Nuranisa, Amina and Sema (Summer, 2005)

Sema (April 2004)

Sema (2001)

Sema joined our fast-growing family on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. At birth she was 8lbs. 2oz., pink and perfect. She started developing problems on her second day. Before we knew it she was in the NICU. The doctors at the birth hospital had no idea what was wrong with her. She was immediately transferred to another hospital in our area where she was diagnosed with HLHS. We were given the usual choices of Norwood Procedure, heart transplant or letting nature take its course. Our world came to a complete stop. The feelings of those moments, days are very difficult to describe. Since she was too sick to wait for a heart and letting her go was out of the question, we decided to take Sema to Philadelphia for the Norwood Procedure.

Sema was 9 days old with stage I, 11 months with Stage II and 16 months with Stage III. Each stage brought its own challenge and difficulties for our little girl. Left lung collapsed with Stage I, coded with Stage II and battled the dreaded fluid with Stage III.

We are extremely grateful to Dr. Norwood and everyone involved in Sema's care at CHOP. They are truly special people who will be in our hearts forever. God Bless them.

Sema now is completing 6th grade. Back in 4th grade she was diagnosed with learning disability and put in special education classes. Although she is now part of a regular classroom setting she receives extra help in some areas. Although she is very active and energetic, Sema does not compete in any sports. When she pushes herself too much she complains of chest pains. Dr. Marans of Columbia Presbyterian, Sema's pediatric cardiologist, has done some extensive pulmonary and stress tests on her. The conclusion basically was that she does not have full lung capacity and with everything she has gone through, exerting herself puts a strain on her heart thus causing the chest pain.

Sema is a happy, lively and outgoing child who is adored by everyone she comes in contact with. We feel so blessed to share our lives with this sunshine of a person.

October 2005 Update

Sema continues to do beautifully and enjoys a normal life. She is now in 11th grade and turned 17 recently. Sema would like to continue on to our local college after high school and major in early childhood education. Her dream is to open up her own child care center. She has so much love and care to give. Her updated photo is from this summer at her sister's wedding.