Help Marwa and her family evacuate to Canada from Gaza

Hi. My name is Kirsten. I am a 5th generation Canadian farmer, Mom of two musical teens, a writer and photographer. I am helping my incredible friend Marwa raise the necessary funds to relocate herself and 12 family members to Canada from Gaza.

As I'm sure you know, Gaza is under heavy bombardment and evacuation has become the only hope that people have to survive and start their lives over again. Marwa is a 21 year old 4th year medical student with huge dreams and ambition. In December she was interviewed by Unicef spokesperson James Elder and featured by Unicef on their social media. She is fluent in English and well spoken with a heart of gold, and she, along with her family of healthcare professionals and engineers, as well as two babies, just want to live. Right now she is doing her surgical rotations in Al Awda hospital in Nuseirat (the site of the June 8th massacre that killed over 276 people and injured more than 700). Can you imagine? At 21 years old, she has seen more trauma and suffering than any one person ought. Still, she is a beacon of hope.

You can find her here: Marwa's Instagram and her Interview with James Elder here: Unicef Interview

I invite you to be a part of Marwa's journey to Canada by contributing to this Gofundme. While she has raised the funds to cover the fees for the border crossing out of Gaza (currently $5000USD/head) there is still an uphill climb to go. This pool of funding will aim to cover living expenses in Egypt while they sort out their Canadian VISAS, airfare for 13 people from Egypt to Edmonton and the costs associated with getting settled in Canada. They are literally leaving Gaza with just the clothes on their backs, and our support is their lifeline to survival.

I know that Marwa will do big things with her life. She is dedicated to service, to her family, to Community...and most especially to the children. Continuing her studies in medicine is hugely important to her. Who knows, maybe one day she will be your surgeon and save your life.

Stay tuned for updates from Marwa who will be sharing her story along the way. We will be transparent with the costs incurred and use of funds through this entire process.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for even the smallest donation. It takes a village and you are a part of ours.