Dedicated Father Collects Waste for 10 Hours to Save Money for Baby Onur with SMA
Sultan and Emrah Andariman, a couple from Turkey, have faced immense challenges since their second child, Onur, was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1. Onur tested positive for coronavirus when he was just 20 days old, and his lack of motor movements prompted a doctor to suspect SMA. The baby underwent various medical procedures, including a tracheostomy and tube feeding, and spent 2.5 months in intensive care before finally being discharged.
However, the Andariman family has encountered financial difficulties in affording the costly SMA treatment. In order to cover the expenses, they reached out to the Antalya Governorship for support and established an official account for donations. The campaign received a significant response from philanthropists across Turkey, ultimately completing 77 percent of the required amount for Onur’s gene therapy.
While Sultan Andariman remains at home to care for both Onur and their daughter Ada, Emrah Andariman works tirelessly to support the family. He spends 10 hours a day collecting recyclable waste from garbage to earn money, a portion of which is allocated for their daily needs and the rest for Onur’s treatment expenses.
Despite their commitment and determination, the Andariman family still requires approximately 14-15 million liras to fully cover the costs. Emrah Andariman calls for continued support from philanthropists to help them reach their goal. He stated, “I hope my Onur will recover from this pain. We cannot even have a meal at the same table. One of us is always with Onur. Hopefully, if Onur recovers, we will all gather around a table.”
Sultan Andariman also shared her struggles, expressing how she constantly attends to Onur’s needs, removing saliva from his throat to facilitate his breathing. She yearns for the day when Onur can receive treatment and be free from medical devices. Sultan Andariman dreams of her child breathing easily and experiencing the simple joy of tasting chocolate, as her healthy daughter, Ada, does.
The Andariman family has received support through the campaign, and updates on the progress of their fundraising efforts can be found on social media platforms dedicated to collecting donations for Onur Andariman. Their story reflects both the immense challenges faced by families dealing with SMA and the power of community and compassion in making a difference in their lives.
