Minneapolis, MN - The Foundation for the Children of Iran announces the completion of its 32nd surgical and/or medical case in Minnesota. Banoo, a 7-year-old heart patient, was referred to the Foundation by a nurse in a town near the village in which her family lives. The nurse had seen a broadcast regarding the Foundation on Voice of America TV. Upon review of medical records by Dr. David Overman, Dr. David Gremmels and their colleagues at Minneapolis Children's Heart Clinic, the decision was made to accept Banoo for medical care.

The process of departure from Iran, securing a visa and security clearance, and obtaining the visa were completed thanks to a number American and Iranian-American ex-patriots and the staff at the United States Consulate in Dubai. Banoo's journey along the chain of hope continued with her arrival in New York, where she was greeted by longtime FCI volunteer Mr. Sam Mirian. Arrival in Minnesota at the home of kind and sweet Korean-American Mrs. Sooki Jalili, and safe and sound in the loving arms of Ms. Jaleh Meshkati, the incomparable volunteer coordinator of medical affairs for FCI, meant the beginning of testing for Banoo.

The news was not good; the disease was more advanced than originally anticipated. The day of surgery, however, brought with it the good news of a very successful outcome. Five days later at her temporary Minnesota home, Banoo was playing as though nothing was wrong. And before her new American "family" had a chance to blink, it was time to say goodbye. The chain of hope would take Banoo & Mom safely home to Iran.

As always, we are reminded that governments quarrel, but people are bound together by a common bond of humanity that is indicative of the nobility in each and every one of us. As we know, governments come and go…humanity endures. As such, we are delighted to show the great big heart of America to some of the most forsaken children in the world.

God bless all the children of Iran and God bless the United States of America.

Founded in 1991 in the United States by a small group of Iranian immigrants, The Foundation for the Children of Iran was created with the mission to provide health care servies to Iranian children or children of Iranian origin regardless of race, color, creed, religious or political affiliation.

Using a worldwide network of volunteers, including world-renown doctors willing to work on a pro-bono basis as well as incredibly generous donors, FCI provides services to as many children as possible who would otherwise face death or diminished quality of life.

FCI is a registered charity based in Bloomington, Minnesota and incorporated under the 501(c)(3) rules of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. We treat children regardless of race, color, creed, religious or political affiliation.

For more information or to make a donation to the work of the Foundation, visit www.childrenofiran.org. To make a donation to Children's Hospital in gratitude for the work of Dr. Overman, visit www.childrensmn.org.