VOL. 16 ISSUE IV
METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY MAY 2019 $
www.chaldeannews.com
A GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH
INSIDE LAWMAKERS STAND WITH IRAQI NATIONALS EXPANDING CCF LEGAL HELP MISSION TRIP TO IRAQ
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WALLED LAKE SCHOOLS BOND FACT SHEET •
•
$316 million dollar Walled Lake Consolidated School District Bond election on May 7 o Renovate Walled Lake Western High School. o Rebuild Dublin Elementary. o Construct an Early Childhood Center. o Upgrade the infrastructure, building systems, and technology at all 19 Walled Lake Schools and District buildings. o Attend to much needed building renovations including roofs, windows, boilers, parking lots, paving and more at all 19 Walled Lake Schools and District buildings. o Improve safety. o Purchase buses. How can this be a tax decrease? o Four of the five current bonds will soon be paid off and the Walled Lake Schools debt will be reduced by 50% and payments by 73%. o Previous bonds, that were initially going to be paid off in 30 years, are being paid off much sooner. o Walled Lake School’s community is stable and growing, thus has increased in taxable value. o Residents are currently paying 4.53 mills. On a house valued at approximately $200,000 with a taxable value of $100,000; that is $453 per year. o With this proposal, residents will pay 4.13 mills. On a house valued at approximately $200,000 with a taxable value of $100,000; that is $413 per year.
For more information: www.wlcsd.org/2019bond Questions: 2019BondInfo@wlcsd.org
Election Day: Tuesday, May 7 Paid for by the Citizens’ Committee for Walled Lake Schools
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MAY 2019
MAY 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 3
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CONTENTS THE CHALDEAN NEWS
MAY 2019
VOLUME 16 ISSUE IV
features 32 MEMBERS OF CONGRESS SHOW UP IN SUPPORT OF IRAQI NATIONALS
20
BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
With a renewed threat of deportation, lawmakers stand with the community
on the cover
18 WHAT TO EAT WITH IBD BY PAMELA HADDAD, RD, MS
19 HEART FAILURE
33 A PEEK INTO THE CAPITOL BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
34 IRAQI NATIONALS GAIN TEMPORARY RELIEF FROM DETENTION, DEPORTATION BY PAUL NATINSKY
BY MONA DENHA
20 GETTING TO KNOW DIABETES MELLITUS
35 AREA ATTORNEYS EXPAND CCF LEGAL HELP BY PAUL NATINSKY
BY MADA JAMIL, MD, MPH
21 MANAGING HYPERTENSION BY NADA HANA BACHURI, MD
22 PHYSICAL FUN FOR FAMILIES
departments 6
FROM THE EDITOR
BY VANESSA DENHA GARMO
BY VANESSA DENHA GARMO
Municipalities, counties offer a variety of outdoor activities
In good health 8
BY ADHIB MIRI, PHD
24 FACING ADDICTION
From Al-Qosh to Qaraqoosh
BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
26 HEALING FOR THE WALKING WOUNDED BY VANESSA DENHA GARMO
A retreat for post-abortive women and families at Our Lady of the Fields Camp and Retreat Center
28 PRIMARY CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY
BY RANNA ABRO
Mission trip to Iraq 10
NOTEWORTHY
12
CHAI TIME
14
ECRC CORNER
15
OBITUARIES
36
SPORTS BY STEVE STEIN
Volleyball start shuffling off to Buffalo
BY M. LAPHAM
CCF helping refugees navigate the U.S. health care system and connect with doctors
30 TAKING CARE OF PATIENTS
GUEST COLUMNS
37
CHALDEAN ON THE STREET BY HALIM SHEENA
Spring favorites
BY MONIQUE MANSOUR
Dr. William Kesto on Orthopedic innovations and Chaldean heritage
MAY 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 5
from the EDITOR
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Vanessa Denha Garmo MANAGING EDITORS
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MAY 2019
In good health
T
he old adage is once name it – I let it go. one mouth for a reason. Use your you turn 40, everyI have realized many ears more. thing goes downimportant things in my 5. Forgive your enemies. Jesus hill, health wise. I thought years. None of us live long tells us to do so. However, this is that was something “old enough to learn everyanother tough one for me, probably people” used to say unthing we need to know so more so than surrendering. I have til I hit 40. I can tell you we must learn from others. made it a habit of mine to offer the I don’t have the energy I have sought the knowlEucharist during mass to whomevI used to or the strength. edge of others. I want to er has hurt me or hurt someone I VANESSA The extra pounds I carry, share with you a few tips know. I pray for them during mass. no doubt, weigh me down. DENHA-GARMO that have helped improve It was something my father always Yes, I have a mirror and EDITOR IN CHIEF my emotional health. This encouraged me to do as a young CO-PUBLISHER a scale, thank you very is what I know. child but never understood the immuch. I don’t need others 1. First and foremost … portance of it until I got older. to point out the obvious. However, Trust in God. Surrendering has al6. If you want joy, you have to my aging has played a factor in my ways been a tough one for me but seek it first. Joy is truly found in overall health. has proven to be the best thing I Christ. If you want to be a joyful This issue is our health guide. can do. Hanging in my kitchen missionary as we are called to do, We are covering health issues that near my table is a picture of the Dithen read scripture. Start with the have had the greatest effect on vine Mercy with the saying “Jesus, Gospels. This is something my SpirChaldeans. We bring you guest colI trust in You!” I look at the every itual Advisor suggested I do. I have umns from various health profesday and read the line as a reminder learned to speak like a Christian besionals. of who really is in control. cause I read the teachings of Christ. I realized over the years the importance of staying active. Last year, my husband purchased bikes for all three of us. We also got a Don’t go out of your way to defend or prove dog for various reasons includyourself to anyone. If someone doesn’t want ing with the intention of walking more. I love to research different to believe you when you speak truth, let events hosted around town that we can participate in. This month I it go. They will eventually see or hear the share with you places to walk and ride your bikes. There is so much truth. It’s inevitable. more. You can do your own simple searches and find fun activities for the entire family. We also share our ECRC corner that focuses on faith and our spiri2. The Truth always comes out 7. Discern more. Find out what tual health – our relationship with – eventually. Don’t go out of your God has called you to do in this Christ. Thanks to Karam Bahnam, way to defend or prove yourself to life. Christians are blessed with Patrice Abona and Jeff Kassab who anyone. If someone doesn’t want to Charisms upon Baptism. Find out rotate in writing these monthly believe you when you speak truth, what yours are and use them to columns. let it go. They will eventually see bring others to Christ and fulfill As my body has declined over or hear the truth. It’s inevitable. your purpose in life. the years, my spiritual health and 3. Speak truth always and if you Our bodies are temples. Our emotional health have improved don’t know the truth, say nothing. minds are powerful. Our souls need tremendously. For that, I am grateIt is easy to engage in gossip. We all saving. We share this issue with ful. I am in such a better place than do it. Don’t engage in a conversayou – all in Good Health! I was years ago. If only I knew then tion just to be part of it. In fact, what I know now. Boy, would I sometimes you have to walk away. care much less what other people 4. Speak less and listen more. I thought and said about me. love to talk. I communicate for a Today, I can honestly say, I don’t living both in print and in broadAlaha Imid Koullen care unless there has been a misuncast. I speak publicly about public (God Be With Us All) derstanding or if I inadvertently relations, crisis communications Vanessa Denha-Garmo offended anyone. I would want to and communicating as a Chrisvanessa@denhamedia.com correct that immediately. But, if tian. In recent months, I have been Follow her on Twitter @ I am being judged for my weight, training to be a coach and that revanessadenha my gender, by beliefs, my bank acquires listening intently. When you Follow Chaldean News on count, my car, house, family, for the listen, you learn and are more helpTwitter @chaldeannews mistake’s others have made– you ful to others. You have two ears and
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CHALDEAN 4/18/19NEWS 4:39 PM7
GUEST columns
From Al-Qosh to Qaraqoosh My two weeks in Iraq BY ADHID MIRI, PHD
T
his is a trip unlike any I have previously experienced, and a sad summary of my two weeks in Northern Iraq. It is the story of a catastrophe that has fractured the Christian community and their ancestral land since the invasion of Iraq 16 years ago. This led to the rise of ISIS, devastation and the global refugee crisis. My trip to Erbil / Nineveh Plains gave me a firsthand experience to the challenges and choices in the region and for Christianity. I was expecting a stunning story and ended up witnessing a reality that was much more dramatic and saddening. During my stay in Ankawa/Erbil, I had the opportunity to meet five bishops, visited all Christian villages, met with KRG-Kurdistan Parliament President, MPs, the mayors of Alqosh, Hamdania, and the USAID point man in Iraq Max Primorac. I traveled to the South of Nineveh Plains area that includes Baghdaida, Karemlesh and Bartylla. The so-called international road was in terrible condition, full of pot holes, dangerous to drive on, packed with heavy trucks, and oil tankers. The road side was dotted with make shift tent/caravan camps full of displaced Yazidi and Mosul families. There are rapid demographic and geographic changes in the area. Confiscation of land, intimidations and harassments by the Shabaks and Hashed Al-Shaabi. The town of Bartylla 100 percent Christians before 2014 is 60 percent Muslims and Shabak today. Hamdania is 10 percent Shabak, and Karemlesh is 25 percent destroyed with inferior public services, and burned homes all around the neighborhoods. The church was restored; the damaged church bell tower was left in its form as a witness and reminder of a 21st century genocide. Obviously, the security situation is very fragile. The clock is ticking on the fate of the Christian and Yazidi communities. There are a host of questions and urgency for taking immediate actions. Security, and 8
CHALDEAN NEWS
MAY 2019
who should control security are top concerns for everyone; Legal protection, constitutional rights and property rights are others. The fate of the Christian Syriac Churches? Church properties, properties of the citizens in Mosul? The fate of the region with Iran everywhere is a dilemma. Who is ultimately going to administer the region? The Iraqi government? The KRG? What is the U.S. plan, is a greater mystery! Hamdania, for years was the bread basket and major supplier in the Nineveh plains today is dotted today with burned and abandoned homes, 2,600 homes burned or looted and 110 homes destroyed by bombing. Bishop Mar Youhanna Putrus Moshe, Bishop of Mosul and Kurdistan Catholic Syriacs is afraid of the death of Christianity in his town and wants his people to stay; however, that is an unsurmountable task, and the hour is ticking fast with fear of continuous immigration of families to Australia Telesqif and Alqosh are the few Christian towns that are still alive, and untouched. They both lack basic reliable services. Electricity, water, gasoil, health services, hospitals, clinics, medicine, ambulances, urgent care units and pharmacies are badly needed. The closest hospitals are are two hours away in Erbil or Duhok! Alqosh is 100 percent Christians
with a strong Christian identity. Bishop Michael Al- Maqdisi, does not have much confidence in the U.S. policies or or revitalization efforts. In his mind all must be focused on security, rule of law, property rights, minority rights and UNITY. The Assyrian and Chaldean churches are still divided despite Cardinal Sako’s efforts. He wants Alqosh to stay as a beacon of Christianity, especially after the horrible demographic changes in Telkaif (90 percent Muslims). Blue eyed Batnaya, once ISIS headquarters, is the most damaged town. It is totally erased from history and civilization. Imagine Berlin in 1945. It should be fenced and kept as a historic symbol of a Chaldean Auschwitz. Little Baqoofa is semi abandoned, I saw one nun, one parked car and only one individual at 3 in the afternoon. Telkaif today is a Christian town of the past. I visited its church and marketplace. The old side church was burned and desecrated. All you see is black char smoked walls, broken pews and iconic artifacts on its floors. It should be preserved in its devastated status, and converted to a memorial museum. The new church was restored, and looked good; however, a handful of parishioners were in view. I visited the old market, and walked around few abandoned homes, I was asked
to leave immediately by my security. Daesh elements took over the city and they are still imbedded within the population; the town walls are full of intimidating graffiti signs, and symbols. This once 100 percent Christian town is lost in time. Hope is almost lost for Christianity here. Bishop (Nicodemus), the Bishop of Mosul Orthodox Syriacs, is very skeptical about the American policies, and equally pessimistic about the Iraqi central government intentions or the Hashed Al-Shaabi. The bishop trusts the Kurds, and believes that the Christians should work closely with the KRG. According to him, “Mosul is finished.” Daesh is imbedded in the local thinking, political processes, and policies. When 60 Christian families reluctantly returned to Mosul, their neighbors asked sarcastically “why did you come back?” The Bishop fears the continuous immigration of families. “We have a very short window for survival”. Nicodemus wants his people to stay in or near Erbil for now, staying close to Mosul, he hopes they will gradually return. The U.S., the White House, and Vice President Pence have demonstrated commitment to the cause of religious liberty and instated USAID Special Representative for Minority Assistance in Iraq. The USAID programs are focused on the revitalization of the Yazidi and Christian Villages in the Nineveh Plains, investment partnership with local people, and seeks the participation of the Iraqi Americans in the U.S. The Christians of Iraq – represented by both lay and religious leaders – look forward to the support of the Christians in the U.S., particularly those who offer realistic solutions, and are in possession of significant economic, and political influence. They hope for a greater role and support from this administration. Washington must be engaged to facilitate both security and economic aid. The U.S. cannot be seen as having evaded its responsibilities – both moral and political – and must remain engaged. We are witnesses to a historic tragedy that is still unfolding. This is a tragedy beyond logical explanations of what has gone wrong in a region that once was the cradle of civilization.
Mission trip to Iraq BY RANNA ABRO
W
henever you see Iraq online or on TV, you are shown image after image of war and destruction. That is not what I saw when I was there on a two-week mission trip with The Shlama Foundation. I saw everlasting lush green fields, towering mountains that supplied fresh spring water and herds of woolly sheep grazing along the roadsides. I saw a great emphasis on higher education, and I saw that religious freedom exists. I felt the roots of my heritage, and I experienced unmatched hospitality, more than anywhere I’ve ever traveled. I also experienced what life is like with a poor economy, limited heat and electricity, fewer food options and a male-dominated culture. The fragments of war and discrimination were everywhere, and there were more political issues than I could count. This trip improved my perspective more than I ever anticipated. I went with 12 other volunteers, and we arrived prepared to work hard and learn as much as we could about the current situation. The Shlama volunteers were: Aessin Shikwana, Evette Kassab, James Zair, Faiz Yono, Candice Yono, Simon Matty, Ayoub Matty, Rawnek Marroki, Aida Monteith, Christopher Salem, Nasreen Abro, Peter Barno and myself. Everyone we met in Iraq went out of their way to welcome us, educate us and help us explore the region. My favorite and most memorable meals were all the delicious homemade meals that were graciously prepared for us. People were happy to invite us into their lives, including the homeland Shlama volunteers, many incredible priests, youth organization leaders, Nineveh Plains Protection Unit (NPU) soldiers, relatives of our volunteers and complete strangers. We visited 19 places, worked on eight volunteer projects, three research projects and had more than 12 meetings, all in two weeks. “Sourath” (modern Aramaic) was the most useful language in most of the places we went, even in the far north, where it was more challenging to understand as the dialectical differences increased. In the village of Tesqopa, we
helped rebuild a 1,500-yearold church with our own hands. Watching the stone bricks stacked and cemented down was a momentous feeling. The priest, Father Salar, said they hope they can complete the church reconstruction to celebrate Christmas mass there this year. Everywhere we went, we were served tea. One day, we visited a village called Dehe, and the family that greeted us insisted that we stay a while. We really couldn’t. So, they brought a tray of tea, “kuleche” (date & walnut cookies) and “tekhratha” (savory hand pies) from their kitchen to our bus door. We got out of the bus and enjoyed the treats on the mountainside with the nice family. In Ankawa, we met with the Chaldean Catholic Church Patriarch Cardinal Louis I Sako and the Assyrian Church of the East Patriarch, Mar Gewargis III. We also spent time with the Syriac Orthodox and Syriac Catholic communities in
Iraq. The faith leaders shared optimistic messages about rebuilding our homeland, creating a positive future and encouraging many visitors. In Bakhdeda and Alqosh, we met with the NPU soldiers. The NPU soldiers guard our villages where they have jurisdiction. We have 500 government-paid soldiers in the Nineveh Plains, 100 unpaid trainees and 1,300 people on a waiting list prepared to serve, but there is not a salary available for all of them. In Dohuk, we celebrated Akitu, the Assyrian Babylonian New Year. Many people were either dressed in military clothing or traditional clothing from their villages. There were so many people there from Iraq and other parts of the world. The marching, music and dancing were empowering, to say the least. When we visited Tel Keppe, there was a shift in mood. This was a personal moment for me, since it is my family’s town, and it is largely aban-
doned by Christians today. Some of the volunteers began to express hopelessness after being there. I realized that if we visited Southern Nineveh a couple years ago, when it was mostly abandoned, we would have had a totally different experience on this trip. We asked the solider with us what we should tell the people from Tel Keppe. He said, “Tell them Tel Keppe cries for you.” Father Shaher in Tel Keppe and the church volunteers determinedly showed us all the repairs they had made so far; gave us specific projects they’re working on and explained their plans to continue rebuilding. The knowledge we gained on this trip will be applied to the work we continue to do through The Shlama Foundation, and we hope that it will support other individuals and organizations as well. Opinions vary as to whether or not religious freedom in Iraq exists. MAY 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 9
noteworthy
A Message from the Bishop’s Office
Diaconate Ordination The Diaconate Ordination of Kevin Yono and Marcus Shammami was hosted at St. Thomas on Sunday, April 7.
Blessings of Liberty “At the height of American political polarization, hundreds of Iraqi Christians living in Detroit face deportation from the president they helped elect.” Directed by Michigan native Emily Thomas, Blessings of Liberty follows two Assyrian/Chaldean-American families as they fight to save members of their family from being deported. Filmed at the height of the deportation crisis that continues to plague the Chaldean community, Blessings of Liberty is a documentary that offers a small glimpse into the fight to save lives. The short film premiered at the Detroit Free Press Film Festival on Saturday, April 13 at the Detroit Institute of Arts as a part of the Mixtape America Vol. 1: Shorts Program 4. Also featured in the documentary were prominent community leaders, activists, and attorneys who have taken on clients facing deportation.
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MAY 2019
During a routine financial audit of St. George Church, financial irregularities were identified and, subsequently, investigated more thoroughly. In keeping with protocol for such matters, based on guidance from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, we notified law enforcement officials who have initiated an investigation. In addition, consistent with recommended best practices, Fr. Wisam Matti and Fr. Anthony Kathawa will be temporarily detached from their current assignment until the investigation is completed. Both priests are still active in our diocese. Please know that I and church leadership take this matter of stewardship very seriously and are serious about management of people’s funds. We are doing all we can to resolve this matter and are proceeding in a spirit of openness, transparency, and fairness to those involved. As more information becomes available, I will keep everyone informed. – Faithfully Yours in Christ, Bp. Francis Y. Kalabat St. Thomas the Apostle Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of the U.S.A.
MAY 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 11
CHAI time
CHALDEANS CONNECTING Wednesday, May 1 Connecting Cultures: An expansion of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce’s Connecting Cultures to Business program, the chamber will be hosting a half day workshop on Wednesday, May 1. Through the generous support of Masco Corp., and the expertise of the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, the first Western Wayne Diversity and Inclusion Experience will take place at the Schoolcraft College VisTaTech Center. This four-hour program begins at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast and networking, followed by comments from Keith Allman, CEO of Masco Corp, who will discuss why his company finds great value in diversity and inclusion initiatives. The implicit bias session will be followed by roundtable discussions and a brainstorm on how to implement inclusion strategies into in increasingly diverse workplace. Friday, May 3 Celebrity Chefs Dinner: Join Community Living Centers on May 3 at the Detroit Athletic Club for its milestone 42nd Annual Celebrity Chefs Dinner. Fifteen top chefs from metro Detroit will prepare and serve a five-course meal while guests and sponsors enjoy entertainment, a silent auction, and artwork inspired by our residents. CLC serves metro Detroit adults and children with developmental disabilities and their families with independent living support. CLC operates 11 group homes for adults and runs three independent programs, serving 105 individuals and providing safety, companionship, love, and support so they can thrive in their communities through employment, volunteering, social events, and more. Tickets are priced at $175; sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, call Connor Osborn at 248-478-0870. Saturday, May 4 Walk for Wishes: Help grant wishes that transform the lives of Michigan children by joining Make-A-Wish Michigan for their 21st Annual Walk for Wishes – Southeast Michigan starting 9:00 a.m. at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak. Walk for Wishes celebrates the more than 9,500 Michigan wishes that have already been granted because of supporters at events like Walk for Wishes. This family-friendly event is powered by wish families, volunteers, corporate partners, donors, and friends. Register for free today and join thousands of supporters who are walking to help make life-changing wishes come true for children in our community. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, to register, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit WalkForWishesMI.org or call 800-622-9474. 12
CHALDEAN NEWS
MAY 2019
COMMUNITY EVENTS IN AND AROUND METRO DETROIT MAY 2019
Friday, May 10 Cheers to Help: Join the Corktown Health Center from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Friday, May 10, as they celebrate their 10th annual “Cheers to HELP” spring fundraiser. Guests will enjoy a strolling wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, delicious dessert, live entertainment, and a silent auction. All proceeds will benefit programs and services at Health Emergency Lifeline Programs and Corktown Health Center. “Cheers to HELP” will take place at The Eastern in Detroit’s Eastern Market, located at 3434 Russell St., Ste. 501. Tickets can be purchased for $75 online at cheerstohelp2019.eventbrite.com or by calling 313- 832-3300 ext. 34. Friday, May 17 Gems of Detroit Fiesta: Help celebrate 11 years of Gems of Detroit with a Cinco de Mayo-inspired fiesta on Friday, May 17, at Eastern Market, Shed 3. The participating restaurants include Takoi, Grey Ghost, Marrow, Parc, Rattlesnake Club, Slow’s, Mexican Town Bakery, Marrow, Detroit Beer Company, Supino Pizzeria, Auntie Nee’s Salsa, Beyond Juice, Punchbowl Social, and more. New this year is the Guardians of the Cristo Rey Mission Pre-Party, held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and is reserved for VIP ticket holders. Guests will have the opportunity to support the continued mission of Detroit Cristo Rey High School through their first ever paddle raise. Tequila cocktails and Latin-inspired bites will be served. The main event will take place from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Enjoy food and drink from Detroit’s best restaurants, silent auction, raffles, and live musical entertainment from Miami Stars Band. Friday, May 31 Pala Gala: The Sheriff PAL (Police Athletic League) Program, founded by Oakland County Sheriff Michael J.
Bouchard is helping at-risk kids have fun, make new friends, learn new skills, stay healthy, stay focused, support one another, and become good citizens — all within a safe environment and a structure where law enforcement and community partners empower young people to reach their full potential through athletics, mentoring, and other enrichment programs. Please join us at the fourth annual Sheriff PALA Gala with Master of Ceremony Carolyn Clifford of Channel 7 on Friday, May 31 at The Treasury in Pontiac. The evening will include a cocktail reception, dinner and dancing, live entertainment with FiftyAmpFuse, a silent auction, raffle, and prizes. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit sheriffpalagala.com. Thursday, May 16 Haven Blossom Gala: Haven’s sixth annual Blossom Gala will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, at the Royal Oak Farmers Market. Join Haven as they celebrate survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault blossoming into their purpose. The Oakland County nonprofit will host its largest fundraiser to continue providing free comprehensive services to anyone impacted by these injustices. Event highlights for the Haven Blossom Gala will be an evening that will include a seated dinner, themed cocktail bars, delicious desserts, live music, a floral photo wall, silent and live auctions, a vacation raffle, and more. Additionally, attendees will be inspired by remarks and personal stories from a survivor. To learn more about the Blossom Gala or to purchase tickets, please contact Jasmine Valentine at 248-322-3705 or visit havenoakland.org/events/gala-event. Thursday, May 23 Barley, BBQ, and Beats: Join Hospice of Michigan from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, at Shed 3
of Detroit’s Historic Eastern Market for Barley, BBQ and Beats, a unique celebration showcasing barbecue from leading pit masters and restaurants, handcrafted whiskey cocktails from select Michigan distilleries, and live music from hometown favorites. The evening’s program will be emceed by WDIV/Local 4’s Evrod Cassimy. Admission includes your choice of three barbecue servings and three whiskey cocktail tastings. Additional tokens will be available for purchase. Guests can pay tribute to their loved one by sharing a photo or memory in a specially designated area. Proceeds will support Hospice of Michigan’s Open Access Fund, which provides end-oflife care to patients regardless of age, diagnosis, or ability to pay. Advance tickets are $40, or $45 at the door. For more information or to tickets, visit hom.org/BBB2019. Wednesday, May 29 Spotlight Event: Jewish Family Service is shining a light on mental health in the community at the agency’s Spotlight Event 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield. The evening will feature Liza Long, mental health advocate and author of The Price of Silence: A Mom’s Perspective on Mental Illness. After the Newtown school shooting in 2012, Long wondered if her son, who has bipolar disorder, was capable of committing a similar act in her blog post “I Am Adam Lanza’s Mother.” The post went viral, leading to her appearance on The Today Show, Good Morning America, and many other outlets. Her book looks at how we address mental illness, especially in children. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit jfsspotlightevent.org or call 248-592-2339. Thursday, June 6 Min Sharetha: Join the Right to Life of Michigan as they host their fifth annual Min Sharetha Benefit Dinner. Hosted at the Shenandoah Country Club of West Bloomfield, Min Sharetha is an event in support of the Right to Life of Michigan’s prolife outreach efforts within the Chaldean community. This year’s Master of Ceremonies will once again be Fr. Bryan Kassa. This year’s special guest speaker is Pam Tebow, a prolife and women’s ministry speaker and mother of Tim Tebow, quarterback for the Florida Gators. Pam will be sharing her own prolife testimony. Those who would like to attend must register online by Thursday, May 23. For more information, visit https:// www.rtl.org/events/minsharetha/
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CHALDEAN NEWS 13
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The Resurrection: Where do we go from here?
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MAY 2019
he Lord is risen! Change starts with the These words are the sacraments, and for me percentral belief of the sonally it all started with Catholic faith and without confession. I was consumed them there is no Christianwith mortal sin many years ity. It is because of the Resago and the two things that urrection that we can say we changed my life were conare Catholic. No other faith fession (2-3 times a week) claims that their founder and the Eucharist. The Eurose from the dead. In Acts charist is the beginning of 4:33 we read “with great all change. The Eucharist JEFF KASSAB power the apostles bore wit- SPECIAL TO THE is the Resurrected body of ness to the Resurrection of CHALDEAN NEWS Jesus Christ. It is the Body, the Lord Jesus, and great faBlood, Soul, and Divinvor was accorded them all.” ity of our Lord and it has power to Eleven of the 12 apostles were change us internally and externally. killed because they would not reSaint Paul tells us in his letter to the nounce the Resurrection. They lived Galatians, “it is no longer I that live in a time where you were persecuted but Christ who lives in me” (2:20). If for just being a Christian, it’s ironic Christ lives in me, there is no room that we are living in a time that we for mortal sin; if Christ lives in us, are being persecuted for being also there is only room for grace which Christian. We don’t just believe in He gives us as a gift to live a fulfilled the Resurrection because we have Christian life: “for sin will have no been told it is so; we believe in the dominion over you, since you are not Resurrection because the living under the law but under grace.” community witnessed it (Pope FranOnce the Resurrection changes cis). So, how can this saving event our lives it is our duties as Christians change our lives? to spread the good news of the gospel, The Resurrection of Jesus is pri(Matthew 28:18-20) And Jesus came marily a saving event. In this light and said to them, “All authority in Saint Paul teaches that Jesus was heaven and on earth has been given “delivered over to death for our sins to me. Go therefore and make disand was raised to life for our justificaciples of all nations, baptizing them tion” (Romans 4:25). Its victory over in the name of the Father and of the sin and death, sin has no more power Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching over us. It is through His risen life them to observe all that I have comthat we are brought into the “newmanded you; and behold, I am with ness of life” which constitutes the you always, to the close of the age.” fullness of our salvation (Romans “We should feel the joy of being 6:4). Christians,” said Pope Francis. “We The Resurrection offers us hope, believe in the Risen One who has “because it opens our lives and the conquered evil and death! We must life of the world to God’s eternal fuhave the courage to “go out” to bring ture, to complete happiness, to the this joy and this light to all the areas certainty that evil, sin, and death can of our lives. Christ’s Resurrection is be conquered” said Pope Francis. It our greatest certainty. It is our most also has power, the power to change precious treasure! How can we not our lives no matter where we are in share this treasure, this certainty, our faith. But this change that we are with others? It is not just for us; it is seeking requires something on our to be proclaimed, to be given to othpart; we must be willing to change; ers and to be shared with others. This we must be willing to allow God into is precisely our witness.” our lives to help us change and beMay the Risen Lord bring you joy come better sons and daughters of and peace in your lives and may you the most High. The amazing thing share that peace and joy with everyabout our faith and about our Lord one you encounter. Jesus Christ, is that we can come to Him any time in our lives and tell Jeff Kassab has a BA in Pastoral him “I want to change, please help Theology and is on the board of the me Lord.” Now the question is: how Eastern Catholic Re-evangelization do I begin to change? Center (ECRC).
obituaries
Mansour Toma Kinaia November 1, 1933 - April 4, 2019 God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be, So he put his arms around you and whispered “come live with me”. With tearful eyes, we watched you suffer and fading away, Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, your hard-working hands put to rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us that he only takes the best. God will love you and be with you, until we meet again someday. – Love, Your Wife Almas, kids Doraid and Rafed, and grandchildren + great grandchildren
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MAY 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 15
obituaries
RECENTLY DECEASED COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Salima Dinha Shounia January 07, 1926 April 22, 2019
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Nafie Abdulnour July 01, 1932 April 21, 2019
Suzan Shafou January 01, 1962 April 20, 2019
Nazhat Jamil July 01, 1938 April 20, 2019
Shamama Al Qass July 01, 1932 April 19, 2019
Hurmez Aoraha April 19, 2019
Sarmid Mary October 11, 1962 April 15, 2019
Huda Katoola March 28, 1968 April 15, 2019
Sara Yousif Astafin Kasha July 01, 1940 April 15, 2019
Waleed Hanna Hindo July 01, 1950 April 15, 2019
Hana Naimi Kassab November 16, 1945 - April 15, 2019
Suad Namo Betty July 01, 1943 April 15, 2019
Nancy (Nagham) Nissan December 28, 1984 - April 14, 2019
Aziz Yonani May 15, 1947 April 13, 2019
Mariam KasYouhannan February 09, 1941 April 13, 2019
Amer Eslewa Jarbo January 02, 1950 April 13, 2019
Joseph (Saleem) Mansour Mckay May 15, 1933 April 12, 2019
Samir S. Mekhaeil April 01, 1938 April 11, 2019
Nadira Kallabat July 01, 1940 April 09, 2019
Selma Asmar Dec. 25, 1954 April 08, 2019
Ammar Nawfal Matti June 12, 2002 April 08, 2019
Najah Daoud Yaldo Dec. 22, 1942 April 06, 2019
Victoria Lazar Garmo April 26, 1946 April 06, 2019
Alyas Dado July 01, 1925 April 05, 2019
Mansour Kinaia Nov. 01, 1933 April 04, 2019
Sabeeh Jabrael July 01, 1937 April 04, 2019
Naaema Garmo July 01, 1932 April 03, 2019
Hirmiz Arabo July 01, 1914 April 01, 2019
Kheloud Salmo July 22, 1959 March 31, 2019
Bahy Arabo July 01, 1930 March 31, 2019
loza Gappi July 01, 1922 March 31, 2019
Magy Jabiro Mansour Sept. 25, 1929 March 30, 2019
Samer Kashat Dec. 11, 1947 March 28, 2019
Johnny Khawaja April 18, 1991 March 27, 2019
Yousif Sawa July 01, 1926 March 25, 2019
Ronald Hermiz February 13, 1981 March 24, 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS
MAY 2019
CHALDEAN COMMUNITY
FOUNDATION
Help Wanted! Please consider hiring one of our many new Americans. More than 30,000 Chaldean refugees have migrated to Michigan since 2007. Many possess the skills and determination to work hard for you and your organization. The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) has a bank of resumes of candidates qualified to do a variety of jobs. To inquire about hiring a New American, call or email Elias at 586-722-7253 or elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org.
Chaldean Community Foundation Sterling Heights Office 3601 15 Mile Road Sterling Heights, MI 48310 586-722-7253 www.chaldeanfoundation.org
MAY 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 17
A GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH
What to eat with IBD
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hether you are the severity of some of the newly diagnosed symptoms of IBD: or a long time • Eat small frequent patient with Inflammatory meals (large meals cause Bowel Disease (Crohn’s disbloating) ease or Ulcerative Colitis), • Avoid processed you most likely have or will sugar and processed foods have questions about your as much as possible diet. Many of my clients that • Choose foods with I have worked with over the as few ingredients as posPAMELA years have told me that they HADDAD, RD,MS sible have heard that they should SPECIAL TO THE • Chew food comeat whatever they like and CHALDEAN NEWS pletely for better digestion to not restrict any specific • Avoid artificial foods, because diet has no effect on sweeteners, sugar free mints, gum the disease. • Avoid using a straw (can cause I want to tell you that this not bloating) necessarily true. We have learned • Avoid or limit carbonated bevmuch about the role of and the imerages portance of diet and nutrition when • Limit or avoid caffeine it comes to IBD. Paying attention to • Avoid spicy or fried/ greasy what you eat can have a major imfoods pact on your healing. Nutritious food • Drink plenty of fluids to prevent choices are essential to everyone’s dehydration good health, but for the individual • Try a low/no sugar, wheat free with a chronic illness such as IBD, or grain free diet eating a well-balanced diet can be a challenge and is crucial to recovery. When you are in the midst of a flare We know that diet alone does not up, I would recommend that you cause IBD, but giving attention to choose more soothing type foods. your diet can certainly help lessen This would involve peeling and the severity of some of the symptoms cooking all fruits and vegetables, and help in the healing process. The avoiding high fiber, whole grain high incidence of poor nutrition and breads and cereals and sticking to weight loss that is associated with lower fat meats such as fish and poulIBD is not only due to malabsorptry. Eggs are a good source of protein tion in the inflamed diseased gut and as well. If you tolerate dairy, choose the pain, nausea and diarrhea, but aged cheese, homemade 24 hour feralso due to the fear of eating that is mented yogurt and farmer’s cheese, brought about by these symptoms. which are lactose (milk sugar) free. Here are some basic tips that you It is best to avoid nuts and seeds durmay want to consider to help lessen ing a flare up, since they can be ir18
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MAY 2019
ritating and hard to digest. Creamy nut butters are ok. This may sound like the opposite of what we consider to be a healthy diet because of the reduction in fibrous foods, but when the gut is inflamed and ulcerated it is better to stick to lower fiber, lower residue foods. There are other types of dietary intervention that have become more popular and found to be very helpful. You may have heard of a few of them, the SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet), GAPS or Paleo diet. The theory or reason behind these diets is what we call “leaky gut,” which involves the small intestine. Our small intestine contains microscopic pores to let the nutrients from our digested food into the bloodstream, where they can be carried to various parts of the body for energy. These pores are small enough to let nutrients through into the blood stream and keep waste out. To better understand this, picture a window screen, which lets the air in, but keeps the bugs and dirt out. If the screen becomes damaged or torn, then unwanted debris can come into the home. When you have a leaky gut, this means the pores in your small intestine are wider than normal. This allows undigested food particles and waste that is supposed to be blocked, to make its way into the bloodstream. These are not supposed to enter our bloodstream and are seen as foreign invaders. The immune system starts to attack and ends up damaging healthy cells as well. This can cause the inflammation that is seen in au-
toimmune disease such as IBD. There is no known single cause of leaky gut. There may be many factors, such as overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria, allergies and genetics. A change in diet can address many of these possible causes. Some of the basic recommendations include the avoidance of processed sugar and most grains, the inclusion of fruits and veggies, healthy fats, meats from pasture raised animals and naturally cultured /fermented foods. Homemade broths or stocks (bone broth) from chicken or beef bones can also be very healing and nutritious. The most important advice I can leave you with here is that eating a balanced, nutritious diet is what is most important. Good nutrition aids in the healing process and helps to maintain and increase energy. I would not recommend unnecessarily eliminating certain foods from your diet until you understand more about your specific nutrient needs. These suggestions are just a start and you may want to investigate more as to how you could incorporate these various dietary guidelines into your daily eating. Pamela Haddad is a Registered Dietitian with a private practice in Farmington Hills, MI. She specializes in providing nutrition counseling for a variety of nutrition related conditions that include Weight Management, Diabetes Management and Gastrointestinal disorders. For more information visit her website at www. pamshealthyway.com.
Heart failure
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eart failure is a making it difficult to pump. chronic and pro• Unhealthy habits gressive condican also increase your risk tion. Heart failure happens which includes: when the heart is unable • Smoking to pump enough blood and • A diet high in fat, chooxygen in your body to lesterol and sodium (salt) meet the needs of the other consumption. organs. The inability to • Little exercise or a pump properly means the MONA DENHA sedentary lifestyle blood flow from your heart SPECIAL TO THE • Obesity (being overslows down leading to fluid CHALDEAN NEWS weight) back up causing one to develop swelling of the feet, otherwise What are the symptoms or when known as leg edema. According to should I see my physician? the National Heart, Lung and Blood If you have more than one of these Institute, an estimated 5.7 million symptoms, even if you haven’t been Americans are living with heart faildiagnosed with a heart problem, you ure (HF). Half of those who develop should seek an evaluation from your the disease will die within five years family physician or cardiologist. of diagnosis. Symptoms may include: HF can affect the right side of • Shortness of breath on exertion the heart or both. Right-sided heart with daily activities or at rest failure occurs when your heart can• Difficulty breathing when lying not pump enough blood to the lungs flat or needing 2-3 pillows to sleep to get oxygen, whereas left-side • Persistent Cough and wheeze heart failure means your heart can’t • Weight gain with noted swellpump enough oxygen-rich blood to ing of the feet, legs or abdomen the rest of the body. (stomach) • Fatigue (consistently tired or What causes the disease? generally feeling weak) Diseases or conditions that damage your heart increase your risk of Presently there is no cure for heart developing HF. The most common failure; however you can take steps conditions in the United States to prevent HF. Steps such as knoware Hypertension (high blood presing what your blood pressure is sure), coronary artery disease where and being screened for hypertenthe arteries in your heart become sion (high blood pressure). The narrow, and diabetes. These con2017 American Heart Guidelines ditions, if not well controlled, will defines high blood pressure to be overwork your heart leaving the anyone with a systolic blood presheart muscle weak and stiff and sure (SBP) ≥ 130 mmHg or diastolic
blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 80 mmHg. Many patients think a diet high in sodium doesn’t pose an immediate risk, however this is a common misconception. As a person ages, they are more susceptible to developing hypertension (high blood pressure) and over time consuming foods high in sodium will increase the likelihood of having hypertension. Eating a diet low in sodium is as simple as reading food labels. The amount of sodium should not exceed more than 2,000 mg a day. To put it into perspective, 1 teaspoon of salt equals 2,400 mg sodium. Patients need to recognize the following foods that tend to be sodium laden: • Breads and rolls • Sausage/kabob • Cold cuts • Soups • Bottled dressings • Savory snacks including chips, popcorn, pretzels and snack mixes • Pickled vegetables (which is commonly found in the Chaldean/ Assyrian/Middle Eastern diet) • Cheese
checks cholesterol) and depending on your age a cardiac screening. After your yearly physical, your primary healthcare provider will determine what further tests are needed or warrant a consult to a cardiologist. If you are diagnosed with heart failure your cardiologist may prescribe medications that can prevent or alleviate symptoms. Through evidence based studies there are specific classes of drugs, known as guidelines directed medical therapies that are used to treat heart failure and have been shown to prolong life and improve the heart’s function. These medications include: Beta Blockers, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors, Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARB’s) and Diuretics (also known as water pills). In addition to guideline directed medical therapies your cardiologist will also order tests to decide what type of heart failure you have and the level of severity. One type of test is an echocardiogram, which uses an ultrasound to reveal the health of your heart valves and heart muscle.
Diagnosing and Treating Heart Failure The first step is to have a yearly physical or health screening with your primary healthcare provider (this may be your physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant). A regular check up should include blood pressure screening, weight measurements, blood tests such as a lipid panel once a year (which
Mona Denha is a nurse practitioner with Eastlake Cardiovascular P.C. She is on the board of directors with the Chaldean American Association for Health Professionals, a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), and Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners (MICNP). You can make an appointment for evaluation with a cardiologist by calling: 586 498 0440. MAY 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 19
A GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH
Getting to know Diabetes Mellitus What is Diabetes? another 187 million periabetes Mellitus, son who do not even know which is usually that they have diabetes. In called “diabetes,” the United States, there are is a disease of the pancreas. about 29 million Americans This body organ produces a who have diabetes or 9.3% of hormone called insulin that the population, and of those helps regulate blood sugar about 1.25 million are chillevels. dren and adults with type 1 Diabetes could be type 1 Insulin Dependent Diabetes. MADA JAMIL or type 2. Type 1 diabetes or According to the ReMD, MPH what is called Juvenile dia- SPECIAL TO THE search Institute, diabetes is betes, or Insulin Dependent CHALDEAN NEWS the seventh leading cause Diabetes, is a condition of death in the U.S. and that mainly occurs at a very young it kills more lives than breast canage, due to lack of insulin secretion cer and AIDS combined. Also, the from the pancreases. Type 2 diabetes, American person should know that or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes, diabetes costs the American public occurs when the body resists insulin. more than $345 billion. This could occur at any age and it is the most common type of diabeWhat are my risks in developing tes among people and is sometimes Diabetes? called adult diabetes as it usually ocSome people are at higher risk of getcurs after the age of 35, although that ting type 2 diabetes than others. is not the rule because it is found in The risk factors include: family young adults and even children. history of diabetes, obesity, especially Additionally, there are two other if over 20% of ideal body weight, eatkinds of diabetes conditions which are ing food rich with sugar, lack of exercalled pre-diabetes where the individcise, smoking, heavy alcohol use, or ual is probably going to be diabetic if those with high blood pressure, older does not change life style, or improve age and others. overall health conditions. Then there is gestational diabetes, which usually How do I know if I have Diabetes? occurs during pregnancy, this does not There are some signs and symptoms mean that the women will continue that can alert you to the possibility to have it after delivery but she will that you might have diabetes, like need to be closely monitored by her feeling hungry more than usual, and doctor to be sure that it disappears excessively thirsty, having frequent completely after delivery. urination, feeling tired, weak and fatigue, and having unexplained How common is Diabetes? weight loss. Individuals may also Diabetes is present in about 370 milsuffer from blurred vision or vision lion people worldwide, and there are changes, and may feel numbness in
D
their feet, their wounds heal slower than usual and have recurrent infections, especially skin infections and urinary tract infections. There’s also the possibility of being diagnosed with pre-diabetes, prediabetes is when an individual has higher than normal blood sugar levels, but are not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. It is estimated that there are over 2.6 million adults that have pre-diabetes. Early management and intervention can reduce the possibility of becoming a diabetic. If you or someone you care for seems to have some or all of these symptoms, they will need to follow up with their doctor, where physical exam and testing with blood work is part of the work up for diagnosis. I have Diabetes, what should I do? Diabetes is a chronic disease, it is not an infection that can be cured, it is a life long condition that we should learn how to live with and control by modifying our diet, increasing activity, and taking prescribed medications. In addition to testing blood sugar levels at home, blood sugar levels should be tested periodically at the laboratory every 3 to 6 months depending on how well your diabetes is controlled. Following these recommendations on a regular basis with visits to the doctor can help manage the disease and prevent it from getting out of control and causing complication to other body parts. What are the problems that diabetes can cause? Uncontrolled diabetes can cause
many problems, including but not limited to the following: heart disease and heart failure, stroke, and infections that are difficult to treat because diabetes does lower someone’s immunity to fight an infection. Also, people with diabetes do have more Periodontal disease, teeth issues. Routine preventive dental care is important for people with type 2 diabetes. Kidney disease is a common problem that we see in people with diabetes, if not routinely checked and managed, it can lead to kidney failure and possibly lead to a need for dialysis. Eyes are another target of diabetes and can lead to blindness. Regular screenings for diabetic effects on the eye are highly recommended. Foot problems and neuropathy are also common complications that can happen because of diabetes and can lead to pain and burning or decreased sensations in the feet. In some cases amputations will be the only way to manage foot problems if diabetes is not well controlled. It has been also shown that there is an association between depression and diabetes, as well an association between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and diabetes. Treating one can help manage the other. So, as we always say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, Following up with your doctor on a regular basis, having your yearly physical, sharing with your doctor any symptoms that concern you, and following a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or control Diabetes. Mada Jamil MD, MPH is a doctor with Ascension Medical Group in Sterling Heights.
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Managing hypertension
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How to properly measure ypertension afthe blood pressure fects 85 million • Proper size cuff at individuals, and mid-arm 1 in 3 adults have high • Sit with back blood pressure in the supported United States. Blood pres• Do not speak sure is the force of blood • Rest arm at heart level pushing against the walls • Blood pressure should of the arteries which carry be measured in both arms blood from the heart to NADA HANA and mean number should other parts of the body. In BACHURI, MD the United States, Hyper- SPECIAL TO THE be taken Primary (essential) tension is considered to be CHALDEAN NEWS Hypertension is the most the most common primary common type. It is affected by cardiagnosis and reason for office visdiovascular and renal structure and its. In addition, the prevalence is function. Secondary Hypertension high, nationally and worldwide. In is caused by other conditions like tuthis article, we will identify Hymors, hormonal dysfunction, strucpertension, briefly discuss causes, tural anomalies, and pregnancy. types, complications, and treatments.
is higher in African Americans • High sodium diet: excess sodium intake (>3g/ day sodium chloride) increases the risk of Hypertension • Excessive alcohol consumption • Physical activity: sedentary life style can cause Hypertension while increase in physical activity plays a major role in decreasing the blood pressure • Medication: cold medicine and decongestants (phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine), oral contraceptives especially those with high estrogen, NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, especially for long use, steroids, some weight loss medication, antidepressants, stimulants like ADHD medications and some other antipsychotics and finally illicit drugs
Definition The American Heart Association defines Hypertension as the following: • Normal blood pressure: systolic < 120 mmHg and diastolic < 80 mmHg • Elevated blood pressure: systolic 120-129 mmHg and diastolic < 80 mmHg The European Society of Hypertension defines Hypertension as a systolic 140mmHg or diastolic 90mmHg. Hypertension • Stage 1 - Systolic 130mmHg 139 mmHg or diastolic 80-89mmHg • Stage 2 - Systolic 140mmHg or Diastolic 90mmHg There are three important factors required to diagnose Hypertension: A proper measurement technique The integration of blood pressure measurement both at home using ABPM and clinical based readings A mean average calculated from taking multiple readings in order to accurately confirm the diagnosis Types of Hypertension • Primary Hypertension: unknown cause • Secondary Hypertension • Pregnancy induced Hypertension
Risk factors of Hypertension • Age: advancing in age increases the risk of Hypertension • Using tobacco: smoking tobacco and chemicals in tobacco both causes damage and narrowing to the arteries • Obesity: obesity and weight gain is a major contributing factor • Family history: Hypertension is twice as common in individuals who have hypertensive parents. This could be related to genetics. Race also plays a role where Hypertension
like methamphetamines and cocaine Secondary Hypertension • Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Hypertension is reversible once apnea is treated • Primary aldosterone’ • Pheochromocytomatous • Renovascular Hypertension • Coarctation of Aorta, Cushing’s syndrome, thyroid diseases • Pregnancy induced Hypertension, related to pregnancy period and in most cases, blood pressure normalizes after child birth
Symptoms Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms even if blood pressure readings are high. It is discovered while doing a routine checkup or seeing a physician for an unrelated complaint. Few people may experience headaches, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, chest pain, flushing, or they are presented with life threatening emergencies. Complications of Hypertension Persistent untreated high blood pressure and or sudden rise in blood pressure can lead to the following complications: • Left ventricular hypertrophy • Heart failure • Aneurysms and ruptured aneurysms • Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke • Chronic kidney disease • Impaired memory and dementia • Hypertensive retinopathy Treatment Life style modifications should be initiated with all patients such as: salt and sodium restrictions, smoking cessation, increase physical activity, avoiding over use of pain medication, minimizing alcohol consumption and weight management. Medications are used to decrease and or prevent complications of Hypertension. It is not uncommon to use more than one medicine to achieve maximum control. Antihypertensive medications are: diuretics like HCTZ or Chlorthalidone, calcium channel blockers like Amlodipin, ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril or Ramapril, ARBs like Losartan and Valsartan, beta blockers as an add on like Atenolol and Metoprolol, other medications are also available. In conclusion, Hypertension is a silent killer as it is often a symptomatic, therefore, annual. Being physical and paying attention to abnormal signs and symptoms in our body is important to diagnose and treat this disease. The ultimate goal of therapy is to reduce cardiovascular events and end organ damage. Nada Hana Bachuri, MD is a doctor at Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital and Troy Family Care. MAY 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 21
A GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH
Physical fun for the family Municipalities, counties offer a variety of outdoor activities BY VANESSA DENHA GARMO
S
pring is here and summer is on its way. Wherever you may reside, counties and communities have activities that get the family moving and having fun. Below are a few things going on in Michigan. You can always find out about more activities by a simple internet search of your hometown and surrounding areas. Discover more about local trails and parks during the TrailBlazer Walking Series Lace up your walking shoes and get ready to explore the nearly 80 miles of trails within Oakland County Parks and Recreation. The TrailBlazer Walking Series includes guided nature hikes throughout the parks system. This is the second year for this popular program, which has been expanded to include extreme hikes, morning walks and more park treks. “The walking series is a great way to stay fit while enjoying the outdoors,” Recreation Program Supervisor Sandy Dorey said. “It’s a way to meet other people and learn more about your parks system, too.” Beginning April 26, the TrailBlazer Walking Series will feature informational hikes led by Oakland County Parks and Recreation staff who will point out ecological features and share fun park facts. Walks are generally held on Tuesdays beginning at 7 p.m., but other days and times are included on this year’s walk schedule: For information on other events, visit OaklandCountyParks.com. No registration is required. It is recommended that participants bring bug spray and a refillable water bottle. For extreme hikes, participants should wear sturdy hiking shoes and may want to consider gardening gloves as they will be scrambling up hills and may need to pick burrs from their clothing. Free pedometers are available while supplies last. Programs are free. An annual vehicle permit or daily park pass is required at Addison Oaks, Groveland Oaks, Highland Oaks, Independence 22
CHALDEAN NEWS
MAY 2019
Oaks, Lyon Oaks, Orion Oaks, Red Oaks and Rose Oaks county parks. For details, contact Sandy Dorey at 248-424-7081. In addition to the programs above, they have a full summer schedule including nature centers programs, adaptive events and additional programs at the Oakland County Farmers Market. Oakland County Parks is also hosting special events at the waterpark Waterford Oaks on Scott Lake Road. There is also Oakland County Fair in Davidsburg held in July. For more information, visit OaklandCountyParks.com. Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Music, movies and more in Macomb County Many parks around Metropolitan Detroit offer music in the parks including those in Macomb County. They are offering a series of free concerts in the park. Each ninetyminute set will be held rain or shine, so gather your family and friends and come prepared to enjoy this fantastic concert series lineup. In addition to the concert, the kidzone play-area will be in full swing with inflatables, organized games, toys and other equipment. The Concerts will take place on the main lawn at Macomb Corners Park so for your comfort please re-
member to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Concessions will be available on site to purchase. Coolers and picnic baskets are allowed if you choose to bring your own. On Friday, August 9, the Macomb Township Parks and Recreation Department will host its annual Movie Under the Stars event at Macomb Corners Park. This free community event is a great way for families to enjoy a summer night outside watching a newly released family favorite movie (TBA) on the big screen. Free glow bracelets along with a family friendly bug spray station will be provided at dusk. In addition to the movie, the kidzone
The Benefits of Stretching A sedentary lifestyle causes negative structural changes in our body. Our bodies feel stuck and restricted after hours at desks and on our phones. Our muscles are shortened and tight. Maybe you’ve been inactive for years, or perhaps you’re an athlete that has had years of tough impact on joints. Even with exercise, poor posturing throughout our day can impact performance and increase risk of injury. Regardless, we all need to unlock our bodies and improve our flexibility to maintain and improve our physical health. Stretching is the lengthening of muscles in a purposeful manner to promote joint health and to allow the body to move within its full ranges of motion. It improves blood flow, posture, and our overall function in every day activities. The best and safest way to free locked up and restricted tissue is at Stretch Zone. Our patented equipment and highly trained stretch practitioners work synergistically to maximize your benefit on and off the table. Discover the ability to move freely and unlock your tight muscles, so that you can experience the quality of life you deserve."
play-area will be available for play. The movie will be shown on the main lawn at Macomb Corners Park so for your comfort please remember to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Concessions will be available on site to purchase. Coolers and picnic baskets are allowed. For more information about Macomb county events go to https:// www.macomb-mi.gov/204/Parksand-Recreation Seasonal activities at the Zoo The Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak offers a variety of events throughout the year including this spring and summer. Some activities include some exercise. They are hosting a Bike Safari for the family. Families can enjoy this exclusive opportunity to ride your bicycle through the Detroit Zoo while taking an after-hours look at your favorite animals. Each Bike Safari ticket includes a commemorative T-shirt and ad-
mission to the Zoo where guests will take part in a 2-mile ride on a preplanned course. This course wraps around the Zoo, passing a majority of animal habitats and includes locations to stop and enter the indoor viewing areas. Riders will conquer a variety of surfaces and experience a combination of uphill and downhill portions, as well as tight turns and flat stretches. Filtered-water stations will be located throughout the trail for hydration. There is also a Bike Safari Tour for people 21 and older. They can enjoy this evening of bicycles, beasts and beers as they ride through the Detroit Zoo while taking an afterhours look at your favorite animals. You can find out more about what is happening at the Detroit Zoo by going to https://detroitzoo.org/events/ zoo-events/. Michiganders will be able to trek a 47-mile Dragon trail
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It’s expected to become a national attraction - a new trail in western Michigan breaking ground this year. Construction on Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam trail in Newaygo and Mecosta counties could begin by this summer, the Muskegon Chronicle reported. From an aerial view, the 47-mile hiking and biking trail encircles a dam-formed pond that resembles the shape of a dragon. The pond is part of the Muskegon River that pooled above the Hardy Dam, which is owned by Jackson-based utility Consumers Energy. Visitors will be able to use the trail to walk or bike along the top of the dam, as reported on WDIV Channel 4. “There are other trails that are
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this long, but very few are circular, fewer go around a body of water and none of them that we could find go around a body of water that’s undeveloped,” said Ryan Coffey Hoag, a land use educator at Michigan State University Extension who’s involved in the project. The 2-foot-wide trail is planned to pass through untamed terrain, six campgrounds and eight boat launches and marinas. The route will also include 13 scenic overlooks and 20 footbridges. “It became really obvious really quickly that this wasn’t a local trail; this was going to be an attraction that would bring people into the region,” Hoag said. “This is about economic development.” The trail is scheduled for completion in 2022. MAY 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 23
A GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH
Facing addiction BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
O
n March 24, Peter’s Angels hosted an event central to educating members of the community about addiction and the various resources available to them. Speakers at this event included Summer Elise Eager, a certified alcohol and drug counselor, and Dr. Joseph Amir George, an addiction specialist. In addition, former drug addicts provided a different perspective as they discussed their past and present experiences in dealing with addiction.
Speaking on his journey in overcoming his addictions and alcoholism was Chris Shallal of California. “I never thought in a million years that I would be standing here in front of my friends and family and share what I’ve done and what I’ve gone through because it’s seen as a shame,” he said. “It’s especially shameful when you come from a Chaldean family and a Catholic home.” Shallal’s journey started with fear, most of which revolved around not living up to the standards of the overly materialistic world around him; a fear of not being good enough. It was this fear that pushed him further away from his truth. “Nice clothes and cars don’t mean anything,” he said. 24
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Recovery came after Shallal moved in with his uncle in California. “He shows me love, compassion, and tells me he’s proud of me every day,” said Shallal. Since becoming sober, Shallal spreads his message and his journey at any and all meetings that he is able to attend. “I can’t give you sobriety, but I can tell you my story,” he explained. “This disease, you might think you don’t have it, but it could be lying in wait.” Seven months sober, Shallal does not shy away from his past, but rather uses it to continue his propulsion farther into the sober future that awaits him. “Looking back, I know where I don’t want to be,” he said. Exercising extreme patience, Shallal takes his sobriety one step at a time. Keeping the community in mind, Peter’s Angels, a non profit organization, is geared towards educating the Chaldean community and beyond about drug addiction while moving past the prevalent shame and stigma. In addition, the organization works to equip people with the resources needed to identify and deal with addiction or drug use. Hosting events like this one on a regular basis to engage audiences in conversation about the topic are just one of the methods employed by the organization to spread this pertinent information. Starting the conversation was Eager who began by telling the those in attendance of a former patient of hers who passed away at the age of 19 due to a drug overdose. Before passing, Mario had been in treatment a couple of times. The last time she saw Mario, said Eager, he was in treatment again and optimistic that he would overcome his addiction and go on to help others like him. “He died a few weeks after that,” she said. “This is a vicious disease
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and it is a disease of isolation that tells you not to tell anybody, to keep it under wraps, hide it because it’s shameful.” As a recovering addict and alcoholic herself, Eager spoke to her experiences in struggling with addiction. “I always remember the last time I used because if I forget, I’ll use again,” she explained of her overdose more than five years ago. Understanding that addiction is a disease is the first step in being able to help an addict. “Our addiction will lie to us, it will tell us that we are not addicts, that we’re not sick,” said Eager. Raising an addiction free child, says Eager, starts with education. “Just like we make sure they have their daily needs; we need to also work on their mental health.”
Speaking last was Dr. George who, like the other speakers stressed the importance of education. As an addiction specialist, Dr. George himself is a resource for those in the community who may be suffering from addiction or know someone who is suffering from addiction. As an addiction specialist for more than 15 years, Dr. George says the best treatment is in fact prevention. “The best treatment for addiction is prevention,” he explained. “Just don’t do it.” Ultimately, though, treatment for addicts starts with the patient, says Dr. George. “If the patient is motivated, that’s a very good thing. If a patient is not ready, treatments fail no matter what you do. If you are ready for help, we can help.”
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MAY 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 25
Outline Entering Canaan for May 18, 2019
A GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH
8:30 am – Core Team Prayer/ Briefing/Prayer 9-9:30 am – Retreatant Arrival 9:30 am – Introductions with light refreshments- Coffee/tea and cakes –Outside the chapel Chapel 9:45 am-10:45 –Testimony deacon and woman Chapel 10:45 -11:00 am – break with time to reflect 11:00- 12:00 Exposition – (explanation of Adoration by Priest and confessions) Sacrament of Reconciliation (continues until Mass) 12:00 – 12:45 pm – Holy Sacrifice of the Mass Chapel 12:45-1:45 pm – Lunch
Healing for the walking wounded
Dining Area (house) 1:45- 2:45 pm – Video-Dear Children Talk on Naming Your Child
A Retreat for post-abortive women and families at Our Lady of the Fields Camp and Retreat Center
Chapel Book of remembrance 3pm end with Chaplet – Departure
BY VANESSA DENHA GARMO
M
any people call them the walking wounded. They are post-abortive women and men who have not healed from the pain and sorrow. Today, there are many ministries that support people after an abortion including Rachel’s Vineyard; born from that ministry is a monthly retreat now being held Our Lady of the Fields Camp and Retreat Center in Brighton. “The core team is very devoted and each of us feel called to walk with our brothers and sisters as we offer monthly support through prayer before the blessed Sacrament, fellowship, small group meetings, a meal and opportunity to memorialize the children,” said Eileen Craig, a mental health counselor with Mercy Therapy Services and a post-abortive woman herself. She had two abortions as a teenager. “I was one of the broken, walking wounded,” she said. “I had never told a soul for so long. Finally, one of my friends enrolled me in the Seraphic 26
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MAY 2019
Mass Association at St. Bonaventure in Detroit and asked Father Solanus Casey to pray for me. I received a deep spiritual and emotional healing where I was able to see my children in a meditation, ask them to forgive me and be embraced by the Love of Jesus and Mary.” That was 25 years ago and now Craig wants to help other women, including Chaldean women, who have had abortions. “The days of prayer and healing are for women, but we can expand to men, siblings, and even grandparents eventually.” Like Craig, many women, including Chaldeans, do not openly talk about having an abortion. Craig is hoping to help all women heal past their abortions and knows what it is like to see women resist help. “We had a woman come to a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat who was very resistant,” Craig recalled. “Her friend brought her on the retreat and encouraged her to stay. She was ada-
mant saying, ‘I ain’t naming no baby.’ She almost left four times. She finally softened and memorialized her baby by naming her, Angel Star. I ran into her friend recently, the one who brought her on the retreat, she shared that the woman had heard a baby crying every night before that retreat. After the retreat the baby stopped crying. Sadly, she shared, the woman passed away recently.” They are collaborating with all other post abortion healing groups. Craig has also been a team counselor on Rachel’s Vineyard retreats through the Ann Arbor chapter for the last five years. Along with working with Rachel’s Vineyards, the team is bringing the Entering Canaan ministry to Michigan. This program was written by Theresa Bonopartis and the Sisters of Life. The ministry is on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) site and approved for post abortion healing. It is “A Sacra-
mental Journey to the Inheritance of Mercy,” noted Craig. They will need priests to help with mass and confessions. The retreat day also includes exposition of the blessed Sacrament and a short talk by a healed post abortive woman and a priest or deacon. The first day of prayer and healing will be Saturday May 18 of this year at Our Lady of the Fields Camp and Retreat Center. The second one is scheduled for June 15 and will continue on the third Saturday of every month for the rest of the year. “We really feel called to help pick up the pieces of this broken culture with Our Lady,” said Craig. “Our camp grounds and retreat center is an ideal center for such a retreat,” said Michael Hickey, executive director of Our Lady of the Fields. “The chapel is a peaceful place of prayer surrounded by acres of land for meditative walking. We pray with them as they continue this ministry.”
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CHALDEAN NEWS 27
A GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH
Primary care for the community CCF helping refugees navigate the U.S. health care system and connect with doctors BY M. LAPHAM
C
oncerns about what will happen when you are sick or injured is about as universal as it gets. For Chaldean refugees who fled their homes and found themselves in a strange land with unfamiliar language and customs, it can quickly seem terrifying and insurmountable. The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) wants to take that fear away by helping refugees get primary health care. Through classes at the foundation and connections within the community, the CCF helps refugees navigate through the U.S. health care system and connects them with doctors. “Health care is often taken for granted by this community because of the challenges they face when arriving to America,” says Martin Manna, president of the CCF. “They must first provide for the family and learn the language before they consider caring for their health.” The CCF and its partner, the Chaldean American Association for Health Professionals (CAAHP), help them understand and navigate the U.S. health care system. CAAHP is a nonprofit and nonpolitical educational organization made up of physicians, pharmacists, dentists, nurses, and other allied health professionals of Chaldean descent. The doctors are recommended and speak the three languages spoken in the Chaldean community. Their job is made easier by the physical given by the government when the refugees arrive in the U.S. The refugees’ physical health is often impacted by the trauma they experienced in their home country, which often makes it difficult for them to come forward with their problems. “Many of the newly arrived refugees have unfortunately dealt with trauma and are dealing with
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MAY 2019
general anxiety or PTSD,” says Manna. “There is a stigma when dealing with mental health issues, even more so in the Chaldean community and education is needed to change the perception.” To help the refugees overcome that challenge the CFF refers them to professionals specializing in mental health. Other issues also plague the refugees. Chronic illnesses like obesity, hypertension, heart disease and diabetes are already common in the Chaldean community and are often exacerbated by a lack of health education, mental anguish, stress and the challenges of living in a refugee camp. According to the CFF Community Health Needs Analysis and Market (CHNAM) report on refugees: • 66 percent were overweight or obese • 6.7 percent had a history of diabetes • 18.6 percent had a history of hypertension The report also points out one of the most chronic issues among refugees is the high rate of smoking. According to the CHNAM, 20 percent of sample refugees were smokers, which is 40 percent higher than the State of Michigan average. This is being addressed with the introduction of smoking cessation programs. To deal with these issues CAAHP’s Project Bismutha helps get people health care provided by donations via participating physi-
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800-838-1100 cians and subsidizes the cost of prescriptions. In addition, the CCF helps refugees purchase some form of health insurance. It is a vital way to get them the help they need or some kind of safety net as soon as possible The CCF also has a job program that works to move the refugees off of government assistance. It places more than 60 percent of refugees in full-time jobs, which often come with insurance. While the organization will continue helping Chaldean refugees, it is starting to move in a different direction as fewer of them come in to the U.S. Refugee flow has dropped by 90 percent in recent years. This new direction will be more towards health and wellness education for youth and seniors and help
for those without insurance. There are also plans for a “skills life center” where people with developmental disabilities will be able to learn life skills. The plan is to support the existing 700 clients at a time when that program kicks off. It is part of a series of new programs planned when the CCF opens its expanded facility in January 2020. Among the health and wellness programs it plans on will be an onsite primary care physician. Over the past decade there have been a lot of ups and downs with America’s health care system and even its natives can have trouble navigating its programs. The CCF has taken a significant step to clear that confusion, especially for strangers in a stranger land.
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CHALDEAN NEWS 29
A GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH
Taking care of patients Dr. William Kesto on Orthopedic innovations and Chaldean heritage BY MONIQUE MANSOUR
D
r. William Kesto grew up in Metro Detroit – in West Bloomfield, more specifically, and is proud to call the area home. He knew that he wanted to be a physician since he was a teenager in high school. “My interest in the career path progressed throughout college. I always knew I loved the sciences and wanted to help people,” he explained. Kesto worked hard to make his dream a reality. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and his medical degree at Wayne State University. He went on to serve as a resident at Detroit Medical Center and completed a fellowship at Cincinnati Sports Medicine. He now serves an Orthopedic Surgeon at the CORE Institute in Novi, Michigan. “I love the field of orthopedic surgery. It allows me to help people improve their function. The results are tangible. We can fix broken bones, repair torn tendons and ligaments, and replace degenerative joints. This helps people obtain pain relief and return to their activity, from daily walks to high level sports. I also love that the field is always changing and advancing to provide better treatment for our patients,” said Kesto. Kesto, along with Dr. Jefferey Michaelson, pioneers a LIPOGEMS program at the CORE Institute. LIPOGEMS is an innovative medical advancement within the field of orthopedics which utilizes body fat from a patient as a treatment option for certain orthopedic maladies and ailments. “LIPOGEMS was invented by an Italian physician from Milan, Italy. He found a way to clean the fat using only saline and resize the fat without destroying the key cells and structure. It came to the United States in 2015 and is FDA cleared for use in orthopedics and arthroscopic surgery,” he explained. “The company wanted to responsibly bring this option to patients by offering it to orthopedic 30
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physicians that are trained in musculoskeletal care instead of the traditional stem cell clinics that offer unapproved products.” The CORE Institute is one of many institutions offering LIPOGEMS along with the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York University, Emory University, Duke University and others. “We started to offer this to our patients as we saw more and more
patients who are older, highly active, as well as ones that are looking for other options that are more natural and minimally invasive,” said Kesto. LIPOGEMS also potentially creates an alternative for patients who cannot have surgery or fear complications from surgery. “LIPOGEMS is a minimally invasive and FDA cleared
option for these patients. It’s ideal for patients that have tried conservative therapy which may have included treatments like physical therapy and corticosteroids and are not ready for major, invasive surgery,” said Kesto. Kesto has witnessed firsthand how transformative LIPOGEMS can be for his patients. “We have seen success in 70 percent of our patients. They’ve been able to postpone surgery,” said Kesto. “It’s been very fulfilling for me as a physician to see these results.” Kesto credits his Chaldean heritage for his success in medical school and beyond. “My parents immigrated in the late 70s and taught me the importance of hard work and a strong work ethic. This is something I’m very proud of,” the doctor explained. “I spent many years working at the family business where I learned communication skills and the value of determination and perseverance. These experiences helped me considerably during the arduous process of medical school and residency. No one could outwork me and I was rewarded tremendously for that.” Kesto’s parents gave him sound advice on how to treat people which he has incorporated into his own medical philosophy. “My dad has always told me to ‘Take care of people, and never say no.’ I have always carried that with me. I have joined the Chaldean Health Professionals to continue to grow the medical influence in our community,” said Kesto. To aspiring medical students and future physicians, Kesto offered the following. “Immerse yourself in the field. Shadow doctors of every specialty. Spend time in the clinic and in operating rooms. The medical school process is very long and competitive. You really have to love it to endure 15 years of college, medical school, residency, and fellowship.”
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MAY 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 31
Members of Congress show up in support of Iraqi nationals With a renewed threat of deportation, lawmakers stand with the community BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
U
.S. Representative Andy Levin, Brenda Lawrence, and Rashida Tlaib convened at the Chaldean Community Foundation on Saturday, April 6 for a press conference led by Levin regarding the fate of hundreds of Iraqi nationals as the fear of deportation continues to loom. The press conference was held in light of a recent decision from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals that once again places members of the community in danger of being deported. Going into effect on Tuesday, April 9, the decision from the Sixth Circuit Court gave Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the go ahead needed to deport Iraqi nationals with final orders of removal. In attendance were community leaders, lawyers, affected families, and former detainees eager to hear Congressman Levin’s plans to work with other lawmakers in finding a political solution that would buy time for those in danger. In response to the Sixth Circuit’s reversal of Detroit Federal Judge Mark Goldsmith’s order to grant bond, Representatives Levin and John Moolenar penned a letter calling on the Department of Homeland Security 32
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MAY 2019
Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and ICE Acting Director Ronald D. Vitiello to halt the deportation of Iraqi nationals as it would be dangerous in Iraq where “they may be subject to torture or murder.” Currently, this bipartisan letter has been signed by a total of 23 lawmakers. Many of the lawmakers who signed the letter represent districts with a large number of Iraqi born communities, with Representative Levin representing the largest Iraqi born district in the country. Representative Lawrence’s district has the second largest Iraqi born community. “Never did I think it would come to this,” said Congresswoman Lawrence of the threat of deportation hanging over several Iraqi nationals. “I truly know the impact the Iraqi Chaldean community has made to our economy and to our communities.” “It breaks my heart,” she said. The congresswoman has worked closely with the Chaldean community during her time in office, especially during her time as the mayor of Southfield, and vowed at the press conference that she would continue to do so as they fight to buy themselves time.
Calling for fairness, Representative Levin urged for DHS and ICE to allow each case to be heard individually in immigration court. “This is not about politics,” he said. “It’s about fairness and humanity.” Echoing his sentiments, fairness and the opportunity to have their day in court is all the community asks for. It would be unconscionable, said Representative Levin, to move forward with the mass detention and deportation of these individuals. Many of those impacted by this decision are Chaldean Christians who would face religious persecution if deported to Iraq. Moreover, says Levin, many of those now facing deportation have only ever known life in the United States. “Many of the people affected by this decision have known no home except for America, and they have nothing to return to,” he explained. Several of the speakers agreed that the immigration system is broken. As a former immigration attorney, Representative Tlaib is hopeful that the system may change as a result of this crisis. “We haven’t been able to make this system more humane,” she explained.
Seeking a political solution to this issue, Martin Manna, President of the Chaldean Community Foundation, looked to the members of Congress present at the event and beyond for help as it has yet to come from the administration, despite pleas from the community. “I don’t think there is going to be relief coming from this administration,” he said. Not all is lost, though, says Margo Schlanger, lead ACLU attorney in the Hamama V. Adducci class action lawsuit. She urges Iraqi nationals at risk to continue fighting their individual immigration cases. “The situation is very tough, but it’s not hopeless. We’re going to keep fighting and we have a lot of allies that will keep fighting with us,” she explained. “Those in detention need to fight and people who have opened their cases need to fight in immigration court because when we fight, we win.” According to Schlanger, after April 9 Iraqi nationals who still remain in detention, those who have been released and have yet to request an immigrations hearing, or those who failed to convince a judge to allow them an immigration hearing face deportation.
A peek into the Capitol BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
A
lmost as if it were a right of passage for students from the Chaldean Community Foundation’s (CCF) citizenship class, the bus ride to the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing was one filled with excitement and anticipation. On Thursday, April 11, a group of about 30 students took the opportunity to see the state’s Capitol as a part of Chaldean Legislative Day. At varying levels in the process, students from the foundation’s citizenship classes are studying hard in an effort to earn their citizenship. The CCF is committed to guiding each student through the process, whether their process starts with ESL classes or with filling out a citizenship explanation. Looking beyond the studying, tests, and applications, the foundation wants their students to experience being an American beyond traditional confines. A trip to the state’s capitol would allow for that. “The new Americans that attend have the opportunity to tour the Capitol and witness firsthand how bills are passed,” explained foundation President, Martin Manna. “They also get a chance to learn about Michigan’s history and its natural resources.” Started more than 10 years ago through the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, Chaldean Legislative Day has transformed as a means of exposing new Americans, typically students from the foundation’s citizenship class, to state government. Originally, Chaldean Legislative Day was geared towards educating legislators about the many contributions the Chaldean community makes to this region. “For years the Legislators misunderstood the community and its contributions,” explained Manna. “Still today, many of the Legislators assume we are from Dearborn and do not understand the rich history our community offers.” Each year, the CCF works with legislators to make the annual outing as successful and fruitful as possible. “Each year a Michigan House Member and Senate Member co-sponsor Chaldean Day. This year it was Representative Brandt Iden and Senator Jim Runestad,” said Manna. Today, Chaldean Legislative Day serves to educate new Americans as well as legislators who may not be familiar with the Chaldean community and the contributions it makes to the region. Coming off the bus, students were greeted with the grandeur sight of the history laden state Capitol. Following a tour, the new Americans learned about some of the lesser known details of the historic building. From its inception and its move from Detroit to Lansing to avoid attacks from the Canadian border to the financially savvy methods utilized to make certain building materials throughout look more expensive than they are.
The students learned that the Capitol is the state’s third Capitol and that while the Senate and House of Representatives convene in the building, most of the legislators do not work in the building, but rather in buildings in the surrounding areas. Legislators that work in the Capitol are typically those who are also in leadership positions.
In addition to touring and learning about the Capitol, the students had the opportunity to watch a meeting of the Michigan House of Representatives convene on the House floor. Observing from the gallery, many of the students learned for the first time how laws are passed in the state of Michigan. The students looked on from the gallery as one of the co-sponsors spoke out on the House floor. Senator Jim Runestad spoke in support of his resolution, Senate Resolution 32, to name April 11, 2019 as Chaldean American Day in the state of Michigan during the day’s session of the Michigan Senate. This comes just one day after the Republican senator introduced a resolution that opposes the detention and threat of deportation of thousands of Iraqi nationals in Michigan and throughout the United States. MAY 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 33
Iraqi nationals gain temporary relief from detention, deportation BY PAUL NATINSKY
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PHOTO BY WEAM NAMOU
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n the spring and summer of 2017 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rounded up 114 Detroit-area Iraqi nationals and detained them to await deportation. All came to the United States legally as green card holders. All committed crimes and completed their jail sentences or probationary periods. All received final orders of deportation from an immigration court and remained in the United States in a sort of limbo. They do not have green cards granting permanent resident status, but remain here under protection because sending them back to a violently unstable and politically volatile Iraq would endanger their lives. “When you commit a crime, they take away your green card and then you can apply for asylum or some sort of temporary status, but none of these people did that because they did not think they were in immediate danger (of being sent back to Iraq),” said criminal attorney Clarence Dass, who represented several of detainees. That was back in the ‘80s and ‘90s when Iraq was war torn and deportations to the region were nonexistent, he said. But changes in immigration policy under the current administration have changed that, and the detainees were slated to be returned to Iraq based on final orders of deportation that were in some cases 20 or 30 years old. Youthful Transgressions For many of those living in this ambiguous status, the crime they committed, often in their youth, was the only serious legal transgression of their life, said Dass. Many married, had children, worked and ran businesses. Despite not having status as permanent residents, they pay taxes and check in regularly with an immigration officer. “They requested relief from deportation (after being convicted and serving their sentence) and an immigration judge didn’t agree and issued a final order of deportation,” said immigration attorney Eman JajonieDaman, who represents many Iraqi immigrants. “They lost their case,
they lost their green card, but they remained living in the community because our country was not deporting people back to Iraq for years and years. They lived here and went on an annual checkup with an immigration officer on an order of supervision. Finally, in 2017 ICE received orders to pick up those Iraqis with final orders and deport them.’” Into this situation stepped the American Civil Liberties Union with a class action lawsuit to secure the release of those being detained and preventing them from being deported, allowing them time to petition immigration courts to reopen their cases. The injunction protects the former detainees as their cases wind their way through the immigration court system. This is where things get complicated. Those facing final orders could experience many different outcomes, ranging from getting their green cards back (and ultimately gaining a chance at citizenship), to being slated once more for deportation. Pardons Not Enough In a well-publicized move, thenGov. Rick Snyder pardoned seven of the detainees in December, ef-
fectively expunging the crimes that led to them receiving final orders of deportation. But immigration law is federal law, said Jajonie-Daman, and those convicted of drug crimes and firearms violations are exempt from pardon protection. Immigration law is strict and ever changing, said Jajonie-Daman. She said drug crimes in which the convicted serves fewer than five years are forgivable, but only if they occurred after a particular date. In other cases, if the crime is old enough, the length of sentence is not considered. In some cases, huge changes in conditions in the country to which a person would be deported serve as a basis to reopen the case, cancelling the original final order of deportation, allowing consideration of permanent residence or protection from deportation. “Once the case is re-opened you can file for any type of relief you might be eligible for at the time of the re-opening. A lot of us lawyers took advantage of that to try and get green cards back for some of these people, because of a change in the law,” said Jajonie-Daman. “I have two clients who after I got their green cards back they applied for citizenship and now they are U.S. citizens. They are now
productive members of our community, where they were once detained and had one leg out the door.” Not Everyone Will Win Renewed green card status will not be the outcome for everyone. Even after decades, some judges will rule against some immigrants and reinstate a final order of deportation. For those individuals, Jajonie-Daman said the key strategy will be employing the United Nations Convention against Torture (UNCAT, or CAT for short). CAT is an international agreement under which signatories refuse to deport immigrants to countries where they are likely to face torture. Developed by the United Nations in 1984 and put into force in 1987, CAT prevents sending anyone to Iraq from a country that has signed the accord. Still, those who lose their bid to reestablish permanent legal resident status live with a Damoclean sword hanging above their head, never knowing when a change in American immigration policy will send them away from a country in which they have established lives over decades to an uncertain fate in a hostile land. Hope Reigns Supreme In 1999, Jajonie-Daman took one of the first CAT cases. “A client asked, ‘How likely am I to be deported?’ Conditions in Iraq since 1999 have spiraled downward. Since 1999 I have not seen a single government motion to take CAT away from an Iraqi. So when you have nothing, you take CAT and you are grateful,” she said. The injunction is temporary and much for many of the immigrants in question depends upon court rulings, administration policies and changes in immigration law. Cases and appeals will take time to work through the courts. But for the time being, lives will not be further disrupted and people will not be sent into lifethreatening environments. “The ACLU is saving lives by giving people a chance to stay here under protective orders,” said Jajonie-Daman.
Area attorneys expand CCF legal help BY PAUL NATINSKY
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egal help with immigration issues has been a longstanding need within the Chaldean community, and the Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) has long provided legal help on immigration issues to those who need it. Family Law and Landlord Tenant Law are emerging as needed services within the community and CCF is rising to the occasion. The CCF kicked off an expanded pro bono legal assistance program at its Sterling Heights headquarters on March 22 with a luncheon that drew about 40 area attorneys as well as veteran Judge Diane Dickow D’Agostini, Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Hala Jarbou, Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Lisa Gorcyka, and Supreme Court Justice David Viviano. The judges explained the need for expanded legal assistance and urged attending attorneys to take on one case each, said the foundation’s COO Paul Jonna. He said the luncheon was a huge success, estimating that 25 attorneys signed on for pro bono cases. Prior to the luncheon, he said three to five attorneys were taking immigration pro bono cases and other areas of need were unmet. Founded in 2006, the CCF is the non-profit arm of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce that began as a way for the Chaldean community to help those displaced by the Iraq War. Jonna said the non-
profit expected to serve about 400 during its first year, but ended up helping about 4,000. That number is up to about 31,000 at present.
Typical clients are new Americans who live in the area. Most, about 85 percent, are Chaldean, but services are open to all comers. To organization enjoys generous support from government and foundation grants as well as private donations. Jonna said construction is underway on a 19,000-square-foot expansion to the current 12,000
square-foot facility. He added that a 135-unit subsidized housing project is in the works. Typical clients are new Americans who live in the area. Most, about 85 percent, are Chaldean, but services are open to all comers,” said Jonna. Clients connect with CCF mainly through word of mouth. The organization is well known in the community and by police, firefighters and school officials. The foundation also has a formal outreach program and uses newsletters and social media to build awareness of its services. Clients come in on walk-in days, take a number and connect with a caseworker who does an assessment. Jonna said many who come in with an issue do not realize they need legal help until they have gone through the foundation’s intense intake system. Jonna said Attorneys on staff at the CCF provide help with immigra-
tion law. He said the complex immigration cases require pro bono help from outside attorneys. However, the CCF does not have any attorneys on staff for Family Law or Landlord Tenant help, which spurred the drive to make the pro bono program more formal and reach out to area attorneys. Jonna said it is possible that at some point legal help beyond immigration will be offered within the foundation. There is no date for a second date scheduled, yet, however there is one in the works for a few months from now. “We’re absolutely amazed at the great response from the Chaldean attorneys in our community,” he said. “It’s remarkable to see them providing these well-needed services to people who are really in need. We are appreciative of all of the things they are doing working with the Chaldean Community Foundation. We hope that more attorneys will join on.” MAY 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 35
sports
Ella Loussia is a picture of concentration during a serve.
Look out below! Ella Loussia pounds a kill against Birmingham Marian during an October match.
Canisius College volleyball coach Lenika Vazquez (right) visits with recruit Ella Loussia.
Proud grandfather Amer Karmo helps Ella Loussia show off her team’s AAU national championship trophy while Loussia also holds her tournament most valuable player plaque.
Volleyball star shuffling off to Buffalo Team Detroit club coach says Ella Loussia is ‘fearless’ under pressure BY STEVE STEIN
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lla Loussia laughed when she said she can be “too competitive.” “I remember when I was in fifth grade, our religion class had to find Bible verses and the winning student got a sticker,” she said. “I wanted that sticker. I needed to win.” That kind of competitive drive is one reason why Loussia, now a senior at Farmington Hills Mercy High School, will be playing Division I volleyball in college. The 6-foot-1 outside hitter signed late last year with Canisius College, a private Jesuit school in Buffalo, New York “I’m so glad the recruiting process is over. It was stressful and draining,” Loussia said. But she’s happy to be headed to Canisius. A big reason is Coach Lenika Vazquez, who has revived the Golden Griffins volleyball program in her three years in charge. “I really like Coach Vazquez. She’s such a sweetheart,” Loussia said. “I feel she really cares about me as a person, and that’s important. At the D-1 level, some coaches look at signing you like it’s a business deal. Coach Vazquez recruited me as a person.” Speaking of business, that’s what Loussia intends to study at Canisius. “I didn’t know if I wanted to leave Michigan for college,” she said. “But I feel comfortable going to Canisius. I got a full-ride scholarship there, 36
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and it’s only a 5 1/2-hour drive or short flight away from home. And I won’t be there forever.” How about all that snow that Buffalo receives? “It won’t be a big deal,” Loussia said. “You can get to places at Canisius through tunnels when the weather is bad.” Loussia has been playing club volleyball with Team Detroit since 2013, the year the club was formed. Dave Nichols was her coach last year on a U-17 team that won two national championships in nine days. Loussia was the most valuable player at the AAU nationals in Florida, leading her team to a perfect 14-0 record and the gold medal. The team then went 11-0 at USA Volleyball’s girls junior national championships at Cobo Hall in Detroit. “Ella is what I call a ‘big point player’,” Nichols said. “When the pressure’s on and you need a big hit, she’s fearless. I’m really excited to see her play in college.” Off the volleyball court, Nichols said, Canisius will be getting someone who is mature beyond her years. “When you first meet Ella, she comes across as a laid-back, fun-loving person,” Nichols said. “But she has a depth and intelligence that will surprise you.” That depth and intelligence manifests itself when Louissa talks about
Ella Loussia, a 6-foot-1 outside hitter from Farmington Hills Mercy High School, has signed to play Division I volleyball at Canisius College.
how’s she’s managed to maintain at 3.5 grade-point average in high school while playing volleyball year-round. “I love hanging out with my friends, but you must have good time management and a balance in your life to keep up with your academics while you’re playing sports,” the 17-year-old said. “I’ve had to make some sacrifices because of volleyball, but that’s okay because I love the sport and it has gotten me into college.” Loussia played volleyball for Mercy the last two seasons, and they were great seasons for the Marlins. They advanced in to the Division 1 state semifinals twice, and they won two Catholic League championships. They finished 52-3 last fall. “I enjoyed playing volleyball for my high school,” she said. Loussia found club volleyball
to be more competitive than high school volleyball. “When you’re at the U17 and U18 levels in club, probably 99 percent of the girls will be playing volleyball in college,” Loussia said. “On my U18 team this year, everyone but one girl has committed to a college and she’ll be committing, too.” Loussia said her time with Team Detroit over the past six years was well spent. “I wasn’t that good of a player when I first tried out for Team Detroit, but they put me on a good team right away and thanks to great coaching through the years, I really progressed as a player,” she said. Her playing days for Team Detroit are over, but Loussia will continue practicing with her club teammates until she heads off to college. Loussia’s parents are David and Rahnda Loussia. Ella is a big sister to her brothers Ashtyn, 15, and Hayden, 10, who attend Birmingham Brother Rice High School and St. Regis School in Bloomfield Hills. The family lives in West Bloomfield. “That’s a great family, a tight-knit family,” Nichols said. “They have a nice perspective on life, and the parents are doing a wonderful job raising their kids. The parents have been supportive of everyone on Ella’s club teams.”
chaldean on the STREET
Spring favorites BY HALIM SHEENA
From fishing, soccer, and other outdoor activities to rallying around the television to watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the start of the spring season brings with it a variety of favorite pass times.
Speaking as a future physical therapist, spring time is my favorite because it favors movement and movement is power! My favorite spring time activity is soccer. When the weather breaks, there is nothing more satisfying than lacing up a pair of shoes and kicking a ball around with some friends and the glorious smell of fresh cut grass. – Jordan Najor, Troy, 28
The last weekend of April brings one of my favorite Michigan activities: fishing season. Fishing with good friends is always the best way to spend a nice morning. Along with fishing, I look forward to being able to take my bike back out on the trails. Spring evenings also mean the boys and I can finally take our cars out and enjoy late night drives! – Iven Ayyar, West Bloomfield, 22
My favorite spring time activity has to be taking nice long walks by the lake. Nothing is more relaxing or serene than feeling the nice cool breeze on you in the warm weather, especially after a freezing winter! Whether it is with some of my friends or family, or if it’s just for some one-on-one me time, I can honestly say that nothing beats it. – Nicole Sheena, West Bloomfield, 24
Unlike most others, springtime for my family starts once the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin. Once early April hits, we all like to sit and watch two great teams provide some of the most entertaining competitiveness on TV. Even if my Detroit Red Wings aren’t in the playoffs, we’ll still watch each game and cheer for the team we dislike the least. Since it starts to warm up, we like to grill on Sundays and watch the daytime games while eating steaks and wings. Even though it contrasts the warmer weather and departure of winter, nothing says spring in our family like some good old playoff hockey. – Alden Kajy, Commerce Township, 18
Spring time for my family starts on the first warm day of the year. We spend time planting fresh flowers, firing up the grill, and most importantly, getting our cars ready for summertime cruising. Cruising Woodward Avenue has been a tradition in my family ever since we were little kids. Nothing says summertime is almost here like late night drives, enjoying the company of family, and frozen custard from Dairy Deluxe! – Nora Kallabat, West Bloomfield, 22
My favorite spring time activity is definitely the start of softball. Softball leagues are a great tool to bring the men of the Chaldean community together. Many of us work long hours and softball gives us something to look forward to after a long day. To me, nothing beats drinking cold beer and laughing it up with your Chaldean brothers in Christ on a weekday evening. The leagues do get intense, but it’s all friendly competition. – Omar Kallabat, West Bloomfield, 23
MAY 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 37
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