hanigal-and-helena-lebanon

Hanigal and her daughter Helena

Henegal Tareq’s husband disappeared in Syria, leaving her the sole carer of 15-month-old Helena, who was born with many severe health issues due to a genetic disorder. Helena has cataracts and has only 15% vision; she needs an operation for this, and another to correct an abnormality in her leg. She is allergic to wheat and beef products and has an abnormal thyroid. Caritas gave Henegal $300 a month for two months and the clinic dispensed free medicines for Helena, however they have run out of funding so are no longer able to provide this. Clinic Director Zelfa Antoun says that if they get more money in future they will be able to provide her with crucial medicines again.