The back actually looks very, very good. She's doing everything that a well-loved 4-month-old baby should be doing. You pick her up and hold her and the smile comes out.

291

The longer we go without putting a shunt in, the less likely she'll need one. We're cautiously optimistic.

215

Quality of life is very important, but if we don't get rid of this defect, it will eventually take her life as well.

209

She is very strong because her family is strong.

193

She just radiates good feeling. We're getting to the point where we love this child.

182

I'm thoroughly amazed at how bright and alert she is.

146

We need to get the back closed. The concern here is meningitis. If the baby gets an infection on the back, that infection can spread to the coverings all over the brain and the baby may die, so time is of the essence.

140

She will definitely need to be in a wheelchair.

124

If she gets good care when she returns to Iraq, she should live a long and full life.

105