The Child Amputees of Turkiye Earthquake

In the aftermath of the devastating 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and Syria—where over 50,000 lives were lost—thousands of children were left injured, many facing life without limbs. In response, the Bridge to Turkiye Fund  launched Project CATE, a bold and compassionate initiative to support child amputees aged 0–21.

This isn’t just about prosthetics—it’s about possibility.

129 children have received scholarships, opening doors to education and brighter futures.

Over 200 more have been gifted not only prosthetic limbs and orthotics, but also the healing power of physiotherapy and psychosocial support.

Among them is a young girl who survived 38 hours under rubble before being rescued. After a month of treatment, she underwent toe amputation and faced physical and emotional challenges. Though she was unable to start school in 2023 due to her health, her family connected with one of our project partners and she began receiving intensive physiotherapy and educational support. These sessions helped her overcome walking difficulties, residual limb injuries, and ankle contractures, while also nurturing her literacy, math, and cognitive skills.

In 2024, she underwent two surgeries and received both an orthotic and a prosthetic device. To date, she has completed more than 100 physiotherapy and special education sessions. Today, she walks, runs, cycles, and attends school alongside her peers, thriving academically and physically.

We are deeply grateful for your partnership. Together, we’re not just rebuilding lives—we’re walking beside these children with care, dignity, and unwavering commitment until they turn 21.

Every step they take is a step toward resilience. Every smile is a testament to what compassion can achieve.

Links:

• Project CATE

Since its launch, the CATE Project has transformed the lives of 156 children and adolescents, offering essential prosthetic care, rehabilitation, emotional support, and educational opportunities. Through generous contributions, young earthquake survivors have received vital medical treatments, psychological counseling, and scholarships, enabling them to regain mobility, rebuild their confidence, and pursue their aspirations.

Following the February 6, 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye, the urgent need for long-term recovery led BTF to collaborate with a dedicated team of Turkish-American doctors. This partnership established the CATE Project as more than a medical response—it became a lasting commitment to supporting child amputees throughout their healing process. With expertise from both the U.S. and Türkiye, a robust care network was developed to ensure these children receive tailored resources and continuous support.

Beyond providing prosthetic limbs and financial aid, the initiative pledges to stand by Türkiye’s young survivors at every stage of their recovery. From primary school to university, each child is given the opportunity to thrive academically and rebuild their future with resilience and optimism. With your continued generosity, we can keep transforming lives and ensuring every child affected by this tragedy receives the care and support they need to build a brighter future.

Links:

• Learn more about the CATE Project