[IMPORTANT CALL FOR SUPPORT – PLEASE READ & SHARE]

Dear friends, colleagues, and kind-hearted supporters,

I am reaching out to you today in a very difficult moment. As many of you know, I am a full-time student originally from Morocco. Through years of hard work and dedication, I was fortunate to secure a bilateral, fully funded one-semester exchange program in the United States—an opportunity that I valued deeply, as it represented both my academic achievement and my dream of international exposure.

Unfortunately, my stay here took an unexpected turn. During a soccer game, I suffered a severe ankle injury that required urgent surgery. The surgery alone cost $33,000. While my insurance thankfully covered the majority of this expense, I am still left with a personal responsibility of $7,277.18 that I must pay out of pocket.

Additional Medical Expenses

Beyond the surgery itself, there are several unavoidable costs tied to my recovery:

Emergency room fees: approx. $800

Two pre-surgery orthopedic appointments: $500

Physical therapy & medical devices: at least $3,000 (essential for regaining mobility and preventing long-term complications)

Medications & follow-up treatments: ongoing, estimated at several hundred dollars more

Altogether, the out-of-pocket amount exceeds $12,000.

⚖️ Why this is such a heavy burden

To give perspective: in Morocco, the minimum monthly wage is about $300, and even above-average salaries rarely exceed $600. What I owe here in the U.S. represents nearly 20 months of full-time work back home. My parents, despite their love and support, are not in a position to help me financially.

Impact on my life

This injury has left me not only in pain but also emotionally and mentally drained. I had dreamed of making the most of my four months in the U.S., but instead, I find myself worried about medical bills, struggling to focus on academics, and feeling the weight of financial insecurity every day.

✨ How you can help

Donations: Any contribution, no matter how small, will bring me closer to covering these costs. Even a few dollars add up and make a real difference.

Sharing: If you cannot donate, simply sharing this message within your network can help reach people who may be able to.

Encouragement: Words of support, care, and solidarity are also deeply appreciated during this challenging time.

Your donations will be closely monitored, kept transparent, and used only for medical expenses related to the surgery and recovery. I will provide regular updates on the total raised, number of contributions, and how the funds are being used—so that everyone who supports me can see the collective impact.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read this and for considering lending a hand. What was supposed to be a joyful and enriching academic journey has become a difficult trial, but with your generosity and kindness, I believe I can get through this.