Help Mona & Dana Raise Funds for Cancer and Autism

Solidarity with Lebanon

Help Mona & Dana Raise Funds for Cancer and Autism
They say you don’t truly know how strong you are until being strong is your only option. Life can hit us with moments that knock the wind out of us, literally and figuratively. For us, Dana and Mona, those moments came in very different forms, but they brought us to the same place: a deep desire to rise up and give back. About Mona’s experience - Last year, I faced a frightening health diagnosis - one of those terrifying pauses in life that changes everything. What began as a routine exam became an alarming medical evaluation when I learned I had breast cancer. Thankfully detected at its earliest most treatable stage, it was surgically removed, and today I’m healthy, strong, and profoundly grateful. Yet my own swift recovery only deepened my awareness of how many people struggle to access early detection, the right treatments, and the emotional support they—and their families—desperately need. That’s why I’m determined to give back: to help ensure more lives are saved through timely diagnosis, quality care, and compassionate community resources. About Dana’s experience: Ten years ago, my first son Zayn was born, almost dead - he stopped oxygen to himself fully for 7 minutes during birth. Those 7 minutes led to weeks in the NICU, developmental delays, years of searching for a diagnosis and necessary therapies as well as endless learning around love, surrender, gratitude and the beauty of the world through his eyes. We have been blessed with the ability to provide him with the best doctors and therapists along the way. Today, Zayn is thankfully thriving on the autism spectrum and enriching our lives like we could not have imagined. I’d like to do my part in ensuring other families get a similar opportunity to thrive. Both experiences left a mark - and a mission. This summer, to honour our journeys and support others still facing their own, we’ve committed to climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro side by side. Together, we’re turning our personal trials into a shared mission of hope, healing and support - shedding light on the work of two amazing NGOs in Lebanon that are deeply personal to us, while also raising $50,000 to support their mission and beneficiaries: Barbara Nassar Association for Cancer Patient Support, an organisation committed to guiding and supporting cancer patients and their families psychologically and financially, by advocating on behalf of patients and providing access to consultations, services, supportive care and medications free of charge; and OpenMinds, an organisation dedicated to empowering children and young adults with autism and neurodevelopmental differences — providing access to therapies, inclusive education and vocational training to families that otherwise would not be able to afford them. We’d be deeply honoured if you’d follow our story, share it, and support these organisations if you're able. Every step we take up that mountain will be for those still facing their own uphill battle, and the life-changing work of these two incredible organisations. With love and gratitude, Mona and Dana

$26,244 raised Of $50,000

Empower Lebanon Through Sports Education

Education

Empower Lebanon Through Sports Education
If you believe in the power of sports to change lives, now is the time to act. At Body Unit Academy, we’re building the first academic sports platform in Lebanon to train and certify coaches, empower physical therapists, and support athletes through real education and opportunity. In a country where talent is everywhere but support is rare, this isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. A) To protect this mission and ensure its long-term sustainability, we are registered in London for financial safety and security. This allows us to operate transparently, access international accreditation partners, and build a structure that can’t be easily shaken by Lebanon’s instability, but our work is rooted in Lebanon and made for Lebanon. B) Why this Matter? I’ve funded everything so far from my own pocket, from what I earn as a personal trainer and therapist. Every certification, rental, piece of equipment, and scholarship came at personal cost, because I believe in the future of our people that deeply. But I can’t keep doing this alone. C) As a former national athlete, I’ve lived the reality, the passion, the talent, and the painful lack of infrastructure. Body Unit Academy exists to fill that gap, not with promises, but with tools, training, and a system built on integrity and performance. Now, I’m asking for your help, not just to donate, but to invest in the people of Lebanon who deserve more. D) What Your Support Will Help Us Build; We're raising $75,000 To: 1) Provide internationally accredited certifications for coaches, trainers, and therapists, elevating professional standards in Lebanon 2) Secure facility rentals, cutting-edge equipment, and performance technology to deliver hands-on, data-driven training 3) Fund scholarships for underprivileged yet passionate individuals who deserve a chance to rise 4) Organize certified workshops and training modules across Lebanon to spread sports literacy and practical knowledge

$100 raised Of $75,000

Empower Human Trafficking Survivors in Nepal

Education

Empower Human Trafficking Survivors in Nepal
Every year, thousands of women and young girls in Nepal are stolen from their families, lured by false promises of a better life, only to find themselves trapped in a nightmare of exploitation, abuse, and hopelessness. These women face unbelievable horrors—forced into labor, sexually exploited, and stripped of their dignity. They have no voice, no freedom, no way out. But there is hope. SASANE (Saving and Empowering Survivors of Nepali Women) is a beacon of light in the darkness, offering a lifeline to survivors who have endured the unimaginable. Through safe housing, education, job training, and a network of support, SASANE helps these women reclaim their lives and start over. SASANE isn’t just an organization—it's a movement led by survivors, for survivors. But we can't do this alone. We need your help. Together, we can provide these women with the chance they deserve—a chance to heal, rebuild, and thrive. This is more than a fundraising campaign; it's an invitation to change lives, to restore dignity, and to give women in Nepal a future free from the chains of trafficking. The Crisis: Human Trafficking Epidemic: Every year, over 15,000 women and girls in Nepal are trafficked—deceived by promises of jobs, education, and a better life, only to be sold into slavery. They endure sexual violence, physical abuse, and forced labor, trapped in a cycle of terror and isolation. No Place to Turn: Once freed, survivors are often left with nothing—no home, no support, and no way to rebuild their lives. They are vulnerable, stigmatized, and without hope. In a society where resources are scarce, many feel as though there is no way out. Gaps in Support: Lack of awareness and understanding of human trafficking in local communities and law enforcement makes it even harder for survivors to find justice or the support they need to heal. Without intervention, many women are re-trafficked, or heartbreakingly, left to suffer in silence. The Sasane Solution: Safe Housing and Healing: At SASANE, we offer survivors a safe place to live and recover—two dedicated housing facilities where women find not just shelter, but love, care, and community. Here, they are empowered to heal emotionally and physically, surrounded by others who understand their pain. Paralegal Training: SASANE provides survivors with the tools they need to rebuild their lives. Through paralegal training, survivors gain the skills to advocate for themselves and others, helping them seek justice and defend their rights. Education also opens doors to future employment opportunities and independence. Sisterhood Trekking and Travel Co: SASANE Sisterhood Trekking and Travel Company trains survivors in tourism, cooking, and hospitality, providing women with the skills needed for long-term success. SASANE also teaches English and basic computer skills. Since 2016, SASANE has already trained over 70 women in hospitality roles and over 30 women as trekking and tour guides. Community Outreach and Awareness: Through relentless outreach, SASANE works to educate communities and law enforcement about human trafficking. We reduce stigma, raise awareness, and provide local leaders with the tools to identify and support trafficking survivors, creating safer communities for everyone. The Impact of Your Support: Saving Lives: Your donation ensures that women and girls who have suffered through the darkest of times can find hope again. Your support provides them with safe housing, life-changing education, and the emotional care they need to heal. Empowering Women: With your help, survivors can regain their sense of self-worth, learn to defend their rights, and gain the skills they need to live independently and with dignity. Creating a Ripple Effect: Your generosity will have a lasting impact. Together, we can help SASANE reach more survivors, spread awareness, and reduce the number of women and girls who fall victim to trafficking. Your contribution can help break the cycle of exploitation and create a safer world for generations to come. One Woman’s Journey: Meet Sitasma. Trafficked from rural Nepal, she was sold into sexual exploitation in India. She suffered unspeakable abuse until she managed to escape. When she found SASANE, everything changed. Through SASANE’s programs, Sitasma gained the skills to become a licensed trekking guide. Now, she supports herself and her family with the income she earns, and her story of survival is just one of many. For a more in depth look at Sitasma’s journey, click this link: https://www.tourism-watch.de/en/article/a-new-life/ Take Action and Change a Life: Your support does more than provide financial assistance—it gives survivors of human trafficking the chance to rebuild their lives. With your donation, you’ll fund safe housing, education programs, and vital community outreach that are crucial in breaking the cycle of trafficking and empowering women to reclaim their futures. This is a moment for change. Together, we can offer these women hope, freedom, and the opportunity to start anew. Act now. Join us in creating a brighter future for those who need it most. Your contribution will transform lives.

$510 raised Of $20,000

A Lawyer Who Lost Everything but His Humanity

Emergency

A Lawyer Who Lost Everything but His Humanity
Mahmoud’s Story: A Lawyer Who Lost Everything but His Humanity My name is Mahmoud Afana. I am a Palestinian lawyer from Rafah in the Gaza Strip. For more than ten years, I have dedicated my life to defending rights, empowering the vulnerable, and advocating for justice in courts and communities. I have worked on humanitarian and legal projects with both local and international organizations, and I have been part of efforts to protect marginalized groups such as women, children, and displaced persons. But in the recent war, I lost everything. My home was completely destroyed by airstrikes. My law office—the only source of income I had—was reduced to rubble. All means of work and livelihood came to a halt. I was forced to flee to the Al-Mawasi area in Khan Younis, where there is no shelter, no electricity, no clean water, and none of the basic necessities of life. I now live without a home, without an income, and without the resources to support myself and my family or start again. Despite it all, I have not stopped contributing in any way I can. I’ve participated in legal support projects for displaced people, conducted free legal awareness workshops, and continued to raise the voices of those who have none amid the destruction. But today, I need someone to stand with me—just as I have stood with others for years. I am asking for your support to help me rebuild my life. Your support today is not just for me, but an investment in someone who has always helped others and wants to continue doing so—despite having lost everything. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference.

$550 raised Of $20,000

Help Alaa start his New Chapter

Education

Help Alaa start his New Chapter
Hi everyone, I’m organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my friend Alaa, a determined, compassionate, and hardworking young man who has overcome incredible challenges to pursue his dream of higher education. Alaa is a refugee from Syria who, despite the odds, has worked tirelessly to build a better future. He’s held multiple jobs, taught himself English, and applied to universities around the world, all while navigating the uncertainty of life in displacement. He has been accepted to various universities in the US and Europe but the financial support is not enough. While he is in the process of applying to more scholarship opportunities to cover his tuition, he still needs to cover other costs for attending university. We’re hoping to raise $5,000 to cover: Language proficiency tests Travel documents and fees (Passport and visas) Flights and relocation Housing deposits Essential supplies for school and daily life (Note the camping goal is 5,500 to help offset some of the fees related to fundraising). Every donation, no matter how small, brings Alaa one step closer to his dream. If you’re not in a position to give, sharing this page would mean the world to us. Thank you for helping Alaa take this next big step. We believe he is capable of doing amazing things, and with your help, he can get there. If you have any follow up questions please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or contact Alaa directly at [email protected]. With gratitude, Claudia, Alaa, and friends

$6,052 raised Of $5,500

Help me beat body dysphoria

Medical

Help me beat body dysphoria
Hi everyone, I come from Lebanon MENA region and my name is Ray. Lebanon is ana amazing country as you may have heard or known, despite the ongoing conflicts all the time on our borders, we still love it, we still want to live here. On top of that comes my identity as transgender man, living in Lebanon makes it feels like hell, with all the stigma, the discrimination, the struggles, and the personal spaces and lifestyle. I still remember all the times where I had to hide myself, true real self when it comes to identity and feelings, not only from inside but also on the outside as gender expressions, everyday is a new day that calls me to wear the binder, and believe me it is hell, back pain, difficulty in breathing, sweating body especially in the summer, can you imagine wearing layers to hide the “chest”??? That’s my daily morning painful routine, that I’m working so hard to get it “off of my chest”, moreover, I have another issue which is related to my genital parts down there where I have to remove it for medical purposes (Hysterectomy), that might cause cancer on a later stage (not very later, but still not yet). SO, I’m reaching out with hope in my heart, asking for your kindness and support. I’m trying to raise funds for top surgery and a hysterectomy, so I can finally feel safe in my own body and take a real step toward peace and healing. important steps that will help me overcome dysphoria and finally feel at home in my body. This means a chance to live as myself, with comfort, peace, and a fresh beginning. Every donation big or small makes a big difference in my life and journey. Please help me take this step. Help me breathe, live freely, and be myself. Please take action and DONATE NOW

$623 raised Of $8,250