Meet Jehad & Jana

Jehad and Jana were diagnosed with PKU about a week after birth, for which there is no cure. They get the nutrients they need from protein by drinking phenyl-free milk and other such custom foods. In March of 2017, the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank said that it could not afford to continue sending in phenyl-free foods. At that time, Jana was four months old, a time when she completely relied on the custom milk. Without access, her health deteriorated as she rapidly lost weight and suffered skin abrasions. 

After a number of failed attempts, Jana finally received a permit to travel to Jerusalem, where she received care at al-Makassed Palestinian Hospital. Since then, Jana gradually regained her health. She traveled to al-Makassed Hospital another three times until she made a full recovery, but the milk was still not available in Gaza. “Each can of milk costs $78 and we need at least two cans a week for both children,” said Sanabel. Their father’s salary cannot cover the price of even half the needed amount every month, assuming the milk is even available. But with access to phenyl-free milk supplements, Jehad and Jana now have access to the critical nutritional support they need to grow up healthy and strong.