CRIS 30th Anniversary Story | Wafaa

Wafaa’s Story: A Mother’s Journey Through War, Loss, and New Beginnings

When war broke out in Syria in 2011, Wafaa was a teenager. She and her family were forced to flee their hometown as violence and political unrest escalated. They found relative safety in a city across the country, but the memories of hiding at home while gunfire echoed outside and military aircraft roared overhead stayed with her.

In her new city, Wafaa fell in love and married Mohamad. One year later, they welcomed their first daughter, Seham. Motherhood deepened Wafaa’s longing for a safe, permanent home—one where her children could grow up free from fear.

The young couple moved to Turkey, where they registered as refugees and started building a new, albeit temporary, life. Soon after arriving, Wafaa gave birth to their second daughter, Alma. The first few months with Alma were joyful. But as time passed, Wafaa began to notice troubling signs—Alma wasn’t gaining weight, her limbs were unusually stiff, and her skin began turning blue. At the hospital, Alma was placed on oxygen and other intensive treatments, where she remained for months. Wafaa made daily visits to the hospital to be by her baby’s side, determined to care for her no matter what.

Eventually, Alma stabilized enough to come home. Wafaa and Mohamad split caregiving around the clock—Wafaa stayed up all night with Alma while Mohamad took the day shift. But Alma’s condition worsened, and she was readmitted to the hospital. Shortly after her first birthday, she passed away.

Devastated but committed to their family, Wafaa and Mohamad took time to grieve and care for Seham. Two years later, Wafaa became pregnant again. Given Alma’s medical history, doctors conducted extensive testing. This time, all signs pointed to a healthy pregnancy, and the couple welcomed a third daughter, Maria.

Two years later, they had their fourth child, Sam. Wafaa’s pregnancy and delivery were smooth, but within months, the family noticed hauntingly familiar symptoms: Sam’s limbs were stiff, her cry was weak, and her coloring began to change. Once again, they entered the cycle of hospitals, machines, and worry.

Amid Sam’s critical care, the family received word: they had been approved for resettlement in the United States. The process was intense, especially with a medically fragile child. As part of their travel processing, the entire family, including Sam, had to appear in person at a location hours away from the hospital. Wafaa rode in an ambulance the entire way, praying Sam would survive the trip.

The family’s journey from Turkey to the U.S. included a medical team to support Sam during the long flight. They landed in Chicago, where Wafaa and Sam were immediately taken by ambulance to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. Separated from her husband and daughters, unable to speak English, and overwhelmed by doctors and paperwork, Wafaa felt utterly alone—until three strangers entered the hospital room with a warm meal.

Those strangers were CRIS staff members: Jhuma Acharya (resettlement case manager), Teresa Gibson (Community Engagement Coordinator), and Jessica Elsayed (case manager). Jessica, who spoke Arabic, explained what was happening—Mohamad and the girls would arrive soon, housing had been arranged, and support was in place. For the first time since arriving, Wafaa exhaled.

Jhuma and the resettlement team helped secure a home near the hospital. Teresa mobilized a Welcome Team to assist the family in their first months, providing transportation, groceries, and moments of joy for Seham and Maria. Thanks to the care she received at Nationwide Children’s, Sam stabilized enough to come home. For a while, the family of five enjoyed precious time together.

But just after Sam’s second birthday, she passed away due to complications from her condition. The grief was crushing. And yet, this time, Wafaa and Mohamad were not alone. With the support of CRIS staff and volunteers—people who had become like family—they began to heal.

Today, their lives look different. Mohamad works full-time in construction. Seham and Maria are thriving in school. Wafaa is now a licensed driver, and she has been diligently studying English online. She recently enrolled in Columbus State’s language institute, determined to complete all eight levels. Her goal? To work in the medical field.

“It has been many years since I have seen my family. I long to visit my mother and my siblings,” Wafaa shares. “But the people I’ve met at CRIS have become like my family here. This is our home now, and I am happy to be here and happy for my girls to have a future.”