the fASTER fund link

Our work is not complete.

Here is a photo of Aster and Derebe holding a photo of Mrs. Star’s fourth grade class:

• 

  Our son, Michael, and his friends from school have been raising money for “the fASTER fund”. We are also partnering with Wide Horizons for Children (WHFC) and with Aster’s community leaders to successfully support a specific need of her village. It is important to lift up her community as well in order to fully support Aster and her transformation culturally.

  Mrs. Star’s fourth grade class have already raised over $90 by making and selling rainbow loom bracelets over a couple of weeks this fall. The boys plan initially, through their fundraising efforts, to help Aster’s school.

  Once the people of Keke, Aster’s village, have fulfilled their community project goal with appropriate assistance, we will support other children in need and their communities in a similar fashion.

  We are thankful for each and every dollar of your support. All proceeds go directly to the cause. No gift is too small.

  Here is the link:  http://www.gofundme.com/5wv3u4

the fASTER fund

Our work is not complete.

Here is a photo of Aster and Derebe holding a photo of Mrs. Star’s fourth grade class:

• 

  Our son, Michael, and his friends from school have been raising money for “the fASTER fund”. We are also partnering with Wide Horizons for Children (WHFC) and with Aster’s community leaders to successfully support a specific need of her village. It is important to lift up her community as well in order to fully support Aster and her transformation culturally.

  Mrs. Star’s fourth grade class have already raised over $90 by making and selling rainbow loom bracelets over a couple of weeks this fall. The boys plan initially, through their fundraising efforts, to help Aster’s school.

  Once the people of Keke, Aster’s village, have fulfilled their community project goal with appropriate assistance, we will support other children in need and their communities in a similar fashion.

  We are thankful for each and every dollar of your support. All proceeds go directly to the cause. No gift is too small.

  Here is the link:  http://www.gofundme.com/5wv3u4

the greatest gift

News from Ethiopia:

Niat and Karine have been in touch with Derebe since their return to their home village of Keke. We are happy to share that for the first time, Aster is enrolled and attending school.

Dreams do come true.

Arrival at the Horizon House

Aster and Derebe arrived at the Horizon House in Addis Ababa on October 1st. They were warmly greeted by the staff of Wide Horizons for Children’s Horizon House where they stayed briefly until travel was arranged to take them to their village about 11 hours south of Addis.

This photo was sent by Mulat, our friend and colleague at the Horizon House

A New Perspective

First subway ride…

First skyscraper…

First flight home…

A whole new view of the world…

En route home to Ethiopia as we blog. 9/30/13

Back story forthcoming.

Taking Flight

Aster was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday. INCREDIBLE!

Happy 14th Birthday, Aster!

Aster, you have inspired us all with your grace. You are a hero.

Thanks to the individual efforts of so many as well as the works of the organizations involved, Wide Horizons for Children and Little Baby Face, Aster takes flight.   A huge thank you to the many wonderful people who have been there assisting during this time in the US, in Ethiopia and en route. A special thank you to Zelalem and to everyone unnamed. There are no words to adequately thank Aster’s surgeons, nurses, aids, technicians and staff.

We all wish you, Aster, a happy, happy birthday and the realization of all of your dreams.

Carrie

Jim

Niat

Karine

Diane

Betty

Kylie, Binney and Eric

Teferi, Leah, Ruth, Dininar, and Michael and many, many more.

We love you, Aster, just for who you are. A most joyous birthday to you.

The Road to Recovery

Nearly a week has passed since Aster emerged from her transformative surgery. As the postoperative pain recedes and Aster adjusts to her new “normal”, her progression is right on track. It has been a tough week, but Aster has persevered, Derebe always by her side.

Her exceptional journey has proven the adage, “it takes a village”. Aster’s village extends far beyond Keke, Ethiopia; the village of New York has truly embraced this inspiring girl and her father.

A dear and insightful friend remarked, “the word Aster comes from the ancient Greek, ἀστήρ, meaning “star”.

This star is brightly shining.

Speechless

Beautiful

BEFORE, so very beautiful.

AFTER, so very beautiful.

Aster has emerged from anesthesia in the recovery room and is doing well.

Her surgery went PERFECTLY today.  She was in the operating room for about 7 hours and the tumor was completely removed by a team of three surgeons.

Derebe, her father, was supported by new friends all day as he waited anxiously.

“What does Derebe think?”

“He was speechless.  He is adjusting.  We were all blown away to see her post op.”

It’s difficult to imagine, isn’t it?

An enormous thank you to everyone who gave so freely of their time, their expertise and their hearts today and leading up to this momentous day.

Thanks to each and every one of you, reading this blog, for your good wishes and thoughtfulness.

TODAY is the celebration of the new year in Ethiopia.  This day stands for the end of the rainy season when everything becomes beautiful again:

“The big rains end and the sun comes out to shine all day long, creating an atmosphere of dazzling clarity and fresh clean air.  The highlands turn to gold as the Meskel daisies burst out in all their splendor.”

How apropos.

HAPPY ETHIOPIAN NEW YEAR!

Stay tuned as Aster braves the challenges ahead.