visionsofaselfmademan

[visionsofaselfmademan]

I’ve battled severe depression for years, and it’s often left me feeling lost in my own despair. But starting the volunteer project The Gaza Giving Tree (linktr.ee/gaxagivingtree) has been a life-changing reality check. Witnessing the resilience of others amidst unimaginable suffering has given me perspective, purpose, and a renewed sense of gratitude.

We can’t ignore the humanity of those struggling to survive. Every story, every dollar raised, every moment of awareness—it MATTERS. People's lives are hanging in the balance.

[visionsofaselfmademan]

photos of assad zaman as anish sengupta in ‘hotel portofino’ taken by olivia morris

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You and him?

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Imagine giving everything you have to protect and provide for your loved ones, only to have war rip it all away, leaving you with nothing but a tent and the hope to rebuild.

Images: Hossam and his children before and after the start of the conflict.

@hanoon-gaza

Story written by @visionsofaselfmademan

This is heartbreaking reality for Hossam Al-Qazzaz and his family in Gaza. A hardworking father of four, Hossam lost his home and his job due to relentless bombardments. Now, he, his wife Hanan, and their four children—Bashar (9), Hani (8), Diana (4), and 3-month-old Habiba—live in a makeshift tent next to the ruins of their former home. The family’s struggle is compounded by war-induced poverty, deteriorating health, and the inability to afford basic necessities like food, clothing, or even milk and diapers for little Habiba, who was born during the war.

Image: Habiba, only a few months old, was born in the midst of the conflict. Her family struggles to provide milk and diapers for her due to mass shortages caused by the war.

The pressure of Hossam's responsibilities goes beyond his children. He also cares for his elderly parents, aged 75 and 72, both of whom are in poor health. His father suffers from severe burns and requires urgent medical treatment, while his mother battles high blood pressure and needs constant care. Despite his determination, Hussam is unable to meet these overwhelming needs on his own.

Image: Hossam's elderly father, who was severely burned in occupation bombings and requires extensive medical care.

The family dreams of building a modest, safe home to shield them from the harsh elements and protect them from further dangers. They are not asking for much—just the chance to live in dignity and provide their children with a future.

However, the funds they’ve managed to raise so far amount to only €2,280, which is far from enough to meet their basic needs or realize their dream of stability.

Image: Despite tireless efforts, Hossam's GoFundMe campaign has only managed to raise €2,280—a mere 4% of their overall goal.

Hossam's plea is simple yet urgent: help them secure food, clothes, and medical care for their children and elderly parents. Every small donation—no matter how modest—has the power to change their lives. Prices for essentials like rice and cooking gas have skyrocketed, leaving them struggling to prepare even the simplest meals.

Image: Widespread food shortages have made providing food for his family a daily struggle for Hossam.

"All we want is to live in dignity," Hossam writes.

Image: with no other way to cook meals, the Al-Qazzaz family uses a fire...but even simple items like cooking gas are exorbitantly expensive.

Help Hossam and his family today by donating or sharing his family's story. Your support can help ensure that Hossam’s family doesn’t just survive, but begins to rebuild a life of safety and hope.

Together, we can provide the support they desperately need to weather this unimaginable crisis.

You can donate to Hossam's GoFundMe page [HERE].

Hossam's campaign has been vetted by @gazavetters and is (#287) on their list of verified campaigns.

[visionsofaselfmademan]

Janet Fitch, from her novel titled "White Oleander," originally published in 1999

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Tree roots following the pattern of concrete footpaths

[visionsofaselfmademan]

Writers and Artists of Tumblr!

Are you an artist or writer looking for a way to make a tangible difference?

The Gaza Giving Tree is a grassroots project dedicated to spotlighting the stories of families in Gaza who are in desperate need of support. We use the power of social media to amplify their voices and connect them with donors who can help.

But right now, I need your help.

I started this project as one person, driven by compassion and determination, and I’ve been joined by two incredible volunteers along the way. However, one of them recently had to step down for personal reasons, and two of us remain to handle an overwhelming influx of messages. Every day, I receive more requests from people whose stories urgently need to be told. My anxiety is through the roof as I try to keep up—but I’m only one person.

How You Can Help

If you’re a writer, artist, or creative person, here’s what you can do to make an impact:

✍️ Writers: Help craft compassionate and compelling stories that bring attention to these families and their fundraising campaigns. Your words could be the key to connecting them with people who can help.

🎨 Artists and Designers: Create impactful visuals and social media posts that highlight these stories. Whether it’s a powerful illustration or a striking graphic, your art can amplify their voices in ways words alone cannot.

📢 Social Media Creators: Help us design and schedule posts to reach more people across platforms like Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter.

Why It Matters

There are so many people in Gaza who are struggling to survive, and they are reaching out to us as a source of hope. The more hands we have, the more lives we can touch.

Your creativity, compassion, and talents can make a real difference.

Join Us

If you would like to volunteer and help keep this project running smoothly, please DM me at @gaza-giving-tree or on my main blog, @gardenofinkandstarlight.

Please reblog to help me find volunteers! 🥹🙏🏻

[visionsofaselfmademan]

Imagine giving everything you have to protect and provide for your loved ones, only to have war rip it all away, leaving you with nothing but a tent and the hope to rebuild.

Images: Hossam and his children before and after the start of the conflict.

@hanoon-gaza

Story written by @visionsofaselfmademan

This is heartbreaking reality for Hossam Al-Qazzaz and his family in Gaza. A hardworking father of four, Hossam lost his home and his job due to relentless bombardments. Now, he, his wife Hanan, and their four children—Bashar (9), Hani (8), Diana (4), and 3-month-old Habiba—live in a makeshift tent next to the ruins of their former home. The family’s struggle is compounded by war-induced poverty, deteriorating health, and the inability to afford basic necessities like food, clothing, or even milk and diapers for little Habiba, who was born during the war.

Image: Habiba, only a few months old, was born in the midst of the conflict. Her family struggles to provide milk and diapers for her due to mass shortages caused by the war.

The pressure of Hossam's responsibilities goes beyond his children. He also cares for his elderly parents, aged 75 and 72, both of whom are in poor health. His father suffers from severe burns and requires urgent medical treatment, while his mother battles high blood pressure and needs constant care. Despite his determination, Hussam is unable to meet these overwhelming needs on his own.

Image: Hossam's elderly father, who was severely burned in occupation bombings and requires extensive medical care.

The family dreams of building a modest, safe home to shield them from the harsh elements and protect them from further dangers. They are not asking for much—just the chance to live in dignity and provide their children with a future.

However, the funds they’ve managed to raise so far amount to only €2,280, which is far from enough to meet their basic needs or realize their dream of stability.

Image: Despite tireless efforts, Hossam's GoFundMe campaign has only managed to raise €2,280—a mere 4% of their overall goal.

Hossam's plea is simple yet urgent: help them secure food, clothes, and medical care for their children and elderly parents. Every small donation—no matter how modest—has the power to change their lives. Prices for essentials like rice and cooking gas have skyrocketed, leaving them struggling to prepare even the simplest meals.

Image: Widespread food shortages have made providing food for his family a daily struggle for Hossam.

"All we want is to live in dignity," Hossam writes.

Image: with no other way to cook meals, the Al-Qazzaz family uses a fire...but even simple items like cooking gas are exorbitantly expensive.

Help Hossam and his family today by donating or sharing his family's story. Your support can help ensure that Hossam’s family doesn’t just survive, but begins to rebuild a life of safety and hope.

Together, we can provide the support they desperately need to weather this unimaginable crisis.

You can donate to Hossam's GoFundMe page [HERE].

Hossam's campaign has been vetted by @gazavetters and is (#287) on their list of verified campaigns.

[visionsofaselfmademan]

Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart. The really great men must, I think, have great sadness on earth.

— Fyodor Dostoevsky

[visionsofaselfmademan]

Writers and Artists of Tumblr!

Are you an artist or writer looking for a way to make a tangible difference?

The Gaza Giving Tree is a grassroots project dedicated to spotlighting the stories of families in Gaza who are in desperate need of support. We use the power of social media to amplify their voices and connect them with donors who can help.

But right now, I need your help.

I started this project as one person, driven by compassion and determination, and I’ve been joined by two incredible volunteers along the way. However, one of them recently had to step down for personal reasons, and two of us remain to handle an overwhelming influx of messages. Every day, I receive more requests from people whose stories urgently need to be told. My anxiety is through the roof as I try to keep up—but I’m only one person.

How You Can Help

If you’re a writer, artist, or creative person, here’s what you can do to make an impact:

✍️ Writers: Help craft compassionate and compelling stories that bring attention to these families and their fundraising campaigns. Your words could be the key to connecting them with people who can help.

🎨 Artists and Designers: Create impactful visuals and social media posts that highlight these stories. Whether it’s a powerful illustration or a striking graphic, your art can amplify their voices in ways words alone cannot.

📢 Social Media Creators: Help us design and schedule posts to reach more people across platforms like Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter.

Why It Matters

There are so many people in Gaza who are struggling to survive, and they are reaching out to us as a source of hope. The more hands we have, the more lives we can touch.

Your creativity, compassion, and talents can make a real difference.

Join Us

If you would like to volunteer and help keep this project running smoothly, please DM me at @gaza-giving-tree or on my main blog, @gardenofinkandstarlight.

Please reblog to help me find volunteers! 🥹🙏🏻

[visionsofaselfmademan]

Writers and Artists of Tumblr!

Are you an artist or writer looking for a way to make a tangible difference?

The Gaza Giving Tree is a grassroots project dedicated to spotlighting the stories of families in Gaza who are in desperate need of support. We use the power of social media to amplify their voices and connect them with donors who can help.

But right now, I need your help.

I started this project as one person, driven by compassion and determination, and I’ve been joined by two incredible volunteers along the way. However, one of them recently had to step down for personal reasons, and two of us remain to handle an overwhelming influx of messages. Every day, I receive more requests from people whose stories urgently need to be told. My anxiety is through the roof as I try to keep up—but I’m only one person.

How You Can Help

If you’re a writer, artist, or creative person, here’s what you can do to make an impact:

✍️ Writers: Help craft compassionate and compelling stories that bring attention to these families and their fundraising campaigns. Your words could be the key to connecting them with people who can help.

🎨 Artists and Designers: Create impactful visuals and social media posts that highlight these stories. Whether it’s a powerful illustration or a striking graphic, your art can amplify their voices in ways words alone cannot.

📢 Social Media Creators: Help us design and schedule posts to reach more people across platforms like Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter.

Why It Matters

There are so many people in Gaza who are struggling to survive, and they are reaching out to us as a source of hope. The more hands we have, the more lives we can touch.

Your creativity, compassion, and talents can make a real difference.

Join Us

If you would like to volunteer and help keep this project running smoothly, please DM me at @gaza-giving-tree or on my main blog, @gardenofinkandstarlight.

Please reblog to help me find volunteers! 🥹🙏🏻

[visionsofaselfmademan]

botanical conservatory bench, painted on 4x4 wooden coaster

[visionsofaselfmademan]

Writers and Artists of Tumblr!

Are you an artist or writer looking for a way to make a tangible difference?

The Gaza Giving Tree is a grassroots project dedicated to spotlighting the stories of families in Gaza who are in desperate need of support. We use the power of social media to amplify their voices and connect them with donors who can help.

But right now, I need your help.

I started this project as one person, driven by compassion and determination, and I’ve been joined by two incredible volunteers along the way. However, one of them recently had to step down for personal reasons, and two of us remain to handle an overwhelming influx of messages. Every day, I receive more requests from people whose stories urgently need to be told. My anxiety is through the roof as I try to keep up—but I’m only one person.

How You Can Help

If you’re a writer, artist, or creative person, here’s what you can do to make an impact:

✍️ Writers: Help craft compassionate and compelling stories that bring attention to these families and their fundraising campaigns. Your words could be the key to connecting them with people who can help.

🎨 Artists and Designers: Create impactful visuals and social media posts that highlight these stories. Whether it’s a powerful illustration or a striking graphic, your art can amplify their voices in ways words alone cannot.

📢 Social Media Creators: Help us design and schedule posts to reach more people across platforms like Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter.

Why It Matters

There are so many people in Gaza who are struggling to survive, and they are reaching out to us as a source of hope. The more hands we have, the more lives we can touch.

Your creativity, compassion, and talents can make a real difference.

Join Us

If you would like to volunteer and help keep this project running smoothly, please DM me at @gaza-giving-tree or on my main blog, @gardenofinkandstarlight.

Please reblog to help me find volunteers! 🥹🙏🏻

[visionsofaselfmademan]

the fact tht u can actually always just try again

[visionsofaselfmademan]

“Fyp” we don’t do that here. I mean, Tumblr the app and website tries, but we don't do that here.

“But then how will anyone see it?” peer review.

“How do you get engagement?” by talking and engaging with other people. Or making a devastating typo. Either way.

“But—” Listen, you’re not doing solo stand up anymore. This is a group improv class being held in a SAW dungeon. Good luck.

[visionsofaselfmademan]

"You will always have a place in my heart, ready for you, ready to use.. Ready for you to visit; to be filled with warmth."

[visionsofaselfmademan]

Writers and Artists of Tumblr!

Are you an artist or writer looking for a way to make a tangible difference?

The Gaza Giving Tree is a grassroots project dedicated to spotlighting the stories of families in Gaza who are in desperate need of support. We use the power of social media to amplify their voices and connect them with donors who can help.

But right now, I need your help.

I started this project as one person, driven by compassion and determination, and I’ve been joined by two incredible volunteers along the way. However, one of them recently had to step down for personal reasons, and two of us remain to handle an overwhelming influx of messages. Every day, I receive more requests from people whose stories urgently need to be told. My anxiety is through the roof as I try to keep up—but I’m only one person.

How You Can Help

If you’re a writer, artist, or creative person, here’s what you can do to make an impact:

✍️ Writers: Help craft compassionate and compelling stories that bring attention to these families and their fundraising campaigns. Your words could be the key to connecting them with people who can help.

🎨 Artists and Designers: Create impactful visuals and social media posts that highlight these stories. Whether it’s a powerful illustration or a striking graphic, your art can amplify their voices in ways words alone cannot.

📢 Social Media Creators: Help us design and schedule posts to reach more people across platforms like Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter.

Why It Matters

There are so many people in Gaza who are struggling to survive, and they are reaching out to us as a source of hope. The more hands we have, the more lives we can touch.

Your creativity, compassion, and talents can make a real difference.

Join Us

If you would like to volunteer and help keep this project running smoothly, please DM me at @gaza-giving-tree or on my main blog, @gardenofinkandstarlight.

Please reblog to help me find volunteers! 🥹🙏🏻