r. Tarif Bakdash was born in 1965 in Damascus, Syria. Dr. Bakdash left Syria for the United States. In 2001, President Assad invited Dr. Bakdash back to Syria to teach at the University of Damascus, While teaching at the University of Damascus. In 2004, he served as the Academic Coordinator for the World Health Organization of the United Nations in Damascus. From 2007 to 2010, he was the Services Director and later the National Plan Director for the Syrian Organization for the Disabled (AAMAL), working closely with the First Lady of Syria, Asma al-Assad a collaboration that led to his government appointment as the first Secretary General for the Disabled in Syria. Dr. Bakdash left Syria in 2010 to work as a pediatric neurologist at St. Vincent s Hospital in Billings, Montana. From 2010 to 2012, he worked as the medical director of child neurology at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri from 2012-2014. In October, 2014 (after the completing the first draft of this book), he became an Associate Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin and the Children s Hospital of Wisconsin. Dr. Bakdash hopes to use his memomemoir to begin an ethical discussion to help change the deadly cycle of dictatorship, religious intolerance, and war that have defined Syria and the world, that values tolerance over intolerance, democracy over abuse of power, and peace over war.

Dr Bakdash is a pediatric neurologist who worked with Syrian children in our clinic at the Za’atari Refugee Camp in Jordan. He used his education, skills, and knowledge to help young Syrians who had lost everything—everything, that is, except hope. His warmth, drive, dedication, and humble manner were exceptional. He put a smile on every face. —Dr MK Hamza, Syrian American Medical Society, Lamar University

In a world that lacks compassion you will find that Dr Bak-dash is a rare treasure that goes above and beyond for all with a compassionate and warm heart. His selfless acts for humanity inspire me to be a better person. Not only did I find a great doctor for my child but a true friend as well. —Alicia, Milwaukee

In 2015, Dr Bakdash received the Standing Ovation Award from the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. At the time I was a young Mom raising my two year old son when he was diagnosed with a significant disorder. I was afraid of what was to come and felt alone in this journey. This is how I met Dr Bakdash and from that day, my life was blessed with a new friend. Sometimes in this world we get the chance to meet great people that change our lives. Dr Bakdash started a non-profit organization named KODI, to help parents of children that had been affected by neurological disorders and diseases. I was asked to be a board member of this group and help other families that were going through similar situations as mine. The kindness, support and love Tarif showed to these families has made a tremendous impact on their lives as well as mine. —Brynn, Grand Junction, Colorado

When my daughter started experiencing symptoms that no one could explain, I went to our local hospital where I met Dr Bakdash. He presented himself with a gentle handshake as though he was just an ordinary man. Still, I sensed that he was a man of great knowledge. Dr Bakdash spoke with amazing supportive eloquence. Surrounding him was an aura of peace and calmness. My daughter’s anxiety about the visit melted. Dr Bakdash spent time with us to answer all of our questions. He insured that, before we left his office, we were comfortable with what he believed was going on and what was going to happen next. His willingness to connect with us on a personal level made us feel as though we were part of a family that he truly deeply cared about us as people. Dr Bakdash admired my daughter’s artwork as she comfortably drew in his office. He made her feel as if we were not in a hospital at all. He proudly thanked her for the gift of her drawing. My daughter pleasantly whispered in my ear, “Is Dr Bakdash An Angel?” I proudly smiled back and whispered, “I absolutely think so!” Dr Bakdash has given us an impression of the medical field that will stay with us for rest of our lives. —Andrea, East Troy, Wisconsin