“Hi, My name is Cenk. I am 18 years old and I am from Antakya, Hatay, Turkey. The earthquake that occurred in Turkey in 2023 fundamentally changed my life. During that major earthquake on the morning of February 6, 2023, I lost my mother and my stepfather. I was rescued after being trapped under the rubble for 60 hours, resulting in the decision by my relatives to amputate my right arm to save my life.
After two months of hospital treatment and following a visit from the Turkish professional sports club, where my late mother served as the Vice President, the highly esteemed BJK Kabataş Foundation Schools honored me with a full scholarship to finish my high school education in Istanbul. After the earthquake, I moved to Istanbul with my aunt, who has been my greatest supporter in every aspect of my life and has become my legal guardian.
Despite the condition of my right arm, I developed new hobbies such as swimming and tennis, and I am very happy and healthy since sports have become an important part of my new life. One of my greatest achievements during this time was strengthening my left arm and starting to perform tasks that I used to do comfortably with my right arm.
I arrived in the United States for the first time in June 2023. I went to Boston and stayed at the hospital for one week. Then, I travelled to Springfield, to the Ronald McDonald House, and stayed for three months while I received a new prosthetic right arm.
I want to tell you about RMH. It was big and clean, and the staff were helpful and friendly. The staff listened patiently to our challenges and helped us find solutions. They did everything they could to help us have a good time while we were away from our home. We met other Turkish families from the community and spent time with them. We made friends with other families staying at the House. I enjoyed Waffle Wednesday and loved Nutella on my waffles. I ate a lot of waffles when I stayed!
The staff contacted a local organization and arranged for me to try adaptive rock climbing and sled hockey. I enjoyed learning and climbing the tall rock wall, leaving me feeling confident, determined, and powerful. While at RMH, I also studied for the university exam I would be taking when I returned to Turkey. I sat upstairs in the oasis to study. It was quiet up there. After receiving my new arm, I returned to Turkey and resumed my studies.
I returned to the House this year to get another prosthetic arm and ensure I can do everything I want to do with my life. Continuing my education with the scholarship provided and carrying with me all my aunt's contributions to my life, I graduated from high school this year with a score of 95 out of 100, ranking first in terms of my school's academic ranking.
Since childhood, I always wanted to become a doctor, but due to my personal trauma during the earthquake, I no longer think it will be possible to pursue that goal. One of the main reasons I wanted to become a doctor was to help people. I have decided to study computer engineering, where I can still help people without recalling my traumatic memories while establishing a strong connection with medicine.
Thank you to each of you for supporting families like mine at the Ronald McDonald House.“
-Cenk O.