Y will host fun-raising event for 10-year-old boy facing several health challenges

Ahmed has put on weight, made progress in past year

Provided photos: (Left) Ahmed Cherif, left, and his friend Basheer, son of World Life Institute volunteer Noori Bibi, spend time in a local park. (Right) Ahmed Cherif, a 10-year-old boy from Tunisia, is shown at a benefit for him last year at the Orleans County YMCA. A second “fun”raiser is scheduled there on Sept. 13, organized by the World Life Institute’s Project Life.

MEDINA – World Life Institute’s Project Life has planned a second “Fun”raiser in support of a young boy from Tunisia who is being treated in Western New York for a multitude of health problems.

The Family “Fun”raiser in continued support of 10-year-old Ahmed Cherif is scheduled Sept. 13 at the Orleans County YMCA, 306 Pearl St.

The event, from 1 to 5 p.m., will feature face painting, sit and paint, a bake sale, henna art, international food, a bargain boutique and more, according to Linda Redfield Shakoor, deputy director of Project Life.

Ahmed was born with a club foot and left facial paralysis. He is non-verbal and developmentally delayed. He suffers from allergies and digestive ailments. Growth delays mean he is shorter and weighs much less than typical children his age.

Ahmed Cherif sits on a seat of a Christmas display at Bent’s Opera House during last year’s holiday season.

He and his mother came to the United States in early 2023, seeking medical care that was unavailable in his home country of Tunisia. Since arriving here, Project Life has been supporting them.

“Our ongoing fundraising efforts are focused on raising the funds that are needed to improve all aspects of Ahmed’s quality of life,” Shakoor said.

Since arriving in Western New York, Ahmed has been assessed by many medical specialists and has undergone an array of tests and treatments. It has been determined his difficulties cannot be defined as a single condition or even one isolated syndrome.

In the 12-month period from August 2024 to July 2025 he has seen 25 doctors representing 15 different specialties. His mother has learned his short stature and low weight are caused by rumination syndrome, a digestive condition that makes it very difficult to retain food, leading to malnourishment. Since medications and dietary changes have been implemented, Ahmed has gained 20 pounds and has grown 4 1/2 inches.

In 2024, he went to the dentist for the first time in his life. He had to have his teeth repaired and, in some cases, extracted due to his partial facial paralysis. He is being treated for his allergies and asthma that often prevent him from getting a good night’s sleep.

Overall, Ahmed is much better, said Shakoor. He no longer wears leg braces, and he has grown taller and gained weight. His comprehension in English is better, according to Aspire school in Buffalo. He still does not sleep through the night and cannot speak. He remains under the care of Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong and receives medical care from numerous doctors.

He clearly has made progress, Shakoor said. Ahmed and his mom will be at the fundraiser, and although his mother’s English is improving, she will be accompanied by a French translator, Marie Delobbe Scott.

The community is encouraged to come and meet Ahmed and his mother and support World Life Institute’s efforts in restoring the little boy to better health and a normal life.