Aleeza Masih (7 yrs), a resilient bomb survivor, emerged from the harrowing shadows of the 2017 terrorist onslaught on Bethel Memorial Methodist Church in Quetta.
Enduring the chaos of the attack at a mere 1.5 years old during a nativity service, Aleeza’s survival amidst the loss of nine lives and the injury of 52 others is a testament to her strength.
Aleeza is in need of your support once again, as she requires a replacement for her prosthetic limb, having outgrown her previous one. Thanks to the ongoing support from the British Asian Christian Association, Aleeza has received updated prosthetic limbs twice a year, enabling her to navigate the world with resilience and determination.
Aleeza’s remarkable survival story is deeply intertwined with the bravery of volunteer Christian security officers who shielded her during the tragic events at Bethel Memorial Methodist Church. Despite emerging from the ordeal alive, she bore the heavy burden of severe injuries, including the loss of her right foot and shrapnel damage to her bowels. The initial treatment at a public hospital proved insufficient, pushing her perilously close to the brink of gangrene. In a critical intervention, the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) facilitated her transfer to a private hospital in Karachi, where a crucial second operation ultimately saved her life.
Aleeza’s journey towards recovery hasn’t been without its challenges. Rapid growth necessitates a new prosthetic limb every six months for her mobility and comfort. Currently, BACA is spearheading an appeal to secure a properly-sized limb for Aleeza in March 2024, ensuring that she can continue to flourish despite the adversities she faces.
During a recent conversation with Ashiq Masih, Aleeza’s father, he expressed the urgent need for a replacement prosthetic limb due to her increased size. He described how the loosened grip of her current limb inflicts severe pain on Aleeza during her daily activities, hindering her ability to attend school and church. Grateful for BACA’s unwavering support, Ashiq Masih emphasized the profound impact it has had on Aleeza’s life, ensuring she can lead a life akin to other children her age. He explained:
“The loosened grip of her prosthetic leg causes severe discomfort when Aleeza walks.”
“She is unable to attend school due to the pain, so I kindly request BACA to provide Aleeza with a new prosthetic leg.”
“I express my heartfelt gratitude to BACA’ donors for enabling Aleeza to lead a life similar to that of children her age.”
“I cannot adequately express my gratitude for the assistance BACA provides every six months to ensure my daughter receives a new limb.”
“Aleeza’s life could have been vastly different if they had not extended a helping hand.”
Despite financial constraints as a Government College sweeper, Ashiq Masih finds solace in BACA’s consistent assistance, which remains a lifeline for Aleeza’s continued growth and development. BACA expresses heartfelt gratitude to its generous donors, whose consistent support provides the necessary resources to uplift Aleeza and children like her, making a profound difference in their lives.
Thanks to BACA’s assistance in providing her with a new limb every six months, Aleeza can fully embrace life without any hindrance. A passionate young girl, she delights in playing with her friends, attending church regularly, and actively engaging in Sunday school activities, as shared by her father, Ashiq Masih.
Ashiq Masih further reflects, “When I see her playing and laughing, my heart fills with profound joy.”
The cost of Aleeza’s latest prosthetic limb amounts to £450, and we warmly invite supporters to join us in reaching this target by making a donation (click here). Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference in enhancing Aleeza’s quality of life and empowering her on her journey towards recovery and independence.
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for British Asina Christian Association, said:
“Driven by her aspirations to become a doctor and contribute to humanity, Aleeza’s academic excellence shines through as she excels in her studies, earning top marks in her class.
“Recently promoted to grade 3 with distinction, Aleeza’s journey is marked by resilience and determination, inspiring hope and admiration in those around her.”
