On Tuesday, May 6, Hannan and her mother arrived at the University of Michigan Trauma Burn Center, where Hannan is being treated by U-M burn care specialists. This page will provide a glimpse into Hannan's life as she is treated for her injuries at Trauma Burn. Be sure to check this page often for updates!

Hannan stands withU-M occupational therapist Terry Conlin (left) and TBC nurse educator Pamela Pucci, RN, BSN (right). Both Terry and Pam played important roles in Hannan's recovery at U-M.

A Fond Farewell: On Sunday, Nov. 9, Hannan and her mother, Yusra, returned home to Iraq. After nearly six months in the United States receiving care at U-M Trauma Burn Center, Hannan was in good condition and very excited to return home to her friends and family in Baghdad.

Hannan was initially injured when explosions near her home caused a lantern to fall off a shelf and ignite her clothing in late April. With nearly 20 percent of her body burned and insufficient medical care available in Iraq, Hannan came to the U-M Trauma Burn

Center thanks to the efforts of Good Samaritan James Thornberry and Congressman Mike Rogers. At Trauma Burn, Hannan was treated by a team of burn care specialists who successfully helped reduce her scarring and physical pain as the result of her burn injuries.

Hannan required reconstructive surgery to prevent loss of her left hand and to regain function. Her poor nutritional status prior to arrival resulted in an approximate 50 pound weight loss. Many of the burns had developed scars and reconstructive management along with extensive physical and occupational therapy was required.

As Hannan grows into adulthood and her scars mature she will need further reconstructive surgery and may return to U-M. Until then, she will be under the care of Iraqi physicians, who will care for her injuries in consultation with U-M physicians.

Hannan had many positive experiences during her recovery. She attended Kids' Burn Camp, went on many outings including baseball games and shopping trips, and returned home with generous contributions from caring individuals around the world.

Hannan also hopes to someday return to the U.S. to pursue a college career in business.

We will miss you, Hannan!

Hannan, second from left, Hannan sharing stories and laughs with the girls from her cabin.

Aug. 27, 2003: This month, Hannan Shihab was one of 20 pediatric burn-injured patients who had the unique opportunity to attend Burn Camp at Camp Manitou-Lin in Middleville, Mich.

In addition to participating in usual camp activities – swimming, horseback riding, hiking, canoeing, and crafts — the camp provides the children with the opportunity to gain social confidence and the ability to cope with life after being burned.

Hannan receiving Occupational Therapy from camp counselor Terry Conlin, O.T. from the Trauma Burn Center

The Burn Camp counselors are comprised of U-M nurses, occupational and physical therapists, Michigan Firefighters, and social workers who have extensive expertise in treating and caring for pediatric burn patients.

It also allows interaction with caregivers outside of the medical atmosphere.

Children from three other Michigan regional burn centers also attended Burn Camp. This provides a larger community and the opportunity to make new friends throughout the state.

There is no charge to any camper for participation in this program. Every child treated at the U-M Trauma Burn Center is offered the opportunity to attend Burn Camp, which is made possible through generous donations from organizations, corporations, and individuals.

July 21, 2003: This week in People magazine, more than 3.7 million readers will learn more about the tremendous efforts to bring Iraq patient Hannan Shihab to the U-M Trauma Burn Center for treatment of her burns from the people who made her trip possible: Paul Taheri, M.D., MBA, chief of U-M's Trauma Burn Critical Care division, Good Samaritan Jim Thornberry, and Congressman Mike Rogers. In addition, Hannan and her mother, Yusra, share their personal account of the days following Hannan's injury, the long-awaited trip to the United States, and Hannan's care at U-M. Both patient and mother also express their gratitude to those who made the trip and Hannan's continued recovery possible. The story is in the July 28 issue of People, which is on news stands this week.

Hannan and Jason Richardson

July 7, 2003: After reading the story about Hannan in this weekend's Detroit Free Press, and learning of her love for basketball, Michigan native Jason Richardson of the Golden State Warriors, and formly of the Michigan State Spartans, called U-M Trauma Burn to ask if he could meet Hannan.

And only a few hours later, Jason and Hannan were sitting face-to-face in a lobby in Med Inn, U-M's hotel for patients were Hannan and her mother, Yusra, have been staying to allow Hannan to continue her therapy at U-M.

For nearly one hour, Jason, Hannan and Yusra, with the help of UMHS Interpreter Linda Steinke, talked about Hannan's life in Iraq, playing basketball, going to college and even made plans to play a one-on-one basketball game, which Hannan hoped Jason would let her win. Hannan was also very excited to learn that Jason was the NBA two-time slam dunk champion, and hoped that he might show her a few of his basketball moves.

Jason, along with his cousin, brought Hannan an autographed basketball and photo. Hannan also received an autographed pair of Jason's size 16 Reebok basketball shoes, which Hannan enjoyed putting on and walking around in even though they were a few sizes too big.

Thanks for your visit, Jason Richardson!

July 5, 2003: This weekend, Hannan's incredible story continued to evolve in the media as her recovery made the front page of the combined Detroit News and Detroit Free Press issue. Now an outpatient at U-M, Hannan and her mother, thankful for the treatment they have received since their arrival in the U.S. in May, shared Hannan's often painful recovery, her progress with the occupational therapy she is now receiving at U-M, and the future of her care. (Read the story online)

June 3, 2003: Hannan continues to do well at the U-M Trauma Burn Center. She has been discharged from unit and is currently being treated as an outpatient. Another surgery is possible, but will not be decided for a few weeks. She is up and about, and in very good spirits.

From left: UMHS interpreter Linda Steinke, mom Yusra Hilal, Hannan Shibab, Congressman Mike Rogers, Dr. Paul Taheri, and Dr. Lazar Greenfield

May 12, 2003: Hannan's first weekend in the United States was marked by a very special visit from the United States Congressman who played a big role in making her trip to the U-M Trauma Burn possible.

Congressman Mike Rogers visited Hannan on Saturday, May 10, along with Lazar Greenfield, M.D., interim executive vice president for Medical Affairs at the U-M Health System. The group, which included Dr. Paul Taheri and UMHS Interpreter Linda Steinke, spent time talking with Hannan and her mother during their visit on Saturday.

And, after hearing about Hannan's interest in surfing the web, the Dearborn Firefighters Burn Drive donated a lap top computer to Hannan for her to use while she undergoes treatment at U-M.

In addition, Hannan and her mother, Yusra Hilal, received Dearborn Fire apparel from the group (pictured left).

Hannan clicks through Madonna's web site at the Trauma Burn Center on Tuesday. The 15-year-old is a big fan of the pop singer.

May 8, 2003: Following surgery on May 7 to clean her wounds, Hannan is resting and beginning her first day of physical therapy to increase her mobility.

On the day she arrived (May 6), Hannan spent time in the Trauma Burn unit playing on the Internet, listening to Madonna, her favorite music artist, and talking with the nurses on the unit.

Hannan and her mother, who speak very little English, are being accompanied by an Arabic interpreter from UMHS Interpreter Services.

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