FROM DESPAIR TO HOPE:
TUNCAY'S JOURNEY TO RECOVERY

On the bitterly cold morning of February 6, 2023, Hatay was shaken to its core. The earth roared, buildings crumbled, and in a matter of minutes, thousands of lives were shattered. Among them was Tuncay Dönmez, a father of three, who barely managed to escape the collapsing walls of his home with his children. The place that had once been their safe haven was now a ruin.

With nowhere to go and limited options, they took shelter in their car. The cold seeped into their bones, hunger gnawed at their stomachs, and exhaustion became a constant companion. Days passed, and the car no longer offered even the most basic protection. With no other choice, they moved into a makeshift greenhouse tent, a frail barrier against the harsh reality of their new life.

Yet, the earthquake was only the beginning of Tuncay’s ordeal. The weight of survival pressed heavily on his shoulders, but his own body began to fail him. A searing pain in his hip became unbearable, leaving him unable to walk properly, let alone work. He sought help at different hospitals, desperate for a solution. But medical treatment, especially the surgery he needed, was far beyond his financial reach.

Every day was a battle – one he was losing. How could he provide for his children if he could not even stand?

Then, in his darkest moment, a new path opened before him. Dünya Doktorları (DDD)/Médecins du Monde (MdM) Türkiye stepped in.

With the support of the French Development Agency (AFD), they not only ensured he received the surgery he so desperately needed but also covered every expense. They did not stop there. They stayed by his side, following up on his recovery, arranging transportation for his check-ups, and making sure he had everything required to heal properly.

For Tuncay, this was more than medical assistance: it was hope reborn.

Today, Tuncay is back on his feet. He can walk, work, and most importantly, care for his children. His journey from despair to recovery shows the power of solidarity and the life-changing impact of humanitarian aid.

Because sometimes, healing is not just about medicine – it’s about giving people the strength to start again.