Obeida Al-Qara’s life was forever reshaped by the violence of war, a harsh reality that far too many children around the world are forced to face. Born into a home filled with hope and laughter, he was once a boy like any other—running, dreaming, and filling rooms with his joy. But everything changed in an instant when shrapnel from an explosion tore into his head, leaving him with severe brain injuries, paralysis, and profound malnutrition. Doctors fought to stabilise him, but the damage was so extensive that even survival felt almost impossible. Yet, despite the overwhelming odds, Obeida’s story has become one defined not by tragedy, but by courage, resilience, and the unbreakable power of love.
Before the explosion, Obeida’s life was simple and beautiful. He played with friends, chased sunlight, and carried the innocence of childhood in every step. But the blast shattered that world. In one moment, he went from being a joyful child to lying motionless in a hospital bed, his life hanging by a thread. Shrapnel had become deeply embedded in his skull, causing paralysis on one side of his body. He could no longer move or speak, and doctors were terrified that any surgery to remove the fragments might kill him. His fragile condition, weakened further by malnutrition, left him too unstable for the operation. Even if he survived, there were no guarantees of recovery. His future was suspended in uncertainty.
Yet, through the fear and grief, his parents refused to surrender. They watched their son lie helpless, unable to lift his head or hold their hands, but they refused to believe this was the end of his story. They searched relentlessly for help, for possibilities, for even a sliver of hope hidden somewhere in the world. They couldn’t change the past, but they could fight for his future—and they did.
Hope arrived from an unexpected place. A specialised medical team in Italy, known for complex rehabilitation and neurological therapy, stepped forward and offered to take Obeida’s case. It was a chance—tiny, risky, and uncertain—but it was more hope than they had been given anywhere else. With heavy hearts and trembling hands, his family made the agonising decision to travel abroad. It was expensive, exhausting, and terrifying, but for a parent, no cost is too high to save a child’s life.
When they arrived in Italy, the medical team assessed the extent of his injuries. They saw the paralysis, the malnutrition, the trauma—but they also saw something miraculous: a faint spark of strength, a child who still wanted to fight. With a combination of intensive physical therapy, neurological rehabilitation, and careful nutritional support, they began the long process of trying to rebuild what the explosion had taken away.
The early days were filled with tiny, fragile moments of progress. A twitch in his right hand. A slight movement of his right foot. Small actions to the outside world, but to his family, they were signs of life returning. Slowly, painfully, Obeida began to regain minimal control of the side of his body that had once been completely still. It was not a fast transformation—nothing about his healing was easy—but it was enough to rekindle the one thing his parents had nearly lost: hope.
As the weeks turned into months, the medical team saw more signs of improvement. Obeida endured daily therapy sessions that pushed his weakened muscles and challenged his mind to reconnect with his body. The rehabilitation was grueling, filled with moments of tears, frustration, and exhaustion. There were days when his progress stalled or his body resisted the therapy, but he never gave up. And neither did his parents. The bond between them grew stronger as they held him through every setback and celebrated every victory.
By the time his extended treatment in Italy came to an end, the progress he had made was remarkable. He had not regained full use of his left side, but his right hand and foot had improved dramatically. He could move with more independence than he had since the day of the explosion. The light that trauma had stolen from his eyes began to flicker back to life. Obeida smiled again—something his parents feared they might never see. For the first time in many dark months, they dared to dream of a better future.
Still, the road ahead remains long. Obeida needs continued therapy, ongoing medical care, and constant support to continue rebuilding his life. But his journey has already shown what love, dedication, and human resilience can achieve. His family has witnessed the strength he carries within him, a strength powerful enough to defy the limits placed on him by war and injury.
Obeida’s story is not simply about survival—it is about bravery, hope, and the unshakeable bond of a family that refuses to let tragedy define their son. Despite everything he has endured, he continues to inspire everyone around him. His progress is slow but undeniable. His spirit is unbroken. And his journey proves that even in the darkest places, light can grow.
He still has far to go, but he is no longer the fragile child who once lay motionless. He is a fighter, a survivor, and a symbol of what is possible when love refuses to give up. With every step he takes toward recovery, he gives hope not only to his family, but to countless others who believe in the strength of the human spirit. His story is not finished—and with continued care, compassion, and support, it may yet become one of the most powerful stories of healing and hope the world has seen.
“Athena’s New Normal: A Young Athlete’s Journey with Pulmonary Hypertension”.1389
Today marks Pulmonary Hypertension Day — a day to raise awareness of a condition that few people truly understand. Pulmonary hypertension is a form of
high blood pressure in the arteries that supply the lungs, a rare but serious illness that can affect anyone, even the young and seemingly healthy.
For Athena, a vibrant, athletic girl who loved to ski race, that reality became heartbreakingly personal earlier this year.
In February, Athena’s mother, Maria, noticed her daughter wasn’t feeling well. “She had a very high temperature, and it wasn’t getting any better with paracetamol,” Maria recalls. “After a few days, I decided to take her to A+E. The doctors thought she had the flu at first, but after some tests they found she had an infection.”
Athena was admitted for observation. The plan was to keep her for three days — just to monitor her symptoms and make sure the fever subsided. But during one of those routine checks, a nurse heard something unusual:
a heart murmur.
It was a small moment that changed everything.
“Because of that, they decided to do an echocardiogram,” Maria says. “After that, she was referred to cardiology for more tests. That’s when they diagnosed her with
pulmonary hypertension.”
The diagnosis was devastating — and completely unexpected. “We were shocked,” Maria remembers. “She’s always been so healthy, so active. She loves ski racing. She’s strong, fast, and full of life. None of us could believe it.”
For a family used to seeing their daughter flying down ski slopes and laughing with friends, the idea of her struggling to breathe or needing medical equipment felt impossible. But pulmonary hypertension changes lives in quiet, invisible ways.
Since the diagnosis, Athena’s days look very different. She now uses a BiPAP ventilator every night, a machine that helps her lungs and heart work together more efficiently while she sleeps. “At first, she didn’t enjoy it,” Maria admits. “It was uncomfortable, and she just wanted things to go back to normal. But over time, she’s become more used to it. It’s part of her new routine — her
new normal.”
Even with these changes, Athena hasn’t lost her spark. She still smiles, still dreams, still pushes through each day with the same determination that once carried her down the slopes. Her strength inspires not only her family but everyone who learns her story.
Maria says their family couldn’t have made it through the early days of Athena’s diagnosis without the support of the Pulmonary Hypertension charity. “They were incredible,” she says. “They helped us understand what was happening, answered our questions, and connected us with other families going through the same thing. They gave us information, comfort, and hope when we felt completely lost.”
Pulmonary hypertension can be an isolating diagnosis — especially for young people — but the charity’s community and resources have helped families like Athena’s find understanding and belonging. They provide access to medical specialists, emotional support, and practical guidance for navigating treatment.
Today, as families around the world recognize Pulmonary Hypertension Day, Maria hopes that sharing Athena’s story will help others understand just how important early detection and support can be. “We had no idea something like this could happen to a healthy, sporty child,” she says. “If that nurse hadn’t listened to her heart that day, we might not have known until it was much worse. We’re so grateful.”
Athena’s journey is far from over. There will be more tests, more hospital visits, and more nights with the BiPAP machine. But there will also be laughter, hope, and the fierce determination that defines her spirit.
Her story is a reminder that even when life changes completely, there can still be light, resilience, and love in every moment.
As we mark Pulmonary Hypertension Day, let’s think of Athena, and every child, adult, and family living with this rare condition. Let’s continue to spread awareness, support the research, and lift up those who fight this silent battle every single day.
Because like Athena, they deserve not just survival — but the chance to keep chasing joy, one breath at a time. 💙
