A mom and her 2-year-old daughter received a warm welcome on a cold night at St. Louis Lambert International Airport on Monday. Dozens came to welcome Rahaf and Israa Saed after being evacuated from Gaza.
"The community really came out and showed their support," Shireen Yehya with the Palestine Children's Relief Fund said, adding how thankful Saed is. "They've expressed their gratitude to know that they have a community and support behind them here in Saint Louis."
The Palestine Children's Relief Fund, or PCRF, helped the mother and daughter duo get to the U.S. and are helping ensure the toddler gets free medical treatment at Shriners Children's Hospital. For Rahaf, the journey to get here has been a long one.
"She was actually denied at first and it was months of work to try to get the approval through," Yehya said, adding how Rahaf's mom advocated to get her the care she needed. "It's such a story of resilience."
Rahaf lost both of her legs after her house was hit by an Israeli bomb a few months ago. With the help of PCRF, she will be treated in the U.S. for prosthetics.
"It's been a long process and a long trip but we're very thankful that they're here now so they can get what they need," Yehya said.
For the last three decades, PCRF has helped children like Rahaf get connected to critical treatment. The need for that support has increased since the war in Gaza began last year.
"The health care system is just gone, it's crumbled. So many kids need medical treatment," Yehya said, adding that Rahaf is one of thousands in need of care.
PCRF has helped bring 23 children out of Gaza in order to receive treatment since the beginning of the war in October 2023. The organization wants to be able to do more but also acknowledges the growing need.
"Our organization is a non-political nonprofit and it really focuses on just helping these kids who are injured by no means of their own," Yehya said.
2-year-old from Gaza being treated in St. Louis
Rahaf is staying with a host family as she undergoes treatment. PCRF said the organization will continue to assist her throughout the entire process.
"We're excited to see her journey progress and have her get her treatment."
You can find more ways to get involved with the Palestine Children's Relief Fund here.