Latest news with #Fadi
STV News
5 days ago
- Health
- STV News
Parents honour baby who died with rare genetic condition aged just nine days old
Fadi and Elizabeth Ghazala were determined to find a meaningful way to honour their daughter's memory after she died with a rare genetic condition last year aged just nine days old. They knew they wanted to do something special to remember Rita, who was born with Edwards' Syndrome, a rare condition caused by an extra chromosome in the body's cells. The couple, from Kirkintilloch in East Dunbartonshire, began a fundraising cycling challenge earlier this week aiming to raise money for Glasgow's Children's Hospital Charity. Fadi and Elizabeth say Rita was 'brave, resilient and peaceful' from the get-go. Fadi and Elizabeth Ghazala 'Rita gave us the best nine days of our lives,' Fadi told STV News. 'She was wonderful,' added Elizabeth. 'We just want to move forward with her legacy in our hearts because she made such a big impact on us.' Fadi and Elizabeth Ghazala Despite major gullet and windpipe surgery and an overnight emergency ventilation tube change at the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Rita died on December 17 last year. To honour their daughter, the couple will cycle 210 miles, connecting the three level four NICU wards across Scotland. Joined by family and friends, they began their journey on Wednesday at the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital. STV News On Saturday, they will complete the last leg of the challenge and head to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. The family have already raised over £8,000 and hope to support the NICU in Glasgow with the creation of 'Rita's Room' – a space for counselling and comfort for other families going through palliative care. STV News Fadi said staff at the hospital gave Rita 'dignity in her nine days'. 'The love that they had shown her is something that we can never really repay,' he said. 'But we really just want to say thank you.' STV News Rita's grandad Anthony Tatlock is among those taking part in the fundraising challenge. He told STV News: 'Rita is our first grandchild. Her nine day life had such an impact on myself and my wife and the family. We felt we needed to do something to honour her life.' A JustGiving page has been set-up to support the fundraising efforts. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Forbes
7 days ago
- General
- Forbes
UNICEF: Desperate Situation For Gaza's 1 Million Children
Children in Gaza are enduring catastrophic living conditions, including severe food insecurity and malnutrition. UNICEF is ready to deliver urgently needed supplies and calling for safe and unrestricted access. Here's how you can help. Thirteen-year-old Fadi risks his life to bring home food from a non-UN distribution site for his mother and siblings. 'Even though it's very dangerous, I have to go [to the site] to get food for my mother so that my brothers and I can survive," Fadi says. "I rushed there to get a food basket. My father was killed, and I have no one to help my family.' Across the Gaza Strip, every day, families are facing unimaginable challenges and choices. With almost no aid allowed in, and food prices soaring, parents and children are risking their lives to get even small amounts of food or safe water. Many are walking for hours, waiting in crowds and dodging dangerous air strikes and gunfire — only to return empty-handed. Some don't return at all. Between May 27 and July 7, the UN Human Rights Office recorded the killings of 798 Palestinian civilians — including children — desperate to find food, at or near distribution sites and humanitarian convoys. 'These children are not combatants. They are being killed and maimed as they line up for lifesaving food and medicine.' Over the past 21 months of war in Gaza, more than 17,000 children have reportedly been killed and 33,000 injured. An average of 28 children have been killed each day — the equivalent of an entire classroom. "Consider that for a moment. A whole classroom of children killed, every day for nearly two years," UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said during a UN Security Council briefing on July 16. "These children are not combatants. They are being killed and maimed as they line up for lifesaving food and medicine." Read UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell's full statement on the humanitarian situation for children in Gaza at the UN Security Council meeting on July 16, 2025 Bilal, 17, was hit by shelling that shattered his knee as he waited in a crowd near a non-UN distribution point, hoping to bring back something for his family to eat. 'Before the war, I was always top of my class. I dreamed of a good life," he said. "Now I'm lying in the hospital. I didn't even get the food we needed.' UNICEF is ready to ramp up delivery of emergency supplies for children After almost 11 weeks of a complete aid blockade, authorities have allowed only a slow drip of UN supplies into the Gaza Strip since mid-May. Between May 19 and July 2, authorities permitted an average of 30 UN trucks per day to offload aid at designated crossings. It's nowhere near enough. Before the war, 500 supply trucks entered Gaza daily. 'We know what works. We just need to be allowed to save lives.' UNICEF continues to call for safe and unrestricted humanitarian access throughout Gaza to deliver thousands of truckloads of essential, lifesaving supplies already prepositioned in warehouses — including nutrition products, water treatment supplies and vaccines. More entry points and multiple routes are needed to ensure safe delivery of aid. "We have what works," UNICEF Spokesperson James Elder said in May. "We have what worked throughout the ceasefire. We saw things change. The United Nations and partners on the ground, having done this in Gaza, having done it in Sudan, Ukraine, Afghanistan — pick a war over 50 years, we know what works. We just need to be allowed to save lives." Gazans in the vicinity of a distribution point run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation — a private group supported by the U.S. and Israel — near Netzarim on July 7, 2025. Hundreds of civilians, including children, have been killed while waiting for aid at GHF sites. UNICEF continues to call for unrestricted access to deliver urgently needed humanitarian supplies across Gaza — more entry points and multiple routes are needed. Babies and children can't wait In northern Gaza, Waad and her husband, Masoud, watched helplessly as severe acute malnutrition claimed the lives of their newborn twins. Determined to keep their surviving children alive, Masoud walked 15 miles to reach a distribution point in Rafah, at the other end of Gaza, hoping to obtain food. "We lost our twin babies after birth because of malnutrition. I can't lose Ibrahim and Mohammed too," he said. 'I thought anyone who got one can of beans was lucky.' "For over fifty days, nothing entered our tent," Masoud said. "We lived on soup kitchens, but they stopped working. I worked day and night to buy just one kilo of flour. That's why I went to Rafah when I heard about food distribution." At the distribution point, "crowds were everywhere. I thought anyone who got one can of beans was lucky. If you survived the gunfire, you might still get attacked on the way out." Waad holds her two surviving children, Mohammed, 3, and Ibrahim, 2, on her lap in northern Gaza. Her newborn twins died of malnutrition. Her husband, Masoud, was injured by shelling when he tried to get food for his family at a distribution site in Rafah. Masoud waited in the growing crowd. "At 3 a.m., a shell hit near us," he said. "I threw myself to the ground. Everyone was injured. My leg was hit. I tied it with a cloth and crawled back. I hid there until the next day, hoping for another chance at the distribution point." By then, his leg was badly infected. "I stayed because I hoped to get something by the next day," Masoud continued. "I had no money for transport. I thought if I got aid, I could sell some to pay for a cart. I didn't get anything. People helped me get home. I went to Al-Shifa Hospital. Doctors said my leg has early-stage gangrene. All this suffering, and my tent is still empty." Watch the video: Tasneem's story Children in Gaza need our support now Of the more than 113,000 children screened for malnutrition in June, nearly 6,000 were found to be acutely malnourished — a staggering 180 percent increase in acute malnutrition cases compared to February. "I feel weak and dizzy, my stomach hurts and my bones are beginning to show," said Tasneem, who is living in a tent in Al Yarmouk camp for the internally displaced. The happy, healthy young girl seen in old photos bears little resemblance to Tasneem today. "My face used to be bright," she said. "At home we always had fruits and vegetables. Now, things are very hard." UNICEF requires $463.8 million to meet urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza and the West Bank, but is only 35 percent funded, leaving a critical funding gap as conditions deteriorate. Learn more: UNICEF in the State of Palestine Escalation Humanitarian Situation Report No. 40 Your support for UNICEF is more important than ever. Please donate today.
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Heartbroken Scots parents pay tribute to ‘special' baby girl who died from rare condition at nine days old
'In Rita's short life, she had a profound impact on all who met her' FAMILY'S PAIN Heartbroken Scots parents pay tribute to 'special' baby girl who died from rare condition at nine days old Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SCOTS couple have been left heartbroken after their "special" baby girl died from a rare condition at just nine days old. Tiny Rita Grace Ghazala was born on December 9 last year but sadly passed away days later. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Parents Elizabeth and Fadi with their baby girl Rita while in hospital Credit: Facebook/GlasgowChildrensHospitalCharity Proud parents Elizabeth, 31, and Fadi, 34, said their "beautiful" daughter was a "huge inspiration" during her short life. The tot was diagnosed in the womb with the life-limiting condition Edwards' Syndrome - also called trisomy 18. It is a rare genetic condition that cannot currently be cured and is caused by an extra chromosome in the body's cells. With trisomy 18 there are three copies of chromosome 18 rather than the usual two. Little Rita died at Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children nine days after she was born. She passed away on December 17 at the exact same time that she was born at 3.34pm. Parents Elizabeth and Fadi, from Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, told Glasgow Live: "Even though it was short, the time that we got with Rita was very special, we wouldn't change that. "We got to meet her, hold her, and love her - we got a lot from her. "She knew us - although she was in an incubator she recognised our voices and knew when we were around." The couple stayed at Crossbasket House while their baby girl was receiving treatment in hospital. Tragic Accident: Baby Dies After Car Crash Following Beach Outing Two days after being born, little Rita went through major gullet and windpipe surgery. The newborn also survived an emergency ventilation procedure during the night. Her parents added: "Our beautiful daughter, Rita Grace, gave us the best nine days of our lives. Rita was a huge inspiration. "On her second day she was away from us for eight hours while she went through major surgery, and was well-known on NICU for keeping the doctors and nurses on their toes. Symptoms of Edwards' syndrome Newborn babies with Edwards' syndrome may have some, or all, of the following symptoms: low birth weight ears in a low position on their head cleft lip or palate club foot problems with their heart, kidneys or spine problems with their breathing or digestion Each person with Edwards' syndrome is different, and there are also different types which can cause different symptoms. Source: NHS "In Rita's short life, she had a profound impact on all who met her. "She inspired others all over the world, and we have been humbled by the messages of love that we have received. "We are truly honoured to be her parents." Fadi, along with friends and family, is now taking on a cycling challenge in the tot's memory - Ride for Rita. 2 The tot was diagnosed in the womb with the life-limiting condition Edwards' Syndrome Credit: Facebook/GlasgowChildrensHospitalCharity The team will cycle 210 miles across Scotland, connecting the neonatal units in Aberdeen and Edinburgh before finishing in Glasgow, at the NICU where Rita was treated. They set off on Tuesday, July 22. Rita's mum Elizabeth will be joining the team from Edinburgh to Glasgow along with Grandma Anne, Auntie Eleanor and others. They plan to arrive in Glasgow on Saturday, July 26. Her parents added: "Rita was incredibly brave, resilient and peaceful from the get-go. She made us very proud parents." Over £8,000 has already been raised for Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity. Kirsten Watson, CEO at Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity said: "We are truly honoured that Fadi, Liz and their loved ones are taking on this incredible challenge in memory of Rita. "We know that Rita's resilience will be an inspiration to the team throughout their journey, and will help them conquer every challenge as they ride to the finish line in Glasgow. "The Ride for Rita challenge is raising vital funds in support of the Family Bereavement Support Service at Crossbasket House, creating a meaningful legacy for a very special girl." You can donate to the fundraiser here.
Daily Record
23-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Tributes paid to 'special' baby girl with rare disease who died 9 days after birth
Rita Grace Ghazala was diagnosed with the rare and life-limiting condition Edwards' Syndrome. A Scots couple have been left heartbroken after their newborn daughter tragically died just nine days after she was born. Little Rita Grace Ghazala was born on December 9, 2024, but sadly, she never made it home. The newborn died just nine days later at Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children, at the exact same time that she was born, 3.34pm. Rita was diagnosed in the womb with the rare and life-limiting condition Edwards' Syndrome, also known as Trisomy 18, at just 34 weeks. Despite the devastating diagnosis, mum Elizabeth and dad Fadi clung to hope they'd be able to bring their firstborn home. Edwards' syndrome (Trisomy 18) is a genetic condition, caused by an extra chromosome in the body's cells. With trisomy 18 there are three copies of chromosome 18 rather than the usual two. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Elizabeth, 31, and Fadi, 34, are "incredibly proud" to be Rita's parents - speaking to Glasgow Live Fadi said: "Even though it was short, the time that we got with Rita was very special, we wouldn't change that. We got to meet her, hold her, and love her - we got a lot from her. "She knew us - although she was in an incubator she recognised our voices and knew when we were around." Rita was well-known on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and by the palliative care team - she kept them "on their toes", said Fadi, also a doctor. He expressed his gratitude for the doctors and nurses caring for his baby girl, saying: "I'll never forget the dignity they gave Rita in her nine days - they really loved her. "Without their love and support for Rita, we would not have had the wonderful time together to bond as a family." The couple stayed at Crossbasket House while their baby received treatment in hospital and said the facility was a 'godsend' in the toughest time of their lives. Despite the odds stacked against her, tiny Rita underwent major gullet and windpipe surgery just two days after being born. The tot also survived an emergency ventilation procedure during the night. Her parents said: "From the get-go she was incredibly brave, resilient and peaceful; and she made us very proud parents." Now, Elizabeth and Fadi are determined to honour their daughter's memory and raise vital funds for Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity by helping other families facing similar heartache. Today, July 23, Fadi begins his challenge 'Ride for Rita'. The team will cycle 210 miles across Scotland, connecting the neonatal units in Aberdeen and Edinburgh before finishing in Glasgow, at the NICU where Rita was treated. He said: "I'm as prepared as I can be - I'm feeling confident but realistically it's going to be a challenge, but one I'm looking forward to. "This has been a real focus for me, it's been positive in my journey. We have so much support, I think it'll be a great event". During the four-day event, Fadi will be joined by family and friends. Rita's "wonderful" mum Elizabeth will be joining the team from Edinburgh to Glasgow along with Grandma Anne, Auntie Eleanor and other loved ones. The team hope to receive a big warm welcome upon their arrival in Glasgow. Kirsten Watson, CEO at Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity said: "We are truly honoured that Fadi, Liz and their loved ones are taking on this incredible challenge in memory of Rita. We know that Rita's resilience will be an inspiration to the team throughout their journey, and will help them conquer every challenge as they ride to the finish line in Glasgow. "The Ride for Rita challenge is raising vital funds in support of the Family Bereavement Support Service at Crossbasket House, creating a meaningful legacy for a very special girl." The Ride for Rita fundraiser remains open, click here to donate.
Montreal Gazette
26-04-2025
- Business
- Montreal Gazette
Freed: A restaurant is only as good as its recipe book
I went to my favourite Chinese restaurant recently, a simple place we've loved for 30 years. We ordered our usual favourites, but in moments we realized nothing was the same. It was all bland and tasteless. I asked a waiter if it was the chef's night off, but it turns out the chef was off for good, retired after decades. But he hadn't passed on or written down any of his recipes. I don't know the story behind that, but others in Chinatown have told me that top Chinese chefs have become expensive because they can get good pay in Toronto and Vancouver. Apparently, my place's recent new owner wasn't willing to pay for another first-class chef. So I'm looking for a new Chinese spot, along with other longtime patrons I know. All because 30 years of great cooking was never recorded. It turns out my restaurant's excellent food existed only in the mind of the chef, like an explorer who discovers an exotic land but neglects to leave any maps behind. I thought of this again two weeks later when I stumbled into a late-night restaurant on Sherbrooke St. W.: a burger and kebab place called Crusty's. The place is lavishly decorated in nostalgic technology: battered calculators, old cameras, dial phones, sewing machines and half an antique Ambassador car jutting from a wall. Another wall had a striking massive painting of a New York night scene, maybe 25 feet long. Curious, I asked the owner about it. His name is Fadi Dehni, and he'd come here from Lebanon five years earlier. To my surprise, he wasn't crazy about the painting: he had once studied art and thought 'the perspective is off' on some figures. But he was crazy about cooking. Fadi gave a monologue about his passion for recipes: how he adjusted and readjusted them, constantly seeking 'perfection.' 'Most importantly, every tiny recipe change I do or refine is handwritten down meticulously in the book, so anyone can duplicate it. I measure each gram, each grain of spice. 'This way every dish is always exactly the same,' he said emotionally. 'So no matter who makes it or when, it will taste precisely the same.' 'If something happens to me, my kids or someone else can still make it. It's all written down in the book, so it can live forever.' Much of Fadi's precision comes from being trained in engineering in the U.S. He immigrated to Montreal in 2020 with plans to open a printing business as he had done in Lebanon, but his dreams were shattered by COVID. Like many immigrants, he was forced to earn a living doing menial restaurant jobs, but he quickly rose to become manager, then later ran a large restaurant in the Laurentians. Finally, he bought Crusty's, his Sherbrooke St. restaurant, and applied his scientific training to his cooking methods. Yet even with all this written data, Fadi is forever refining his food formulas based on customer feedback, then recording each minute change. 'Do you notice there are no garbage cans in the entire restaurant,' he asked. It's true, there isn't a trash can to be seen. Why? He pointed to a pile of small, used plastic food baskets with leftover clients' crumbs in them. 'I look at them to see if people finish their meal and if not I may ask them why not — was there something wrong?' For instance, not long ago, he noticed a basket where someone had left most of his marinated chicken dish, and Fadi rushed after him. 'What's wrong?' he said. 'Too salty,' he was told. 'I tasted the leftovers in his basket and, yes, someone in the kitchen had added salt to the premixed marinade, which already had the precise and perfect amount of salt. This cannot be! 'So I went into the kitchen and made the day's marinade all over again.' As we talked, Fadi kept breaking away to talk to customers at other tables to see how they liked their meal. He brought several additional mushrooms to a woman who felt there weren't quite enough in her burger — perhaps a change he will add to the next day's mushroom-burger recipe, then record in the 'book.' 'When people eat here,' he explained, 'I want them know they can always have the exact same experience.' Talking to Fadi, it was hard not to think of my Chinese restaurant where the knowledge of decades has been lost in time, like some foodstuffs of my youth. I used to love the black pumpernickel and rye bread at the St. Lawrence bakery, but since it closed years ago it's impossible to find their equivalent. I fear the same fate for my favourite Hungarian csabai sausage shop, whose owner will probably be retiring soon, with no one prepared to replace him. I suspect the shop's unique recipe will disappear with him. Unfortunately for me, Fadi doesn't make Chinese food (or Hungarian sausage), so I'll have to keep looking for a new Chinatown favourite. If you have one, let me know. Then let's all make sure the chef is writing down his recipes.
