TSC News TV host Fred Richani interviews Dr. Layal Issa MD about her fantastic work with nonprofit organization Karma-Lebanon, which helps children suffering from cancer, thalassemia, and chronic illnesses, especially in these trying times of war. Donate today to support their cause!

Donate to Karma: https://karma-leb.org/?product=donate-to-karma-lebanon

Note: This interview was filmed prior to the recent attacks on Lebanon.

Follow Karma Lebanon online:
https://www.instagram.com/karma.lb/
https://www.facebook.com/karmaleb

About Karma Lebanon: It all started in 2012, with Myriam, a two-year-old Lebanese girl suffering from leukemia and who needed a bone marrow transplant. The family did not have health insurance to cover the cost. A group of relatives and friends decided to do the most they could to save Myriam. They established Acute Support for Childhood and Adolescents in Lebanon (ASCAL), a registered, small German organization, and began mobilizing for funds to help children and adolescents in Lebanon suffering from severe diseases. Thanks to the hard work and constant efforts, the money needed for Myriam’s treatment was raised. Early 2013, Myriam received her bone marrow transplant, and today she is a healthy girl.

In 2014, ASCAL’s team of volunteers in Lebanon felt a rising need for greater support for children in need. Therefore, in 2015, Karma was born: A Lebanese association working in close cooperation with ASCAL and with similar objectives.

Despite the efforts of the public health services in Lebanon, a part of residents in Lebanon are left without coverage. The situation is further worsened in the sector of secondary and tertiary health care that is usually costly and involves long-term treatments.

In the absence of proper medical coverage and social services, hope comes from solidarity and care, fueled by effective, relentless work. In collaboration with a network of NGOs and foundations, Karma strives to ensure financial and psychosocial support to accompany diseased patients in dignity towards recovery.

Karma Lebanon Interview Time Stamps:
00:00 Introducing Dr. Layal Issa of Karma Lebanon charity
00:39 Dr. Layal Issa on Karma Lebanon fundraising campaigns
02:21 Dr. Layal Issa on joining Karma Lebanon, Mariam Younes
03:26 Karma-Lebanon origin story with Mariam Younes
04:24 Dr. Issa explains Thalassemia, treating Lebanese children
07:42 Dr. Issa on challenges Karma-Lebanon faces
10:14 Resources needed to help Lebanese children
12:17 Most prevalent chronic illnesses among Lebanese children
13:26 Why you should donate, volunteer to Karma-Lebanon