CONCORD TOWNSHIP, Ohio — A young woman who was brought to the United States for medical treatment after nearly dying in war-torn Iraq as a child is sharing her story and returned to the first school she attended in Northeast Ohio for her book signing.
In 2003, 19-month-old Teeba Furat Marlowe was living with her family in Diyala Province, a rural area in the eastern part of Iraq, when the taxi she and her family were in struck an improvised explosive device hidden on the road. The roadside bomb engulfed the vehicle in flames.
Teeba’s brother died in the explosion. She survived, but the fire severely burned her face, hands and head. Doctor’s told her father it was best if she died, but he was determined to get her story out to the public.
A Mentor woman saw Teeba's photo in The Plain Dealer and knew she had to help. Barbara Marlowe brought then 4-year-old Teeba to Northeast Ohio and got her treatment at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital.
Teeba wrote about her journey and the sacrifices her loved ones' made for her in her book “A Brave Face.”
“It’s more of a story about a mother’s love for her child, both shown through my mom back home and my mom here in America,” Teeba said. “Both have turned their lives upside down and been so selfless over the years.”
Teeba held the signing at The Goddard School of Concord Township Tuesday evening.
Now that Teeba has finished her book and is a published author, the successful young woman’s next goal is to open a free clinic in the Middle East to help other children in need.
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