Video Album

Ecco Food Drive

Our club provides assistance to East Cooper Community Outreach food drive.

ABC video Ammar visits Charleston

An Iraqi born youngster, Ammar, visited Charleston recently where he received, not only life saving surgery, but also the enduring love of the many American families involved in his visit. That is especially true of Steve and Cindy Peper who hosted young Ammar and his Dad, Hamad, during the trying days of the surgery and recovery.

The story began in Iraq when Major Kevin Jarrard, USMC, befriended Hamad, an Iraqi soldier himself. When told of five year old Ammar’s severe medical problem Major Jarrard found a way to help the young child with life saving surgery performed at the Medical University of South Carolina.

The long journey which brought together a unique network of caring individuals ranging from the Marine’s in Iraq to a Rotary Club in Mt Pleasant SC ultimately brought Ammar and his father to East Cooper Breakfast Rotary Club.

Our member Steve Peper who as a Marine officer, and father himself, knew immediately how to respond to this request. Steve and his wife Cindy became the host family for the visit but so much more. Hamad and Ammar had to endure the uncertainty and language barrier surrounding the open surgery to be performed in a foreign environment. Steve and Cindy provided assurance and comfort throughout and made sure their visitors were enveloped in a caring home. Ammar has now been treated by the talented staff at MUSC and is enjoying a full recovery. He is a healthy and active young boy back at home in Iraq, with many new friends in Mt Pleasant who have him, and his family, in their thoughts and prayers every day.

A special thanks to Steve and Cindy Peper for the wonderfully generous sharing of their home and hearts with Ammar and his father, an experience neither family will ever forget.