Hope for Aram

Final Update from the Ground

In the middle of the night on August 4th, our Advocacy fellow Shadi Khalloul woke up to his 11-year-old son violently seizing. The family rushed from their home in Northern Israel to the hospital in Haifa, where they received devastating news no parent should hear. Aram was diagnosed with Stage IV Glioblastoma Multiformae, an aggressive and lethal brain cancer with a grim prognosis. Aram had a year or two to live, the doctors said.

Shadi and the Khalloul family have been central to the Philos life and mission for years. Shadi has spearheaded the revival of Syriac Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke while on earth, and fostered a renaissance of Aramean national identity. His advocacy project, Galilee 2030, has made huge strides toward equality and self-determination for the Aramean people in their historic village of Baram.

When we heard the news, the Philos family was quick to respond. With the Hope for Aram campaign, we aimed to raise $40,000 to cover the costs of Aram’s treatments. From Galilee to D.C, from Toronto to Sweden, our community banded together to exceed our ambitious goals and embody the spirit of friendship behind our name. 216 donors from all over the world raised $43,686 to help Aram in his recovery.

Despite the odds, Aram’s cancer has stopped growing and he is on the road to recovery. Over the next 6 months, doctors will continue to monitor Aram’s cancer and assist him as he slowly resumes school and other activities. Please continue to stand with us as we pray for his total recovery. For more information or to offer encouragement, email Shadi Khalloul (Shadi@phiosproject.org)

Aram's Story

In recent months, we received devastating news from a dear friend, our advocacy fellow, Shadi Khalloul. On August 4th, in the middle of the night, Aram, Shadi’s oldest son, seized violently. His double-decker bed shook as he convulsed, waking Aram’s younger bother underneath. The Khalloul family rushed from their home in the Galilee to the nearest hospital in Jish. After a week of anguish and nervous anticipation, Shadi and his wife received the news no parent should have to endure. Aram was diagnosed with stage IV Glioblastoma Multiforma, an aggressively growing brain cancer with an often grim prognosis: 1-2 years with intensive intervention.

The road ahead is daunting and uncertain. Given Aram’s age and the belligerence of his cancer, there is no way to know for sure what treatments will be effective. Only a few things are certain: The Khallouls are facing grueling months at incredible expense.

As the Philos family, we are banding together in prayer and support for the Khalloul family and working to raise $40,000 for Aram’s medical expenses. Over the past 5 years, we have been blessed by Shadi’s friendship, and today, in his moment of grief we want to bless him with ours.