Halil’s Unbearable Struggle: Living Without Sleep for 10 Years
Antalya Man Struggles with Rare Disease for 10 Years
Halil Özçelik, a 31-year-old man from Antalya, has been battling a rare disease for the past decade. It all started when he was a second year student at Istanbul Technical University Conservatory in 2012. Özçelik began experiencing visual impairment in his right eye, which was initially diagnosed as Behçet’s disease. However, his condition worsened over time, and he was eventually diagnosed with Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE).
As the disease progressed, Özçelik lost his sight in both eyes and completely lost his speech, eating, and movement functions. His family was devastated when they learned that there was no definitive medical treatment for SSPE. Despite his hundred percent disability, Özçelik continues to fight for his life from his bed, never closing his eyes.
Özçelik’s mother, Gülsüm Özçelik, reveals that her son had dreams of opening a dance school. She expresses her sorrow that he was unable to fulfill his aspirations. Gülsüm Özçelik has done everything in her power to help her son, but unfortunately, there is no cure for his condition. The disease was initially expected to allow him only six months to live, yet Özçelik has surpassed all odds and is now in his 11th year.
In addition to dealing with the emotional toll of her son’s illness, Gülsüm Özçelik also faces financial difficulties. Both she and her son require ongoing treatment, which puts a strain on their finances. They are in need of basic items such as cloth, wet wipes, and paper towels, which have become financially burdensome to obtain.
To make matters worse, they are facing eviction from their current home. After residing in the same house for 10 years and paying their rent on time, the Özçelik family has been asked to leave. However, finding a new place to live has proven difficult, especially considering Halil’s condition, which makes it challenging for his mother to care for him during the moving process.
The Özçelik family’s story highlights the challenges faced by individuals battling rare diseases and their families. It serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting those in need, both emotionally and financially. Despite the hardships they face, the Özçelik family remains determined to persevere in the face of adversity.
