Special Report: Iraq Girl Surgery

After spending a year in Iraq, Captain Michael Mullaly is happy to be able to play with his kids again.

And Mullaly says it's his children that inspired his more recent mission: helping to save the life of Baby Noor, a one year old Iraqi girl born with a life threatening defect.

"She has an internal organ on the outside of her body," Mullaly said. "And as a parent... with the capabilities present to do something, I couldn't turn away."

Mullaly is a member of the 948th Forward Surgical Team. He and his unit performed three surgeries on Baby Noor in Iraq earlier this year. Now they're raising money to help her receive the final life saving surgery she needs here in the US.

"(It) needs to be done in United States, with specialized surgeons that can actually do that procedure which they do not have in Iraq," Mullaly said.

The cost of the surgery has been covered by a local charity, but Baby Noor's family still needs help with the estimated $10,000 in travel and other medical expenses.

"We all fell in love with her and we want to help her," Mullaly said.

Baby Noor's surgery is scheduled for the end of June at Children’s Hospital Boston. Like they were in Iraq, Mullaly says he and his unit plan on being there for her.

"I’ve been in there home for the past year, and having them come to my home is an honor."

Anyone interested in helping Baby Noor, the Iraqi Children's Project charity is collecting donations.

Send donations to:

Baby Noor
c/o Iraqi Cihldren's Project
21 Union Street
Cornwall, NY 12518

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