WHAT IS API?

The Ayla Project International (API) is a nonpolitical humanitarian organization born in the Fall of 2023 in response to the Middle East crisis. API is envisioned to eventually expand beyond the Middle East to serve families in areas of conflict around the world. “Ayla” means “resilient” in Scottish, “light around the moon” in Turkish, “oak tree” in Hebrew, and “family” (Ayala) in Arabic.

In December 2023, Islandia Firm International Executive Director Tara Britton learned about the plight of a three-year-old girl named Lulu in the conflict zone in the Middle East from her friend Cari. With the outbreak of war, Lulu’s congenital cardiac condition deteriorated rapidly, and her life was in imminent danger.

Tara Britton, Rula Khoury, and Cari Conklin-Larsen formed a volunteer team to assist Lulu and her family along with Tara's Cambridge classmate and former representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Following two months of work and closed doors, even from the ICRC, the team successfully evacuated Lulu, along with her mother and her 5 and 6-year-old brother and sister, from Rafah to Al Nas Children’s Hospital in Egypt at the end of January 2024 in a climactic event that could only be described as Hollywood movie worthy. This was the genesis of the Ayla Project.

The Ayla Project team assists in the stabilization, evacuation, and relocation of women, children, and families, many of them with critical medical needs, to places of safety. The project also addresses refugee family needs holistically for sustainable resettlement. We exercise a flexible, adaptable approach, meeting the needs of each family where they are at.

Medical Needs for Lulu’s Grandparents, Sidho and Tata

The absence of fresh produce and drinkable water caused both of Lulu’s grandparents, who are now also living in the Cairo apartment with the family, to develop severe urinary tract infections. Long-term interruption of each of their medications for previously diagnosed congenital heart issues has resulted in their high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

The grandmother also received a surprising diagnosis of Adult Glaucoma. The debilitating stress factors associated with living in a war zone without her blood pressure medication contributed to a rise in intraocular pressure causing damage to her optic nerve, resulting in the build-up of fluid in both of her eyes. This fluid needs to be drained to relieve the pressure. If left untreated, there is a risk of blindness.

Total Cost: $4,000 for prescriptions for 10 months + procedure cost

Dental Surgery for Lulu

Lulu required a complicated dental surgery where the doctors put her to sleep under anesthesia. Because she is a heart patient, the cardiologist needed to be present to monitor her condition. While this surgery would normally cost up to $10,000, the surgeon donated her time at no cost and used the highest quality materials and medical supplies at no cost to Lulu’s family. The only cost is the cost of the anesthesiologist, which is $400.

Total Cost: $10,000

Contributed To-Date: $9,600 (from the surgical and medical supply donation)

Remaining Need: $400

The total remaining need for the three projects is approximately $4,000 for Sidho and Tata’s (Lulu’s grandparent’s medical care + $7,000 for Salma’s family + $400 for the dental procedure anesthesia = $11,400.

Provide essential care for Adam

Adam Lulu, a six-year-old born in Gaza with a congenital heart defect, has faced immense challenges. After a brain injury during surgery, Adam now needs lifelong medication for seizures and physical therapy for mobility. Despite these difficulties, Adam found joy in simple pleasures like playing on a swing and swimming. However, the war in Gaza destroyed his home, worsened his health, and displaced his family. The Ayla Project has evacuated Adam, his mother Noura, and sister Sarah to Egypt, where they now need support to rebuild their lives.

We urgently need your help to raise $20,000 to support this family. Your donation will provide safe housing, nutritious food, water, private school tuition, trauma care, and essential medical treatments for Adam. Together, we can give Adam and his family the stability and resources they need to thrive. Please join us in making a difference.

Total financial need: $20,000. Remaining goal: $20,000.

Horizons’ PARTNERSHIP WITH AYLA PROJECT

Horizons International (also serving refugees) is a strategic partner of the Ayla Project and is now receiving tax-deductible contributions toward the project, with a low 5% administrative fee. Islandia Firm International provides pro-bono strategic, administrative and development support for the project.

If you would like to GIVE BY CHECK

Gifts Received Address
Horizons International
P.O. Box 18478
Boulder, CO 80308

Thank you for your support! Additional information is available upon request.