My name is Rashid, and my journey is survival against the odds. Born in Tahar, Afghanistan, I spent my early years in Kunduz, but in 2016, my world changed. I lost both my parents, and my brother was captured by the Taliban. Alone and facing threats, I started working as an English translator to survive, but soon, I, too, became a target. Fearing for my life, I left Afghanistan and traveled alone to Turkey.
Life in Turkey was hard; I worked in hiding, but in 2022, I was detained and deported. Returning to Afghanistan, I was haunted by fear. During my attempt to escape again, I was ambushed by the Taliban. Injured but alive, I knew I had to keep going.
Crossing Iran’s harsh border, I was attacked by guards, losing everything and wandering the mountains for two days. Cold, lost, and hallucinating, I finally reached Turkish soldiers who brought me to a hospital. There, I learned both my legs would need to be amputated due to frostbite. I spent months recovering, fighting despair.
Through the support of Limbfit and refugee organizations, I received prosthetics and learned to walk again. Each step I take now is a reminder of my resilience. I have survived the darkest moments, and now, I’m ready to start a new life, determined to work, rebuild, and make a difference.