24-year-old Gizem Sönmez, who lives in Defne district of Türkiye’s Hatay province, was caught in the earthquake on February 6 at her home in Samandağ district, together with her 26-year-old husband and their one and a half-year-old daughter. Although the family was pulled out of the rubble two days later, Gizem lost her husband, who used his body as a shield for his family, and her right arm and toes were amputated.
“I have dreams with my daughter; I want to hold her hand, take her to the park, travel with her, braid her hair when she grows up, take care of her, and take her to school. My daughter is my everything and my support. I want to have an arm for my daughter. I want everything for her. I will pray so much for those who will help me,” Sönmez said.
Sönmez stated that she was told the amount required for the bionic arm was approximately €118,000. Since she could not access the money herself, she requested help from government officials and philanthropists.
Veysel Korkmaz