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December 2, 2008 11:52:47 AM CST

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Soldier Saves Disabled Iraqi Youngster

Posted Dec 23, 07 10:00 PM CST in World,  US 

(Newser) – Ala Eddeen was destined for a miserable, perhaps short life. Born with cerebral palsy, the 9-year-old orphan was on his way to an institution where at best "he would stare at a blank wall for the rest of his life," says Scott Southworth, a US military officer who managed against all odds—Iraqi law prohibits foreigners from adopting Iraqi children—to adopt and bring Ala home to Wisconsin.

It took years, the AP reports. First Southworth got permission to bring Ala stateside for medical treatment. Then he campaigned to get Ala "humanitarian parole," lining up everyone from a nun who cared for Ala in Iraq to Wisconsin's lieutenant governor. Southworth and Ala made it home in January, 2005. Last June 4, Ala officially became Southworth's son.

Source Associated Press

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Scott Southworth, right, is seen with his adopted son, Ala, July 19, 2007, in the home in Mauston, Wis. Southworth first met Ala, who has cerebral palsy, at the Mother Teresa orphanage in Baghdad in...   (Associated Press)
Scott Southworth helps his adopted son Ala with some dinner, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007, in their home in Mauston, Wis. Southworth first met Ala, who has cerebral palsy, at the Mother Teresa orphanage in...   (Associated Press)
Scott Southworth pushes his adopted son Ala into their living room, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007, in the home in Mauston, Wis. Southworth first met Ala, who has cerebral palsy, at the Mother Teresa orphanage...   (Associated Press)
Scott Southworth preys with adopted son Ala at bedtime, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007, in their home in Mauston, Wis. Southworth first met Ala, who has cerebral palsy, at the Mother Teresa orphanage in Baghdad...   (Associated Press)
Scott Southworth and his adopted son Ala are seen, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007, in their home in Mauston, Wis. Southworth first met Ala, who has cerebral palsy, at the Mother Teresa orphanage in Baghdad in...   (Associated Press)
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