Brave Family Crosses Conflict Zone for Daughter’s Life-Changing Surgery

Quick Smiles:

• The Gribben family from Northern Ireland courageously ventured into a conflict zone to get their 4-year-old daughter, Rachel, the medical attention she needed.
• Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Rachel underwent successful brain surgery at St. Nicholas Children’s Hospital in L’viv to cure her of severe epileptic seizures.
• Esteemed American neurosurgeon Dr. Luke Tomich was advising the neurosurgeons at St. Nicholas, ensuring Rachel received the best possible care.

Imagine the lengths you’d go to ensure your child gets the medical care they need. For the Gribben family from Northern Ireland, this meant stepping into a conflict zone. Their 4-year-old daughter, Rachel, was offered a chance to live a seizure-free life at St. Nicholas Children’s Hospital in L’viv, Ukraine.

Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine since the invasion in February 2022, L’viv, a city near the Polish border, has remained relatively safe. However, the threat of air strikes and attacks on Ukrainian electrical infrastructure have escalated over the past six months.

Dr. Luke Tomich, a renowned American neurosurgeon, was in L’viv advising the neurosurgeons at St. Nicholas. His expertise in the specific surgery Rachel required was a beacon of hope for the Gribben family, prompting them to embark on a 1,800-mile journey.

Rachel was diagnosed with epilepsy and epileptic spasms when she was only 18 months old. Dr. Mykhailo Lovga and his team at St. Nicholas Children’s Hospital performed the life-changing surgery, removing a small section of brain tissue that was causing Rachel’s seizures.

“We carefully opened the skull, found the abnormal tissue, and slowly separated it before removing it completely. Because this tissue was close to the area that controls movement, we worked with neurologists and used very advanced technology during the surgery,” Dr. Lovga shared.

This story is a testament to the strength of a family’s love and the lengths they will go to ensure their child’s well-being. It also highlights the incredible work being done by medical professionals, even in the face of adversity. Share this uplifting tale with your friends and spread a little cheer today.

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