Humble foster father only takes in terminally Ill children so they’re not alone

(Educate Inspire Change) Mohamed Bzeek is an everyday man and foster father, based in Los Angeles who has embarked on a path less traveled. In an inspiring interview, he shares his story and the inspiration behind why he fosters and takes care of sickly adolescents. When terminally ill children are abandoned or put up for adoption, they are left to face the hardship of their sickness alone. Without a caring figure or secure home, Mohamed fulfills these important needs for those who are not promised an average life.

Foster father for terminally ill children

“I always talk with my kids. Doesn’t matter if blind or deaf, I always talk to them because I believe they’re human being, they have a soul, they have feelings.” Mohamed shares.

In 20 years, Mohamed has cared for up to 80 children in his home. He believes in providing a space where they feel they have a family—brothers, sisters, and a caregiver. Within this period, 10 children have passed away as a result of their illnesses.

According to the Los Angeles Times, of the 35,000 children monitored by the county’s Department of Children and Family Services, there are about 600 children at any given time who fall under the care of the department’s Medical Case Management Services, which serves those with the most severe medical needs, said Rosella Yousef, an assistant regional administrator for the unit.

So, there is definitely a large need for childcare—especially those who fall to severe illnesses. When a terminally ill child comes into the system Mohamed is the first to get the call. He is often the only person who will take them in. For most, it is hard to accept a child into their home knowing they’re not likely to make it to adulthood.

Mohamed understands death is an important part of life

“I know they are sick. I know they are going to die,” he told the Los Angeles Times. “I do my best as a human being and leave the rest to God.”

Having battled colon cancer, dealing with doctors and treatment by himself, Mohamed recalls how petrified he felt not having any family or a support system by his side.

“I was so scared. I felt what the kids felt,” Mohamed admits. His experiences provided him with a seasoned appreciation that death is what makes life. He is not afraid, for fear is the opposite of love.

Mohamed inspires others while leaving a legacy

After reading Mohamed’s story in the Los Angeles Times, a woman named Margaret Cotts started a GoFund Me to raise funds and support this mission. In total, $640,342 has been donated to go toward things like air conditioning, education, and repairs.

“His family members in Libya had created an organization to take care of Libyan orphans, and so far they had served over 600 orphans,” Margaret shares on the GoFund page.

Mohamed has also been rewarded by the Turkish department of religious affairs with the prestigious International Benevolence Award given to people for great acts of kindness.

While he has gained recognition and inspired others to follow in his footsteps, the children under his care are the true winners.

Source: Educate inspire change

You may also like:

5 ways white parents can empower their adopted child of color to fight racism

Teach your children | Playing For Change Band | Live in Brazil