In Her Mittens

Mariam Torgomyan is an 18 year old girl from Armenia. In 1993, Mariam burned both her hands while trying to heat water on the stove. She has NO functional use of the left hand and restricted use of the right hand. She has difficulty performing basic life activities and requires continuous assistance from her mother.

The Children’s Burn Foundation (Sherman Oaks) has arranged for renowned hand surgeon, Dr. David A. Kulber of Cedars-Sinai Hospital (Los Angeles) to accept Mariam as a patient. The estimated cost for Dr. Kulber’s service, hospital charges, medicine, and specialized medical equipment is $66,000. The Children’s Burn Foundation has appropriated this amount for Mariam’s care. The entire medical procedure is going to take 6 to 9 months, after which Mariam will return to Armenia to enjoy a new lease on life.

When I first learned about Mariam’s situation I felt it was definitely an area where our In His Shoes Ministries could be of service. In a sense, this is a time to expand our platform and place our hands “In her mittens.”

Mariam arrives next Wednesday – July 29 at LAX. She is accompanied by her mother Gayane. I’m pleased that one of our dear families has agreed to house Gayane during Mariam’s surgery and treatment. I am calling on our In His Shoes members and in particular our church community in Glendale (who will be closer to the daily action) for help.

Specifically, we need assistance with TRANSPORTATION and limited housing help. Can you provide a ride from ho

me to hospital? (Areas of travel will include West Hollywood, Thousand Oaks, Glendale) Can you provide housing during down times (when away from the hospital)? Even more specific - if you can allocate one day a week to be available for pick up and delivery?

I'm also looking for a Project Manager - responsible for coordinating volunteer efforts for transportation between home and family.

There are many ways to help - and certainly, you can earmark a donation to be used for transportation or assistance. Because this is for six to nine months, we’re asking that you continue your donations on a regular basis during her treatment.

Immediately - we need a CELL PHONE - donate $500 (one time, for one-year service).

This is a time for us to come together and help this young girl start anew. Please, place your hands in her mittens. Say thanks to the wonderful doctors and medical staff who are donating their services and care and bring your assistance to Mariam! Here's to a new life for this young girl.

You may use this email to contact me or our staff: mittens@inhisshoes.org