TURKEY EARTHQUAKE: HELP 2013 MEDICAL AID WORKERS

On February 6, 2023, a deadly earthquake hit SE Turkey & Northwest Syria. Today as of 2/14, more than 40,000 people are dead and the window is closing on finding survivors.

In 2013, I was there in Hatay with an iNGO and made my way to NW Syria to provide medical aid. There, I worked side by side with Dr. Mohamed, a pediatrician and friend. Without my translator, Abdullah, the help to patients would not have been possible.

I've reached some in our 2013 medical team that worked in NW Syria, checking to see who is ok and who we can locate. Some friends are safe, but have lost everything there, others we are still trying to locate.

Dr. M and I have been in communication this past week. He is safe now, however, he says, "I don't think there will be life here in South Turkey for at least 3 years. All the remaining buildings have to re-build again."

Abdullah is safe, and tells me he has lost his apartment in Hatay, but says, "so many many people are in more need than I am."

My heart has been heavy this week, but I have hope. I re-read a letter Dr. M gave me in 2013 when I was evacuated. In the letter, Dr. M wrote, "I've always had this feeling we Syrians should always stay around watching for your safety."

Dr. M and our national Syrian medical team kept us alive and safe. I am eternally grateful to him and the whole team for making sure we all made it out safely, after sarin gas was released in 2013.

I (Dr. Vivian Huang) am asking you to help support long-term efforts to help raise funds that will be transparently transferred to members of our 2013 medical NGO team. Currently, in NW Syria, it is difficult to get aid inside.

Funds raised will help affected colleagues to rebuild (i.e buy supplies, food, water, rent housing). Also, members of 2013 medical NGO team will help make funds available to the most vulnerable. Dr. M and Abdullah will work to distribute funds in the best available way.

Donation updates will be frequently shared on this campaign page.

Your support & assistance to affected members of our 2013 Syrian national medical team are vitally needed. In 2013, their tireless efforts to provide medical care to fellow Syrians under deadly conditions is a testament to their courage, compassion and resilience.

Let us work together to continue to lift them up and assist them out of this current obstacle. May the light and hope of the Earth shine on our brothers and sisters in Turkey & Syria so they may walk out of this tragedy triumphant and safe.

Any amount is kindly appreciated. Please help us spread the word.

Hope and Light,

Dr. Vivian Huang & affected Syrians of 2013 NGO Medical Team