Hello,
My name is Nour Adwan, and I am 26 years old, and I live in Palestine, specifically in the Gaza Strip. I write to you today with a heart full of hope despite all the pain and difficult circumstances my family and I are facing. I graduated from the College of Engineering with a degree in Computer Systems Engineering, earning an excellent GPA and ranking first in my class. I worked in iOS application development and pursued my passions in areas such as programming and drawing, like any girl striving to achieve her dreams in this world.
- My husband and I were working as freelancers on the Freelancer platform, offering our skills and services in various fields. the link is: https://www.freelancer.com/u/NoorAlHudaAdwan?frm=NoorAlHudaAdwan&sb=t However, due to the ongoing situation in Gaza, we lost access to our work because of electricity and internet outages. Despite this, we are constantly seeking ways to support our family and provide the necessary care for our son.
- I married Amjad Abu Al-Jdayan, who is also a Computer Systems Engineer working in iOS application development and serving as a teaching assistant at a university college. Together, and after much effort and hardship, we managed to build our beautiful home, despite the challenging circumstances faced by youth in Gaza. Through our determination and hard work, we were able to create a life filled with hope and beauty, overcoming all the obstacles in our way.
- One month before the war broke out, we were blessed with our first child, whom we named Mohammed. Our joy was indescribable as he came into our lives to fill them with happiness. However, the doctor informed us that Mohammed might be a child with Down syndrome. We searched for a lab capable of conducting the necessary tests and found that the Islamic University lab was the only one available. After a month of waiting, just a few days before the war began, we received the results confirming that Mohammed is indeed a child with Down syndrome—what we like to call “a child of happiness.” We accepted this news with faith and gratitude, and I prayed to God to grant me the strength and ability to provide Mohammed with a dignified life and to help him develop his potential so he can live happily and thrive, just as he deserves.
- Then the war broke out, and I lost my job as a freelancer, while my husband also lost his position as a teaching assistant and his freelance work due to the lack of electricity and internet. All our sources of income disappeared, and we were forced to move from one area to another multiple times. Our home was completely destroyed, and our lives were shattered, leaving us to live in tents that offer no protection from the scorching summer heat or the bitter winter cold. Life has become unbearably difficult, with no source of income amidst skyrocketing prices. Adding to the challenge are the special needs of our son, Mohammed, who requires constant care as a child with Down syndrome. He needs physical therapy sessions and developmental support, but when we approached UNRWA centers, they told us they only cater to war-related injuries. Mohammed’s case was sidelined because the facilities are barely sufficient to serve war victims. I tried to find private centers to treat Mohammed at our own expense, but the costs are prohibitively high, and we can’t afford them. Now, Mohammed is about a year and a half old, but he still can’t stand. Despite all of this, I have not given up—neither I nor Mohammed. We hold on to hope and continue to fight for a better life for him.
I am seeking this support to provide for my family’s basic needs under these difficult circumstances, and to provide physical therapy for my son Mohammed. The prices of essential items have skyrocketed, which increases our suffering. For example, I had to use adult diapers for Mohammed and cut them to fit him, yet they are still very expensive. Similarly, the cost of milk and appropriate food for Mohammed, who requires special nutrition, is extremely high, and we are unable to provide him with everything he needs consistently.
Details of the requested support:
1. Basic needs:
• Providing milk and suitable food for Mohammed, especially since his dietary needs require special products.
• Purchasing appropriate diapers for Mohammed on an ongoing basis, as he needs a specific type.
2. Physical therapy for Mohammed:
• The cost of physical therapy sessions for Mohammed is high and requires continuous monthly coverage.
3. Travel expenses and leaving Gaza to establish a new life:
• Passport fees: $1000 for three people.
• Coordination fees through the Rafah border crossing:
• 5000 USD for an adult.
• 2500 USD for a child under 16 years old.
• The total coordination cost for my small family (two adults and one child) amounts to 12,500 USD.
We aim to leave Gaza and establish a better life abroad, as life in Gaza has become extremely difficult due to the lack of infrastructure, electricity, and internet, as well as the shortage of hospitals and schools. We want to provide Mohammed with a dignified life and opportunities for growth and development.
Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a huge difference for us. We sincerely thank you for your support.
Organizer and beneficiary
Sara Hamad
Beneficiary