Dear Friends of Artist Tibebe Terffa

I am sure you might have met the renowned Ethiopian artist Tibebe Terffa or seen his very imaginative and creative art works and sketches in several of his exhibits around the World. Tibebe is a very cheerful, gregarious and selfless person full of zeal and energy for work. Sometime at the end of last year he was diagnosed with a very serious heart problem, which was considered to be fatal if not treated at the earliest possible time. He was encouraged and assisted by friends and family members to come aboard for further examination and treatment. After further analysis both in Canada and the United States he was considered to be at a very critical terminal stage unless he was operated immediately.

The prominent Ethiopian cardiac surgeon Dr. Ingida Asfaw, assisted by his gifted associates, had operated on Tibebe on January 18, 2003 in Detroit, MI. Thanks to Lord Almighty the operation was considered to be very successful and he was discharged from the hospital on February 6, 2003. At the present time he is staying with his kindhearted niece and her jovial spouse to recuperate and be near the Hospital for periodic check up and observation. He is recovering at a good pace and continues to take his medication and follow up regime of exercise to gain back his energy and fitness. He is expected to stay in the Detroit area for some four to five weeks, depending on his recovery and development.

Tibebe whose passion for art is so immense is always willing and eager to share his talent with the youth and exhibit his unique abstract art and sketch works for the pleasure of those who have the knack for art and others that cherish the expression of imaginative artists. His prime and eternal devotion in life however remains to be his two daughters. After the untimely death of his loving spouse he continues to be committed to the well being and upbringing of his lovely young daughters so that they would grow up to be responsible members of the community and lead a good and very fruitful life of their own. Tibebe owes the remaining years of his life to God, Dr. Asfaw and his associates for their benevolent medical treatment, friends and family members who assisted in any way possible and him for his courage and love of life.

A Fund is being established in Tibebe Terffa’s name. The proceeds from the fund will be used to settle some outstanding bills for the treatment and medication. The balance shall be contributed to the Cardiology Department of the Hospital to express Tibebe’s gratitude to Dr. Asfaw and his associates for the compassionate treatment he had received. It is hoped that the small gesture on behalf of Tibebe could supplement in a small way to the treatment of those in need. Thus the purpose of this message is to kindly ask friends and other caring generous people for contribution to the "TIBEBE TERFFA FUND". All contributions could be made in the name of "TIBEBE TERFFA FUND" and mailed at the following address:

Tibebe Terffa

c/o Konjit Abebe

1928 Squirrel Valley Dr.

Bloomfield Hills MI 48304-1164

Tibebe could be reached at (248) 299-5496 by phone or Kbitew@aol.com by e-mail. In the mean time you take care and God bless.

Thank you,

Teferra Hailu

A family member of Tibebe Terffa

(301) 590-2742

yeharar@msn.com

[Submitted by Teferra Hailu: yeharar@msn.com]