My name is Cara - I'm a translator in Chicago. Together with my friend and colleague Wafaa, I'm raising money to provide a motorized wheelchair or other mobility aids for Wafaa's relative. I connected with Wafaa on LinkedIn several years back and we reconnected as she was struggling to survive under Israeli bombardment. Wafaa now wants to help a beloved member of her family: Rawaa.

Rawaa began struggling to walk years ago, but doctors were unable to find the cause. Since October 2023, Rawaa's condition has severely deteriorated due to repeated forced displacement and trauma. She now suffers from partial paralysis.

Everyone in Gaza is struggling to survive this genocide, but a disability makes it even more difficult. Rawaa's wheelchair was broken, so she has no way to move around on her own. She struggles in the sweltering heat of the tent, and needs help to use the toilet. Her family desperately wants to give her what she needs, but they need our help.

Rawaa at the school shelter, where the family stayed in December 2023 to January 2024.

Here is Rawaa's story (translated from Arabic):

I am Rawaa Wael Abu Al Qumboz. I am thirty years old, from Gaza City. Before October 7, before the war, I suffered from a slight issue when walking. After that date, when we were forcibly displaced from our home and our home was destroyed, afraid of the war and the sounds of explosions all around, due to the horror I lived through, my ability to walk deteriorated. This was because we were displaced seven consecutive times, from one region to another. Because of all of that, my physical condition deteriorated. Now, I suffer from partial paralysis, and I cannot walk on my feet. It is extremely difficult for me to walk, to go to the bathroom, to go anywhere. I sit all day long in the broiling hot tent, under the sun, or in the cold of winter. I implore you and beg you to look at me with mercy, sympathy, and humanity. I beg you to help me with everything I need: expenses, treatment, food, clothing, hygiene supplies, and a motorized wheelchair - urgently - as well as safe shelter. I hope to walk on my feet normally. I live with my family of ten in very harsh conditions. My father is unable to provide even the basics due to the conditions in Gaza.

The money from this fundraiser will be transferred to my account, and from there to the Abu Al Qomboz family's account so they can use it in Gaza. We will update this page with Rawaa's condition and - hopefully soon! - what mobility aids she is able to acquire with the funds. Help bring hope to this struggling family!

Rawaa in better times

NOTE: the goal is only an estimate. We will update it when we find out the actual cost of these aids. In the unlikely event that the aids are less expensive, any excess will go toward food, water, clothing, hygiene and shelter for Rawaa.