Israa's Story

Israa was born in Khartoum, Sudan with multiple birth defects, including cleft lip/palate and bilateral conductive hearing loss. Her family immigrated to Texas when she was a one year old, as she struggled terribly with feeding. With multiple surgeries and proper healthcare, her quality of life improved dramatically. In 2000, her family moved to Chicago where she was welcomed by the wonderful team at University of Illinois Craniofacial Center. She underwent multiple reconstructive surgeries and was surgically fitted with bilateral hearing aids.

Israa received her Bachelor’s Degree in English with a minor in Creative Writing at Northeastern Illinois University and now she’ll be going to graduate school at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee to obtain her Master’s in Library & Information Science. Writing has always been her way of expressing herself and reflecting on her experiences. Due to her passion in literature, especially poetry, she hopes to become an author someday. She plans to expand her knowledge and use her voice confidently in the library field to help improve communities for all.

Israa would like to sincerely thank each of The Center's team members and she really appreciates all their care. The team has become a part of her family. They have provided all the necessary services beyond life-changing surgical procedures, such as audiology, orthodontics, psychology, speech, etc. The team has expressed care about her life in general, including her education. Israa is beyond grateful to receive this award. 

She wears her smile proudly into the future!