A dream in my heart since childhood

You must have had a precious dream for your life. I hope you achieved it. If you did, I’m sure many others offered a helping hand along the way.

I was seventeen when I hung a small chain around my neck with a piece of paper inside it, on which I had written just one thing: "I will become a neurosurgeon." That dream has lived within me since childhood, growing with me, never leaving me, even when life forced me to postpone it.

My road has not been easy. I am a Palestinian from Gaza. Life circumstances, including apartheid, occupation, a 17-year siege, and genocide, have deprived me of studying medicine for years, but nothing could deprive me of hope. I stayed close to medicine: talking with medical students, reading their assignments, and watching surgical operations online. During every visit to see my friends at Nasser Hospital, I would slip into the surgery department just to hear about the brain or catch a glimpse of the operating room, even from a distance.

Once, a doctor friend told me: "Write your story. Let the world know how much your people need you, and how much your dream deserves to be realized." Her words were a boost of hope... It is with that hope that I write to you.

I am Donya. I am 23 years old. I have gone through hardships greater than my age, but my determination to become a doctor is greater than my hardships. I have studied English, worked in various fields including education and journalism, and I am well-known worldwide for this work. But even though I know I can make a difference with the work I already do, my dream is persistent. It insists: "It's not too late yet."

Today, I extend my hand to you, not asking for charity, but for a partnership in this dream. A partnership in building a Palestinian neurosurgery career that saves individual lives and restores life to the city of Gaza.

My plan is clear:

I need $7,900 for each of the first three semesters. And the remaining semesters will be $3,500 each.

When can I start helping at the hospital?

After telling my friend in public relations at Nasser Hospital, she informed me that I can start helping patients after completing the second level of my university studies, which takes a year and several months because the studies in Gaza are intensive.

How can you help me?

You can help by donating and sharing this post with others. No matter how small the donation, it makes a difference.

After completing my studies and becoming a neurosurgeon, I will donate the same amount I received in donations to others who need help, so that I continue to keep this cycle of human kindness going.

How will I support myself?

I work as a content writer for a company and as an article writer for several websites including Electronic Intifada and We Are Not Numbers . I will double my efforts to cover as many fees and university supply costs as possible.

How will the donations be spent?

All of it will go towards tuition fees, and I will work to cover all the costs of books and university supplies.

What were your dreams?

You must have had a precious dream for your life. I hope you achieved it. If you did, I’m sure many others offered a helping hand along the way.

I have this precious dream. Can you help me achieve it, by sharing with me the kindness and generosity others have shared with you?

Thank you for your time in reading this. Best wishes on your journeys.