We are writing to share with you the remarkably generous and compassionate efforts undertaken by the Society of Turkish American Physicians in the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck Southeastern Türkiye, leaving millions in dire need of food, shelter, medical supplies, and essential provisions.
The aftermath of this unprecedented earthquake, the most powerful in modern history for the region, resulted in profound tragedy with staggering statistics: 50,783 lives lost, 297 individuals missing, and 107,204 injured across 11 of the 17 affected provinces of Türkiye. The impact extended further, with approximately 15.73 million people and 4 million buildings severely affected, including the destruction of 345,000 apartment buildings. The urgency of this situation called for an immediate and coordinated response from compassionate individuals.
Amid this chaos, STAP demonstrated unwavering commitment to alleviate the suffering of those affected. With a deep understanding of the critical importance of relief aid, particularly for the most vulnerable members of the community, including infants, the elderly, and those with pre-existing medical conditions, STAP quickly mobilized its resources and expertise. Through the generosity of its members, essential supplies were gathered to make a significant impact on the lives of those in need.
STAP members while gathering essential supplies from main retail stores.
The donations collected were meticulously managed and transparently utilized to procure essential items, including blankets, diapers, warm clothing, socks, baby formulas, canned food, heating pads, and jackets. Receipts were shared with the contributing members, ensuring complete transparency in the distribution of earthquake relief funds. These items were obtained in bulk from reputable retailers and transported to the central collection zone at the Turkish American Cultural Alliance in Chicago, IL, facilitating efficient delivery to the affected regions. All logistics were meticulously coordinated with the support of dedicated Turkish American physicians who volunteered their time and expertise.
The dedication of these physicians was truly extraordinary. “I was awake at 4:17 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 6 when the first main shock hit the Mesopotamia region, the birthplace of the first civilizations on earth and the place where three main tectonic plates intersect,” said Dr. Vural who is one of the board members of STAP. “My first reaction was that we need to send immediate aid to those people affected by this natural disaster. We have many friends who died—who perished under the rubble—and colleagues who lost their lives while actively working at the hospital. Some of the STAP members reached out to the CEOs of their local hospitals and secured the large quantities of medical supplies and critical care medications that were ready to be delivered to the affected regions with the help of Turkish American Cultural Alliance, Turkish Consulate General in Chicago and Turkish Airlines. Travel to the earthquake-stricken region posed challenges, yet the members of STAP remained resolute. They utilized their personal time to make trips to the central collection zones throughout the various Midwest regions, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to their mission.
STAP worked tirelessly, collaborating closely with the Turkish American Cultural Alliance and Turkish Consulate in Chicago to ensure the efficient and coordinated distribution of aid. Their expertise extended beyond supplies, as they shared valuable medical knowledge, kindness, and generosity with those they assisted. It is worth noting that the STAP remained dedicated not only to immediate relief but also to the long-term recovery efforts (please see the “projects tab“ on our website), aligning with the organization’s mission and values.
The impact of STAP’s actions cannot be overstated. They have touched the hearts of the people they helped, fostering a lasting bond between Turkish American physicians and the communities they assisted. Through their actions, they exemplified the spirit of compassion, solidarity, generosity, and humanity that shines brightest in the face of adversity, a testament to the development of the society’s core values and mission.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the STAP and its members for their exceptional efforts and contributions during this challenging time. Their compassion and resilience truly embody the essence of humanitarianism and have made a profound difference in the lives of those affected by this disaster.