Hello everyone, my name is Kareem Iyad Alkhodary. I’m a medical student from Gaza, and I’m writing this by a small solar powered light.

I never imagined that continuing to study medicine would become something I had to fight so hard for. But despite everything that has happened around me, I’m still studying, still trying to help my family, and still holding on to my dream of becoming a doctor

My family’s home, which my father built with his own hands over 38 years, was completely destroyed on October 10th. Today, seven of us share one small rented room, and things that used to feel ordinary, like having enough food, clean water, a safe place to sleep, and being able to afford medical care, have become daily worries.

Why I chose medicine

I’m still studying medicine despite everything around me.

During the war, I studied by candlelight and with whatever light I could find. I also completed certifications in emergency medicine and first aid.

I’ve kept going because becoming a doctor is more than a career to me. It is something I have held onto through some of the hardest years of my life.

I want to become the doctor I once wished we had

I’ve seen my own family struggle to access medical care, and I’ve seen injuries that should have been treatable become much more serious because of the circumstances here. Those experiences made me understand how much a doctor can mean to someone when they need help the most.

My family

Before our home was destroyed, I lived with my family in the Al Nasr neighborhood in western Gaza.

My father, Iyad, is 49. He spent almost 38 years working in construction and eventually built our family home himself.

My mother, Samah, is 46. She needs daily medication after undergoing surgery related to thyroid cancer, and keeping her medication available is one of our family’s ongoing expenses.

My older brother Alaa is 26 and is studying for a Master’s degree in Information Technology.

My brother Bashar is 24 and is studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology.

My sister Zeina studies nursing.

My older sister Dina and her beautiful little son, my nephew Kenan.

We are all trying to continue our lives and our education despite everything that has happened to us

What happened to our home

My father spent almost 38 years working with his own hands and building homes for other people before he finally built our own family home.

On October 10th, our home was completely destroyed.

Everything we had built and all the memories we had there were gone

At the same time, I’m trying to continue my medical education and build a future for myself.

A note from my friend Elizabeth:

Hi, I’m Elizabeth, a mom from Pennsylvania. I’m organizing this campaign on Kareem’s behalf and helping make sure the funds reach him safely. I think of Kareem as family. ❤️

He has been through so much at such a young age, especially over the last few years. What has always stood out to me is that he has continued to care about his education and his future despite everything happening around him.

I’m here to support him and help his story reach people who may be able to help.

What your support helps with

Your support helps us with:

• My medical education and study expenses

• My mother’s medication

• Rent, around $300 per month

• Food and clean water

• Essential daily needs

Our situation can change quickly, so I’ll continue sharing updates about what is happening and how the funds are being used.

How the money reaches me

Because I’m in Gaza, I can’t receive funds directly through many international platforms.

Elizabeth withdraws the donations into her US bank account and transfers the funds to me through available and verified channels, including my Bank of Palestine account or registered local exchange agents when needed

Once the funds reach me, I manage them directly

I share receipts and updates with supporters whenever possible. If you have any questions about the campaign, you can message me directly on Instagram:

@kareem_vo_dr

I’m also writing a book about ordinary life here and the small moments that rarely make it into the headlines. If you support this campaign, I’d love to send you a free copy when it’s finished as a personal thank you. ❤️

I’m not asking you to feel sorry for me.

I just want a chance to keep going.

To keep studying.

To help my family.

And one day, to put on that white coat and use everything I’ve lived through to help someone else.

If you can help, you can donate through the button above. If you can’t donate, sharing the campaign with someone else can still make a real difference.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and to stand with my family.

Kareem

Gaza City, Palestine