At 30, Anas Jebeihi vividly recalls the explosion that forever altered his childhood. At 12, in the West Bank, he picked up what resembled an avocado but was an old grenade. Attempting to drill it, it exploded, costing him his left leg and right eye.
Life in Tulkarm refugee camp, plagued by water shortages and power outages, intensified his struggles. Over time, he tried eight prosthetics, yet none offered the freedom he yearned for.
Today, thanks to the 10 Journey Initiative, a Dh4-million humanitarian effort by Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, founder of Burjeel Holdings, Anas walks and pursues postgraduate studies. The program assists those unable to afford treatment.
Anas Jebeihi
Stay updated with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Since its launch three months ago, the initiative has transformed the lives of three young individuals, with seven more to follow soon. Patients from Palestine, the US, and India, all bearing scars from severe accidents, have received free advanced prosthetic surgeries at Burjeel Medical City, regaining mobility and dignity.
These groundbreaking surgeries were led by Professor Dr. Munjed Al Muderis, a renowned orthopedic surgeon.
The procedure, known as osseointegration, involves attaching a prosthetic limb directly to the bone, offering greater stability, comfort, and freedom than traditional socket prosthetics. For these individuals, it signified the end of prolonged hardships and the start of a normal life.
“When Dr. Munjed’s team called, I danced in the street,” said Anas. “I knew this would change my life. From day one here, I felt respected and cared for like never before.”
Defying the odds, Anas is completing a master’s in electrical engineering and has been bodybuilding since 2016. “My first prosthetic was from a UAE initiative, and now my first osseointegration is here too,” he shared.
“This country has twice given me hope. I want other amputees to know such treatments can transform lives,” Anas added.
From the US to the UAE
In Louisiana, Joshua Arnold, 29, led an independent life until a 2024 motorcycle crash resulted in the loss of his right arm and sight in his left eye. Traditional prosthetics only worsened his situation. “I was independent before the accident. Afterwards, I couldn’t even feed myself,” he said. “Some days felt like I lost everything.”
His fiancée, Alyssa Acker, pushed him forward. “I saw him cry many nights,” she said. “But I reminded him this wasn’t the end. Better days would come.”
Joshua Arnold with his fiancée before and after his accident.
When Joshua learned he’d been chosen for free surgery in Abu Dhabi, he was stunned. After a grueling 22-hour journey, he arrived with Alyssa.
“From landing here, I was treated with respect. The hospitality is unmatched. Everyone, from drivers to nurses to doctors, made me feel valued,” he said.
Joshua, a former bodybuilding enthusiast, is back in the gym for rehabilitation. His postponed wedding will proceed, and he plans a UAE honeymoon next year. “I want to tell the world that losing a limb isn’t life’s end. There’s always a way back,” he stated.
Decade-long struggle ends in UAE
For Sharon Cheriyan, 33, from Kottayam, Kerala, reaching Abu Dhabi marked the end of a decade-long struggle. At 21, an accident on a bike killed his friend instantly and left Sharon with severe injuries, leading to his right leg’s amputation after nine months in hospitals.
“My family faced emotional and financial hardships. We even sold our home for my treatment,” said Sharon. “I walked with a stick for years, feeling societal rejection.”
Three years ago, he learned about osseointegration and contacted Professor Munjed, but the costs were overwhelming. Then came a life-changing email about Dr. Shamsheer’s initiative.
Accompanied by his mother and cousin, Sharon arrived in Abu Dhabi for surgery. “From day one, I felt dignified. The care and compassion were unlike anything before,” he expressed.
Today, Sharon helps run his family’s catering business in Kerala. He hopes the new prosthetic will expand his career, possibly offering opportunities in the UAE. “For too long, people saw only my disability. Now, I want to be valued for my capabilities,” he stated.
Anas Jebeihi and Joshua Arnold visit Sharon Cheriyan in the hospital.
Initiative born from courage
The 10 Journeys Initiative was inspired by Sham and Omar, two children who survived the 2022 Syrian earthquake. Their resilience laid the groundwork for supporting amputees worldwide.
Professor Munjed, having performed over 1,200 osseointegration surgeries globally since 2009, selected Anas, Joshua, and Sharon after thorough clinical evaluations. “They’re recovering well and will soon start rehabilitation with their prosthetics,” he noted.
Dr Munjed Al Muderis
“From my first meeting with Dr. Shamsher, I saw his dedication to helping others. This initiative gives young patients a chance at a brighter future,” said Professor Munjed.
The program’s committee is reviewing more cases, with additional surgeries planned in Abu Dhabi later this year.
