The inconceivable suffering they experienced in Gaza is part of their childhood: Ahmed, Fatma, Nour, Faris, Hasan and Dua grow up between complete destruction, without medical care and educational opportunities. The war has not only taken away their families and friends. They lost their legs in the heavy bombing raids. "We can't give them back their childhood, but we can give them rays of hope for the future," our Turkish colleagues Özlem Akpinar, Nurgül Çiçek, Alper Şenol and Serdar Yilmaz Esen agree. The experienced team of CPOs and physiotherapists worked tirelessly for two months on prosthetic fitting for the severely traumatised children.

Their voices tremble as they talk about their first encounter with the young patients from Gaza: "We were not only faced with a technical challenge, but also with an emotional one." The well-rehearsed team has already cared for numerous war invalids and earthquake victims. However, working with growing children, some of whom are just learning to walk, requires special tact. CPO Nurgül Çiçek explains that rapid mobilization of children and adolescents is crucial for their rehabilitation. In order to find the best possible treatment solutions for them, anatomically and physiologically tailored approaches were required that go far beyond standard care.

"In this particular case, it was important to support the children both in their physical development and in coping with trauma," explains CPO Alper Şenol.

An emotional challenge

"They were afraid of loud noises, avoided our gaze and felt confined in closed rooms. Fear and despair were written all over their faces," reports Nurgül Çiçek. "It felt bad to mention war as the reason for amputation on the children's medical history sheets." With a lot of confidence, patience and perseverance, the team has succeeded in building a basis of trust and showing the children that they want to help them and are there for them. They report on the most moving moments...

Ahmed

CPO Özlem Akpinar was visibly touched by two-year-old Ahmed: "For him, there is no life without war. At only nine months, his left leg had to be amputated. It was so small that we had hardly any space for the knee joint during the treatment. Together, however, we managed to get him to stand on his own two feet for the first time and take the first steps in his life."

Hasan

Hasan is five years old. He lost his right lower leg in a bomb attack. "With a colorful design and patterns on his test shaft, we were able to add a little splash of color to Hasan's otherwise gray world," reports Nurgül Çiçek. Özlem Akpinar adds: "He accepted his prosthesis so well that he put it on himself and just started running. I will never forget those happy looks and the enthusiasm in his eyes."

• Have a look at this video!

Fatma

Fatma is two and a half years young and has lost both lower legs in the war. Physiotherapist Serdar Yilmaz Esen remembers her first steps with the new prostheses on the parallel bars: "Moments like these will remain in my memory forever. Seeing the happiness on Fatma's face is incredibly motivating for all of us."

• Have a look at this video!

The children's initial fear has given way to trust in the technicians and physiotherapists by the end of the treatment process. "Her heartfelt hugs were a sign that we have found a place in her heart," says Nurgül Çiçek, visibly moved. For all those involved, one thing is certain: "We were rewarded for our work with indescribable joy. We wish our protégés that they never have to experience such suffering again."

If you would like to support the relief campaign “People in Need – Help for the Children of Gaza”, please send your donation to the following special account:

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Keyword: "People in Need – Help for the Children of Gaza"

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