Gilan lives in Hatay, Turkey with her husband and her son Mihadt. Now a young adult, Mihadt was born with an illness in his liver that required a transplant using a piece of his mother’s liver in the earliest weeks of his life. Since that time, he needs regular testing of his liver function and treatment for his chronic condition. Gilan never had more children. This mom’s story is one of commitment to her son. She not only gave part of her liver for her son; she also gave him her heart and her life’s focus. And that was before.
A Mom’s Story of Life Shaken
Then, in February 2023 a 7.8 magnitude Earthquake struck Gilan’s home, followed by a 7.5 magnitude tremor. Entire cities were destroyed. Over 55,000 people died. Gilan’s house was so damaged that the government said they had to move out of their devastated house. Along with her extended family, Gilan lived in a tent provided by a relief organization. They all live in an assortment of storage containers and tents, clustered close together for safety and support. Gilan’s husband travels to another city for seasonal work helping to support his family. The economy is shaky in their post-earthquake region. While this helps Gilan and her son Mihadt, it also leaves her home to carry the load alone.
Hope for One Family
Robin and Salina made regular visits to Gilan’s makeshift shelter. She shared with them about the burden of medical expenses for her son, adding to the rent they would need to have a storage container to live in. With few resources, monthly expenses for shelter and medicine were too much to bear.
As a result, Robin and Salina were burdened to help Gilan in practical ways. They reached out to a non-profit partner to request help for Gilan move into a storage container that would provide a little better shelter. In October 2024, a year and a half after the earthquakes, Gilan’s family received a container to call home.
All this time, Gilan was committed to doing what she could to care for the needs of her son in the midst of so much devastation.
This Mom’s Story of Learning to Crochet
In time, Gilan searched for a way to help her family, so she taught herself to crochet. She wasn’t asking for a handout. She was asking for help to market what she can make – crocheted bags. She worked to improve the quality and style of her bags. Robin and Salina shared this mom’s story and her products with others.
Now, Gilan makes baby booties. Again, she taught herself to follow patterns and choose colors that would appeal to other moms with hearts like Gilan.
Still, she’s living in her storage container, making bags and booties, caring for her son with a joyful and hopeful heart. Every pair of booties and each bag is made by this rare mom who knows what it is to give of herself in every way for the good of her child.
How to Help in This Mom’s Story
To purchase a bag or a pair of baby booties by Gilan, or to inquire about carrying them at your shop or special event, email me here. Find more about the handmade products and suggested donations on this page.
