Tia would like a chance to live in peace - A story from Gaza

Tia would like a chance to live in peace

Hello, I'm Saja from Gaza, a new mother to a six-month-old baby girl, and I had to create this campaign in an attempt to flee from the war and death that surrounds us.

I am writing to express my fear for my daughter, as I was filled with immense happiness when I discovered I was pregnant with her. The anticipation of our family growing and the joy of becoming a mother were overwhelming and I was looking forward to experiencing the most precious moments with her.

However, my experience turned out to be much more challenging. It happened in the ninth month of my pregnancy when our house was bombed. I was inside at that time, and suddenly everything became dark and filled with smoke from the explosion. For many moments, I believed my child and I were dead until the Civil Defense finally reached me and rescued me from the rubble. At that moment, I could only think of my fear of losing my baby after carrying her for 9 months. There was only a little time left for me to meet her. When they transported me in an ambulance, I cried profusely, believing I had lost my baby girl due to the debris, shattered glass, and toxic remnants from the missile. I arrived at the hospital, injured, where I received prompt treatment and care amidst the large number of casualties in the emergency room.

Afterward, we had to move forcibly from my home to another governorate to avoid death. I was in the final stages of my pregnancy and felt extremely scared to give birth to my daughter under those circumstances.

My due date arrived while we were enduring a difficult war. In the middle of the night, I went into labor but couldn't find an ambulance due to the unfavorable conditions caused by the war. Despite the challenges, I managed to walk a long way to reach the distant hospital. Little did I know that my struggles would continue after giving birth. I endured the most excruciating pain imaginable as I delivered my baby under very primitive conditions, limited by the lack of adequate resources.

Due to the challenging birth, I had to undergo a surgical procedure with no anesthesia due to the unavailability of anesthesia during the war. Additionally, the stitching process was also carried out without anesthesia. The intense pain I experienced harmed my psychological state, leaving me unable to communicate effectively due to the shock of childbirth. Later on, it was revealed that the doctor who performed the surgery did not adequately fulfill their duties, resulting in severe complications that required further surgical intervention.

What I experienced was extremely difficult. While giving birth to my daughter at the hospital, the bombing was not confined to a particular area, causing me to briefly believe that we may not survive this time. How can a child's life begin in a city filled with death? Truly, there are no words to express.

My daughter arrived in the sorrowful city of Gaza, a place filled with death, sadness, and destruction. It is a city where mothers shed tears and fathers carry sadness. Unfortunately, my struggles did not end there. Following the birth of my daughter, my psychological state deteriorated due to the pain, exhaustion, and fear I endured. I found it difficult to speak or accept my new role as a mother while living through the terrifying realities of war. The war has robbed my daughter of the necessities and rights she deserves. Regrettably, essential items like diapers and formula are unavailable in the market. Moreover, with the arrival of winter, finding suitable clothing for her has become a challenge. As a result, I had to sew clothes for her using my garments to keep her warm and protected from illness in the cold weather.

What is worse and more difficult than all of what I mentioned is the absence of vaccinations for her. Within the country, the lack of vaccinations prevented me from protecting her from deadly diseases. The inadequate healthcare and living conditions led to children dying from hunger, cold, and the spread of chronic diseases like hepatitis C. Additionally, I discovered that my daughter has a chest allergy and urgently requires treatment. As a mother, I implore you to assist me in safeguarding and treating my daughter. I am seeking to raise $20,000 to immigrate to Canada, where she can have a new life filled with suitable living conditions for a child. I lost my home, workplace, and my family's home during the war. Despite having worked as a translator and content writer for multiple advertising companies, the destruction of my workplace and the loss of communication and internet severed my employment. I am left with nothing – no money, no home, and no job. However, I hold onto hope that you will aid me in escaping the death and fear we have experienced.

No matter how little the amount may seem, it will have a significant impact on baby Tia, who needs your assistance.

I appreciate all of you for your support.