Dalal, a four-year-old Syrian girl, defied the odds to survive severe burns from a tent fire. Despite losing her hands and bearing significant scars, she continues to astonish doctors and her family with her resilience.
Dalal focuses intensely as she maneuvers a pen between the stumps of her arms, attempting to write her name and draw simple shapes. Her determination is evident despite her physical challenges.
Dalal’s face is heavily scarred, making it difficult for her to fully open her eyes. Her skull is mostly bald, except for some hair at the nape, which her older sisters, Gazal and Hala, tie into a ponytail.
Doctors initially doubted Dalal would survive the extensive burns and numerous surgeries required. She was severely burned when a fire broke out in her family’s tent in northwest Syria during the winter of 2021. Her family had fled Idlib province, seeking safety near the Turkish border amid ongoing conflict.
The fire stove meant to keep them warm ignited the tent. Dalal’s eldest sister, Yasmin, tried to save her but succumbed to the flames. Four other siblings escaped, but Dalal was engulfed by the fire. She was barely alive when rescued and transported to a Turkish hospital.
Lead surgeon Dr. Cagatay Demirci recalled the grim initial prognosis. Dalal’s skin was severely charred, and her survival seemed unlikely. Yet, she endured multiple complex surgeries, earning the nickname “miracle baby.” However, her fingers could not be saved, and she required extensive facial reconstruction.
A British single mother, Lisa Cavey, was moved by Dalal’s story and raised tens of thousands of pounds through a JustGiving page. This funding enabled Dalal’s family to join her in Turkey and covered their living expenses and medical needs.
INARA, a Turkish-based charity, has supported Dalal’s ongoing treatment. Founder Arwa Damon emphasized their mission to help children requiring critical surgeries and long-term care, ensuring they don’t fall through the cracks.
Despite her incredible progress, Dalal faces societal rejection. Her mother, Fatima, describes painful experiences at the playground where other children react with fear. Dalal’s independence is evident as she navigates daily tasks using her stumps, yet she struggles with the lack of acceptance and school enrollment.
The global economic downturn and other crises have strained resources for humanitarian aid. Dalal requires additional surgeries, including a potential toe-to-hand transplant to create fingers. However, the cost of such procedures is high, and Turkey is grappling with severe inflation.
Fatima hopes for more medical support for Dalal, who remains remarkably independent but also experiences frustration and sadness. Her family celebrates her achievements, while her siblings acknowledge the emotional challenges she faces.
