treatment, they've already experienced the anguish of potential loss." Lamiya Lin vividly recalls their humble plea for help, their earnest desire for their child to survive.

"Not only in Jordan but in many places worldwide, such cruel circumstances unfold. Countless people still face the grim reality of losing their chance to survive simply because they lack financial means." Feeling a profound sense of duty to relieve suffering, the local volunteers expressed gratitude for Master Cheng Yen's medical mission, a beacon of immense love that has bestowed countless blessings and rescued numerous individuals unable to afford medical treatment, bringing boundless hope into their lives.