Supporting Emine Yilmaz: Resilience, Recovery, and Creativity (March 14th, 2026)
Nearly three years ago, my life changed in an instant after a tragic incident on the New York City subway that left me paralyzed with a severe spinal cord injury.
When I woke up in the ICU after surgery, I had a feeding tube in my mouth and could barely move. Doctors later told me that my neck had been broken at the C4–C5 level and that I had undergone 14 hours of surgery to stabilize my spine. In that moment, everything about my life felt uncertain.
Before my injury, I worked as an artist and graphic designer, and creativity has always been at the center of my life.
The first year after my injury was incredibly difficult. With the care of my mother and sister, the support of friends, and a lot of determination, I slowly began the long process of recovery.
Over the past three years, through rehabilitation and several operations, I have reached meaningful milestones. Today I can use a computer again, return to my art, and manage small but important daily tasks like eating with one hand and brushing my teeth. Each of these steps represents many hours of therapy, patience, and hard work.
The support I have received from this community has made a real difference in my life. Donations have helped cover essential expenses, including rent, groceries, medical needs, and adaptive tools that make daily life more accessible and independent.
Recovery from a spinal cord injury is a long journey. With continued support, I hope to keep moving forward with rehabilitation while creating a stable and accessible living environment that supports my independence and allows me to continue my creative work.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
— Emine
How You Can Support Emine
Donate
Your contribution directly supports Emine’s continued recovery, adaptive needs, and daily living expenses.
Share
Sharing Emine’s story helps expand the circle of support around her.
Encourage
Messages of encouragement and kindness continue to mean the world to Emine and those close to her.
Discover Emine’s Artistic World
See how Emine's art has changed. The image on the top, titled 'Self-portrait in pandemic' is one of her art pieces from before the attack. The image below, titled 'My Emotional Support' is from after, reflecting her art now.
You can explore the rest of Emine’s artwork here:
Follow Emine’s Journey
Instagram
Emine will also begin sharing more of her journey through her social media channels in the near future. Please consider following her accounts to stay connected with her story and creative work.
In the coming months, Emine also hopes to personally reach out and express her gratitude to the many people who have supported her along the way.
Your support is more than a donation. It is a reminder that Emine is surrounded by a community that believes in her strength, creativity, and future.
Thank you for standing with Emine.
News Coverage
The New York Times (March 16, 2026)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/15/nyregion/subway-artist-recovery-trial.html?unlocked_article_code=1.TVA.v8j_.MuzRUPiweD1z&smid=nytcore-ios-share
The New York Times
NBC News
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/artist-instantly-paralyzed-shoved-moving-subway-train-new-york-prosecu-rcna86160
The Independent
https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/kamal-semrade-subway-nyc-attack-b2344481.html
New York Daily News