Thrive Special Projects
Thrive exists to support business and entrepreneurial endeavors. However, on a case-by-case basis, we sometimes take on special projects for individuals or small organizations in great need. Welcome to our special project page.
Aws and his father, David, in the Christian section of Erbil, Iraq.
Meet young Aws
Aws (pronounced A-wis) is a six-year Christian living in Erbil, Iraq. As the oldest of four children, when Aws was born his mother and father thanked God for their new baby boy. Within days of his birth, however, Aws’ mother knew something was not right with her new son. “He did respond to me as a baby should,” his mother told us. “I was so frightened, I prayed that his mind worked right (that is, that Aws was not mentally handicapped).” Tests revealed that Aws was very intelligent, but his hearing had not developed. He had been from birth, completely deaf. The only thing that can restore Aws’ hearing is a cochlear implant. Unfortunately for Aws, the procedure in war-ravaged Iraq is extremely expensive.
What is a Cochlear Implant and how will it help Aws?
A cochlear implant is very different from a hearing aid. Hearing aids amplify sounds so they may be detected by damaged ears. Since Aws’ inner ear did develop properly, he needs something that will bypass damaged portions of his ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve – A cochlear implant. Aws will hear when signals generated by the implant are sent by way of the auditory nerve to the brain, which recognizes the signals as sound. Hearing through a cochlear implant is different from normal hearing and takes time to learn. As a six-year-old, Aws can still learn how to hear with a cochlear implant, but time is running short. The longer it takes for Aws to get an implant, the hard it will be for his brain to relearn how to hear.
How you can help Aws?
Pledge your secure donation HERE
Thrive is proud to partner with Help to Heal to raise $18,000.00 USD for Aws. Click on this link to make a secure, tax-deductible donation to Help to Heal and to help for Aws.
We work with local doctors and clinics in Iraq
We are partnering with help to Heal, an experienced and trusted that has worked in the USA and Iraq. When we reach our goal of $18,000.00 USD, Help to Heal will send the needed funds to Dr. Srood Maqdasy, the physician who will arrange for Aws cochlear implant and care.
We will keep you updated about Aws progress
Through the entire process, from his surgery to his relearning how to hear, we will keep you updated on Aws’ progress.
Aws needs your help!
Thrive is able to help those in need because you work with us. We need to raise $18,000.00 USD for Aws. Your secure, tax-deductible donation will make that possible. Click on the “Help Aws” button to make a donation now.
Get Aws updates!
Enter your email below and we will send you updates about Aws, his implant surgery, and how is doing with his new cochlear implant!