129 SCHOLARSHIPS
200+ CHILDREN SUPPORTED
Project CATE: Restoring Hope for Child Amputees After the 2023 Earthquakes
The devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria in 2023 claimed over 50,000 lives and left many children injured, including those who lost limbs. In response to the urgent need for prosthetic care, Bridge to Turkiye Fund (BTF) launched Project CATE (Child Amputees of Türkiye Earthquakes), a comprehensive initiative aimed at supporting child amputees aged 0–21.
Key Objectives of Project CATE:
- Prosthetic Support: Provide high-quality prosthetic limbs with replacements every 2–3 years.
- Psychological and Physical Support: Cover rehabilitation and emotional support through young adulthood.
- Scholarship Support: Fund education from preschool to university for all participants.
The project is designed to help children rebuild their lives physically and emotionally, empowering them to envision a brighter future despite the trauma they’ve endured.
What have we achieved so far with our donors & partners?
Çukurova Üniversitesi Sanayi İşbirliği Vakfı (ÇÜSİVAK) / Çukurova University Industrial Cooperation Foundation
$464,660 for prosthetics and physiotherapy for 159 amputee
children at the Child Wellness Center at Çukurova University.
Bütün Çocuklar Bizim Derneği / All Children Are Ours Association
$170,240.95 for administering 129 Child Amputees of Türkiye Earthquakes (CATE) scholarships for amputee children.
$64,172 for prosthetic fittings, physiotherapy, and psychosocial
support for amputee, as well as physiotherapy for other
children with cerebral palsy and similar conditions, yearly totaling 1000 beneficiaries.
Çukurova Üniversitesi Sanayi İşbirliği Vakfı (ÇÜSİVAK) / Çukurova University Industrial Cooperation Foundation
$464,660 for prosthetics and physiotherapy for 159 amputee
children at the Child Wellness Center at Çukurova University.
Bütün Çocuklar Bizim Derneği / All Children Are Ours Association
$170,240.95 for administering 129 Child Amputees of Türkiye Earthquakes (CATE) scholarships for amputee children.
$64,172 for prosthetic fittings, physiotherapy, and psychosocial
support for amputee, as well as physiotherapy for other
children with cerebral palsy and similar conditions, yearly totaling 1000 beneficiaries.
Melek Ela’s Story
Melek Ela, born on October 8, 2016, has been living in the Istanbul Chamber of Industry Container City in Hatay with her 6-year-old brother Ömer and their family since the earthquake. She was caught in the disaster while at their rented home with her mother and sibling, and was rescued from the rubble 38 hours later before being transported to Mersin. After a month of treatment, her toes were amputated.
She was scheduled to begin school in September 2023, but her health prevented her from doing so. On October 23, 2023, her family met with our partner foundation, TSÇV, and arranged for Melek Ela to begin physiotherapy and educational sessions following an evaluation the next day. Physiotherapy support was provided to address post-amputation walking difficulties, residual limb injuries, and ankle contractures. The educational sessions focused on literacy, mathematics, and conceptual development.
In 2024, Melek Ela underwent two surgeries at Gaziantep University and Adana Acıbadem Hospitals, with all expenses covered. She also received one orthotic and one prosthetic device. To date, she has completed a total of 112 physiotherapy and special education sessions.
Today, Melek Ela is able to actively use her amputated leg—she can walk, run, and cycle. She began school in 2024 and, thanks to the educational support she receives, continues her studies at the same level as her peers.
Thank you for your support!
Thank you for your support!
As part of the CATE project, we were honored to provide scholarships to 129 children and deliver prosthetics, orthotics, physiotherapy, and psychosocial support to over 200 more. We deeply value our collaboration with you and remain wholeheartedly committed to walking alongside these children, supporting them with care and compassion until they reach the age of 21.
Help children affected by the 2023 earthquakes rebuild their lives. Your donation can support Project CATE’s ongoing efforts to provide prosthetic care, rehabilitation, and educational scholarships. Make a donation to BTF and help build brighter futures for these children.