CLTV Local News: Baby Faris Archives

Baby Faris Archives

June 22, 2009

Baby Faris Update

He should be going home from the hospital within two weeks! That's the latest on the not-quite-one-year-old northwest suburban Hanover Park dynamo we've been reporting on for the past several months.

First, at death's door.. in need of a new heart. Then, post transplant --what his mother Siham has called a miracle. His name: Faris Samara.

Mrs. Samara called today to update me on her baby's condition, saying he's now ready to be moved from the intensive care unit at Children's Memorial to a regular floor, "because of his progress!"

But more importantly his mother wants to continue to shine a light on the very reason her son is alive and looking forward to celebrating his first birthday - organ donation.

Says Siham, " I hope people can be convinced to become organ donors from all of this. That's why my son's alive right now, because of a donor.. and why, I'm so darn happy these days."

For more information on becoming an organ donor go to LifeGoesOn.com.

June 2009

March 2009

Posted by Monica Schneider on June 22, 2009 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

June 19, 2009

A New Heart For Baby Faris

Baby Faris is just shy of his first birthday. Very lucky to be alive - thanks to a new heart. The key was getting that heart in time. Based on American Medical Association statistics, nearly 40-percent of babies needing new hearts -die- before one becomes available.

Here's our latest report on this cute little Chicagoland boy.

By the way Faris's name means - 'polite fighter.' And he will need to continue to fight. But even so, the odds for children such as Faris are much improved from what they once were.

Statistics indicate that 15 years ago.. 73-percent of children with new hearts rejected them within the first year. But medical advances over the years have now changed that. The first year rejection rate is now down to around 25-percent.

*Click below to see our *first story on Baby Faris in March 2009.

Continue reading "A New Heart For Baby Faris" »

Posted by Monica Schneider on June 19, 2009 4:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 15, 2009

Baby Faris Gets His New Heart!

What an early first birthday gift!

The little northwest suburban Hanover Park boy had his life-saving operation late last week. He finally got a new heart - without which - he wasn't expected to survive.

A donor heart became available late Thursday and nearly 11 month old Faris Samara (he was born July 14, 2008) was rushed into surgery soon after. He came through with flying colors.

His mother, Siham, who's been at his hospital bedside daily, for months says, "So far, I guess you could say a miracle has occurred."

Check out our Baby Faris story from March:

Again, Baby Faris now has a new heart and hospital officials at Children's Memorial say he's doing great!

Posted by Monica Schneider on June 15, 2009 3:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

April 6, 2009

More HELP for BABY FARIS!

Now just a week shy of 9 months old --he's still waiting for a new heart.
But in the interim, as his medical bills continue to grow, Baby Faris Samara's family could now be in line for more financial help.

For one thing, family friends are working to see if an area car dealer might donate a vehicle to the family. All the daily driving back and forth from their suburban home to Children's Hospital downtown is taking a toll on their old car. PLus, with three other boys (one with autism) the family also has many other outstanding expenses during this trying time. Though their biggest concern continues to be -- that Faris can hang on long enoug for a donor heart to become available.

A Couple Chicagoland Restaurants Pitching In

Chili's in Streamwood and Moretti's in Bartlett are designating special days, where if patrons ask to do so -- the restaurant will donate part of their check to the 'I Heart Faris Fund.'

Chili's Faris Deal: Thursdays in April & May.

Moretti's Faris Deal: April 8th & May 4th.

Faris Fundraiser Update

The big April 25th 'Fundraiser for Faris' at the Streamwood Bowl (9pm) is approaching. Anyone interested in attending is asked to get tickets ($35 each) by April 20th; the head count will allow organizers to know exactly how much food to order.
Call Pat or Dave @ 630-618-9928. Raffle tickets also available @ $1/ea or 6 for $5 (need not be present to win).

Faris Bank Fund

Direct donations to the 'I Heart Faris Fund' are being accepted at Chase Bank branches. Or money can be sent to:
Samara Family
I Heart Faris Fund
P.O. Box 1297
Streamwood, IL 60107

Reminder:

April is 'National Donate Life Month.' For more information on organ donation in Illinois go to: LifeGoesOn.com

Last But Certainly Not Least

Happy messages of hope for the parents (Siham and Sam) and Faris' three older brothers (Ali-12, Mohammed-11 and Tarek-7) would also be very much appreciated by the family, during this stressful time for them.

You can leave your comments below and we'll make sure the Samara family gets them.

Posted by Monica Schneider on April 6, 2009 3:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

March 26, 2009

Help Baby Faris

He was born July 14, 2008. Just 8-and-a-half months old at this writing.
In need of a new heart.

His name is Faris Samara and he's a real cutie!
(check out the video posted here)

Continue reading "Help Baby Faris" »

Posted by Monica Schneider on March 26, 2009 4:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)