Help Save My Son Yousef

Writing these words has been one of the most daunting challenges I've ever faced. Finding the right words to convey the turmoil in my heart has felt like an insurmountable task. My name is Samer Foad, and I never anticipated finding myself in such dire circumstances.

As a Palestinian academic educator, I have always believed in the power of knowledge and education to uplift communities. But since October 7, 2023, my family and I have been grappling with the harsh realities of war. Forced to flee our city, we now find ourselves living in a tent in a refugee camp, surrounded by uncertainty and fear.

Our journey has been fraught with hardship from the very beginning. On January 17, 2022, my son Yousef was born prematurely, entering this world two months earlier than expected. His fragile health led to a 70-day battle in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where he fought against a life-threatening blood infection.

Just when we thought we had overcome that hurdle, tragedy struck once again. On May 5, 2023, Yousef was diagnosed with esophageal varices grade VI, a condition stemming from a clot in his portal vein. This has led to dangerous swelling in his veins, causing sudden and severe bleeding and leaving him vomiting blood.

In the midst of war, where medical care is scarce and infectious diseases run rampant, our situation grows more desperate by the day. The scheduled surgery that could save Yousef's life, set for October 27, 2023, was disrupted by the ongoing conflict, leaving us with no recourse.

I cannot bear the thought of losing my son to a preventable tragedy, especially when the means to save him are within reach. In the name of humanity and fatherhood, I implore you to help me evacuate Yousef from Gaza to undergo the critical surgery he so urgently needs.

In the photos attached, our once-beautiful home in Gaza lies in ruins, a stark contrast to the warmth and comfort it once provided. Yousef's room, now a memory of what it was, stands destroyed, a poignant symbol of the challenges we face daily. One particularly touching image shows Yousef, trying to blow out a fire using a plastic dish, reminiscent of our cooking rituals now adapted to life in a refugee camp.

Living in a tent has reshaped our existence, impacting Yousef profoundly. Adjusting to this new reality has been especially tough for him. The uncertainty, the loss, and the hardship of makeshift living weigh heavily on his young shoulders. These images tell a story of resilience amidst adversity, illustrating the harsh realities faced by families like ours in Gaza.

This photos capture the stark contrast between Yousef's birthday celebrations last year and this year's stark reality. Last year, we gathered joyously, surrounded by loved ones, celebrating with laughter and cake. This year, amidst the devastation of war, Yousef couldn't mark his second birthday. Living in a tent has stripped away our ability to provide even the simplest joys. These images speak volumes about the abrupt loss of normalcy and childhood innocence. They reflect the harsh impact of conflict on a child's life, highlighting the urgent need for change and hope for a better future.

Hence, with the help of my brother Kamel, I started this fundraising campaign to facilitate Yusuf's evacuation from Gaza to Egypt for necessary treatment.

Expense Details :

Rafah/Egypt Crossing: $5000 per adult (total $10000)

Rafah/Egypt Crossing: $2500 per child (total $2500 for yourself)

Expenses of treatment :

● 500 dollars for one gastrometer

(Total: $3,000 for six gastrometers)

● 250$ for ultrasound

(Total: $1500 for six ultrasounds.)

●100 dollars for Laboratory analysis

( total of $600 for six months)

Minimum living costs: $700 per month (total of $4200 for six months)

Together, we can give Yousef the fighting chance he deserves and bring hope to a family torn apart by war.

With heartfelt gratitude,