Orland Park Mom Dies After Giving Birth To Twins

ORLAND PARK, IL — An Orland Park mother of five died at a young age last week after giving birth to twin daughters. Manel Elkayyal-Salah developed a rare disease called acute fatty liver of pregnancy and died on July 11 following complications related to giving birth to the twins. An online fundraiser to build a well in her honor and help the father of her children has nearly reached its $50,000 goal.

“Manel was my best friend,” said Lana Jalouga Hassad, who met Manel when the two were on the same bus while attending elementary school together at Liberty School in Orland Park. “She was the kindest, pure-hearted person.”

Manel’s husband, Mutaz, was by her side for six weeks in the hospital. But after refusing to leave her side during her struggle, Mutaz is now left to care for the couple’s five children. All are younger than 8 years old.

“The funds will be used to help alleviate the financial burden faced by the family,” according to a LaunchGood fundraising page sponsored by the Muslim Community of the greater Chicagoland area. “May your donations allow Mutaz to focus on his most important job of being a father for years to come.”

So far, 620 supporters have raised $48,492 of a $50,000 goal as of 5:20 p.m. on Wednesday.

Manel lived in Orland Park for more than 20 years, having graduated from Sandburg High School in 2001 and starting a family in the village. Her parents, siblings and extended family are also in Orland, according to Hassad.

She died “performing one of the most ancient acts of worship, helping to give life; and in doing so, Allah (SWT) brought her home,” the fundraising page states.

Photo provided