My name is Oday Alhourani, and I am a doctor on the frontlines of the war-torn streets of Gaza. Every day brings new wounds to mend, and new lives to save. I am determined to use everything in my power to seize each day as an opportunity to defy the odds and pave a path towards a brighter future for my people in Gaza.

Three months ago, a 5-year-old child named Ali, with innocence in his eyes, posed a question that shattered my soul: "How long until my legs grow back, ya doctor?" his young voice tinged with hope and confusion. Ali had just undergone the agonizing ordeal of bilateral lower limb amputation, a casualty of war's brutality. His question echoed in the depths of my being, igniting a fierce determination within me. I swore then and there to devote my life to ensure that fewer children in Gaza would endure the fate that had befallen Ali.

In Rafah, where the threat of evacuation looms ominously, I remain steadfast in my mission to provide healthcare. Rafah, with its current population of over a million and a half people, constitutes more than half of Gaza's inhabitants, relying on a single hospital for medical assistance. Since last October, I have been working in the emergency department and the orthopedic emergency department in this hospital, tending to the needs of over a hundred patients each day.

One particular night stands out vividly in my memory from last week—a night when our hospital was flooded with casualties from both Rafah and Khanyounis cities because hospitals in Khanyounis became out of service. As the sole doctor in the orthopedic emergency department that night, I found myself confronted with a staggering caseload of critical patients. Among them were 15 individuals in dire condition, two requiring urgent amputations, and others afflicted with multiple fractures, exposed bones, tendon ruptures, and dislocations. Every moment was precious, every decision critical, as I raced against time to stabilize, treat, and save lives. From performing chest intubations to improvising with scarce resources, the urgency of the situation left no room for hesitation.

My journey towards becoming an orthopedic surgeon started in the crucible of adversity. While studying medicine at Alexandria University in Egypt, the reports of amputations occurring in my homeland during the march of return struck me deeply. One moment in particular stands out: a phone call with my friend Ahmed, who tearfully recounted the loss of his leg earlier that day. It was a stark reminder of the urgent need for skilled medical professionals in Gaza.

From that day onward, I was driven by a singular purpose—to become an orthopedic surgeon and return to Gaza equipped with the expertise to save lives and limbs. The thought of sparing others from the agony Ali and Ahmed endured fueled my determination

During my final year of medical school, I took it upon myself to learn German, recognizing its potential utility in my future endeavors. Upon returning to Gaza for my internship, I immersed myself in the intricacies of our healthcare system, identifying areas where I could make a meaningful impact upon my eventual return from specialized training.

As I prepared to embark on this journey in mid-October 2023, little did I anticipate the swift and dramatic turn of events that would ensue. Now, I find myself wholly dedicated to the demands of the hospital. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead, my commitment to serving my community remains steadfast.

I'm starting this GoFundMe plea from the very heart of the hospital—a space that has become my second home amidst this crisis. I felt compelled to take a moment to share my story, even as the distant echoes of bombings grow louder and our ambulances rush to bring in more casualties.

With your support, I aim to bring unparalleled expertise to the orthopedic sector, a field that is sorely lacking in Gaza and can make a tangible difference in the lives of Palestinians.