Omar and Laila Barrada are Winners at 2008 KIDS WITH HEART
Thursday, February 21, 2008

Instead of asking for gifts on their birthdays, Omar and Laila Barrada ask for donations for cancer research. They were two of many kids recognized at the first annual Kids With Heart event on February 16, 2008 at the Waterfront’s Dave & Buster’s. Omar and Laila’s donations have benefited Magee-Womens Foundation and other organizations that fund cancer research.

Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC’s mascot, Maggie the Stork, made an appearance and awarded Omar and Laila #1 medals to wear around their necks, and a bag of Magee-related apparel, as well as other promotional items. According to their mother, Tammie, the medallions are already hanging up in their bedrooms, the t-shirts have been slept in, and the teddy bears are kept in the car to provide comfort when running their daily errands.

“It was an exhilarating day full of pride and joy to see Omar and Laila being honored for something we all hold very dear to our hearts... finding a cure for cancer so that children can grow up with both parents there to bandage those scrapped knees, teach them about unconditional love, and to hold them and tell them how wonderful they are,” said Tammie Aaron-Barrada, mother of Omar and Laila.

Picture: Omar, Tammie, and Laila pose with Maggie the stork while showcasing their certificates for their hard-earned efforts in raising money to find a cure for cancer.

Tammie’s husband succumbed to cancer when Omar and Laila were toddlers. Ever since then, the Barrada family has dedicated a lot of time and effort in raising funds for cancer research.

“I saw other kids helping God's work here on earth,” stated Omar Barrada, age 10.
 
“It was nice to see good things instead of bad things in the news,” said Laila Barrada, age 8.
 
“With so much tragic news in the headlines, their heartwarming stories brought a wonderful reminder of hope to the awards ceremony,” said Bethel Coe, Marketing Coordinator at The Waterfront. Several organizations were present to help with the award presentations, such as Magee-Womens Foundation, Girl Scouts, Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh, Clelian Heights School for Exceptional Children, and Healthy Teens Inc., along with many family and friends of the winners.  

Prizes included a $500 donation to the charity of the grand-prize winner’s choice and 10 Waterfront shopping sprees worth $100 each.

Back To Top