My name is Udeme Sampson, and I’m writing this from a place of deep pain — but also from a place of hope.

At the beginning of this year, I was diagnosed with septic arthritis, a dangerous infection that destroyed both of my hip joints and one knee. I have been completely bedridden for over six months now. I can’t walk, can’t sit, and live every day trapped in my body — helpless and in constant pain.

The doctors have told me I need three urgent surgeries: one for each hip and one for my knee. The first surgery will be done on one hip, followed by a 3 to 8-month recovery. After that, the second hip and then my knee will be operated on. It’s a long journey, but it’s my only chance at walking again.

What makes my situation even harder is where I am: I’m currently in Kyiv, Ukraine, where I came to study medicine to make something meaningful out of my life. But due to financial struggles, I had to pause my studies, and then this illness struck.

Now I find myself not only immobile but also stuck in a war zone. Air raid sirens and bomb explosions are a regular part of life here. People run to shelters for safety — but I can’t. I can’t even sit up, let alone run. I lie in fear every night, praying I survive until morning. The sounds of war around me feel even more terrifying when your body won’t let you move.

This illness has stolen my ability to move, to study, to work, and to live. It has eaten away my joints and paralyzed my dreams. I’m not asking for luxury — just the chance to be human again, to stand, to walk, and to take care of myself.

I am raising funds to cover:

• Critical surgical operations on my hips and knee

• Rehabilitation and physical therapy

• Daily medical care and survival expenses

This fundraiser is my cry for help — my chance to return to life. If you’ve ever watched someone suffer silently, if you believe in second chances, I’m begging you to help.

Please, if you can donate any amount, it will go directly toward helping me get out of this bed and fight for my life back. Even just sharing this with others could save me.

All I want is to walk again, finish my education, work, and return home with dignity.

From the bottom of my heart — thank you for reading, thank you for caring, and thank you for being the reason I keep believing.

With deep gratitude,

Udeme Sampson