Soldiers help Iraqi child with medical care

FOB KALSU, Iraq (April 24, 2008) - U.S. Soldiers took a break from their daily routine recently to help an Iraqi child recover from tuberculosis.

Ali Jamel Ali, an Arab Jabour youth, was fitted for a back brace by Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment.

Ali, a resident of Bayija Village, was originally diagnosed with tuberculosis by Lt. Col. Hee-Choon Lee, 1-30th Inf. Regt., 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division surgeon. Lee referred Ali to a doctor in Baghdad for proper medication and treatment.

Lee said tuberculosis bacteria typically attack the lungs but the spine can be destroyed as well.

When attacked and weakened, the spine contracts a condition called Potts disease. Ali received medication from doctors in Baghdad to kill the tuberculosis bacteria.

"I'm so happy Ali Jamel Ali has started his medications which will permanently repair his spinal chord injury," Lee said.

To prevent Ali from developing a hunched back, Lee ordered a special back brace to support the child's spine during the healing process.

Ali's father said he was very appreciative of the Soldiers' efforts.

"The Americans have done more for us than we could have imagined," Jamel Ali Khudayr said.

Lee said Ali will take the spinal cord medication for at least nine months and will need to use a back brace for several years.