Setayesh is a student at UC Irvine working toward her PhD in Physics. On Friday, February 13, she was struck by a car while walking in a crosswalk. What should have been an ordinary trip to the gym became a traumatic accident that has disrupted her health, research, and financial stability.

For the past three months, Setayesh has been navigating medical appointments, procedures, return trips to the ER, physical therapy, and insurance challenges. She continues to experience physical and emotional pain in the aftermath of the accident.

On top of this struggle, she is now dealing with significant financial strain. In Setayesh’s words:

“my research isn’t just my passion—it’s my livelihood and my only source of income. Being forced to step away from my studies has not only stalled my academic progress but has completely stripped away the financial stability I depend on to survive.”

Setayesh does not have a financial safety net to fall back on. This accident has created a serious burden at exactly the moment when she needs to focus on healing.

We are raising money to help cover her immediate and near-term recovery needs:

$3,500 to help replace lost salary due to her medical leave.

$4,000 for medical expenses, copays, deductibles, physical therapy, and out-of-pocket care

$3,000 for anticipated future recovery expenses, transportation to appointments, and basic living costs while she continues healing

This fundraiser is being organized with Setayesh’s permission by her PhD advisor. The goal is to give her financial breathing room so she can continue treatment, focus on recovery, and gradually return to her research and academic life.

Setayesh: “Your contribution allows me to access these crucial treatments immediately, rather than delaying my healing because of financial barriers. Whether you can make a donation, share this link with your community, or simply take the time to read my story—every single action helps me rebuild. Thank you for your kindness and compassion.”

Thank you for supporting Setayesh during this difficult time.