BreatheAgain...Because Dreams Never Die! (Gaza)

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My Story with "Breathe Deep"

I am Rania Al-Daour, a Palestinian woman from Gaza, who has lived and coped with the daily challenges imposed by life in this place. Amid the psychological pressures and difficult events I have witnessed, I felt that many women around me were suffering in silence. There was an urgent need to create a safe space that allows them to express themselves, vent their feelings, and regain their strength.

When I began teaching women and children how to ride bikes, I realized that I was helping them with more than just acquiring a new skill. I was helping them reconnect with themselves and reminding them that they deserve happiness and relaxation in their lives.

Breathe Again | Because Dreams Never Die!

Thus, the idea of Breathe Deep was born—an initiative that became a refuge for many. Since its establishment on April 28, 2021, my goal has been clear: to provide women and children with the opportunity to practice cycling in a safe and welcoming environment.

I started Pink Bike Gaza with just 10 bicycles, fueled by a dream to empower women and children through cycling. Step by step, that dream grew, and despite all challenges, we expanded to 40 bicycles, bringing joy, freedom, and strength to thousands.

But war took everything away… Every bicycle was stolen, every dream was shattered.

Yet, I refuse to let this be the end of our journey. Cycling is not just a sport; it is a way to release negative energy, build confidence, and enhance mental well-being.

The devastation did not stop with the theft of the bicycles and the destruction of my project. The flames of war reached my home as well—it was bombed and burned to the ground, leaving my husband and me without shelter or work. With the ongoing siege and famine gripping Gaza, we have become like skeletons, struggling each day to find enough food to survive. We need nourishment simply to regain the strength to face this harsh life.

Today, I kindly ask for the support and assistance of the public to help me rebuild this project anew. Every donation, no matter how small, will help me provide the necessary bicycles and revive this initiative that carries so much hope and change.

Breathe Deep is not just an initiative; it is a movement aimed at changing the perception of mental health in our community and a call for every woman and child to breathe deeply and regain their confidence.

Every time we ride our bikes, we transcend the limits of hardships, create moments of joy, and prove that life can be brighter even in the darkest circumstances.

Note: The funds will be sent to the account of my uncle Ahmed Al-Aklouk, who lives in Spain. My uncle then transfers the money directly to me in Gaza on a regular basis. Every $5 makes a difference.

Even if you cannot donate, you can help by sharing the link with your friends who may be able to contribute and who believe in my story — a success story that was taken from me.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my story, for your compassion toward us in Gaza, and for your kind and caring hearts. May God protect you from all harm. Ameen.

"These links discuss the initiative as an ambitious, first-of-its-kind project, which was featured in newspapers and news outlets because it was considered unprecedented and innovative in the Gaza Strip."

1. Al-Haya Newspaper – Detailed report on the launch of the initiative:

https://www.alhaya.ps/ar/Article/113862

Title in English: “Breathe Deeply: The First Outdoor Sports Project for Women in Gaza”

2. Sawa News Agency – Media coverage of the project:

https://palsawa.com/post/301791

Title in English: “Exclusive: ‘Breathe Deeply’ – A Women-Only Project Launches in Gaza”

3. Facebook – Palestinian Cycling Federation, Gaza – Posts and project updates:

https://da-dk.facebook.com/groups/768811539959612/

Title in English: “Palestinian Cycling Federation – Gaza”

4. Facebook – ‘Together for Healthy Lives for Women in Gaza’ Page – Participation invitation:

https://www.facebook.com/rthabit/posts/590832493073265/

Title in English: “‘Together for Healthy Lives for Women in Gaza’ #BreatheDeeplyPinkBike”