Hello, my name is Diana Naydenova Ivanova, 33 years old from the town of. I'm Idaydin, I'm a girl from Svishtov. I am turning to you with a big request for help and I share my story...

When I was 8 years old I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. The tumor covered the entire femur and kneecap of my left leg. They did surgery and put a nail from my hip to my knee that could grow and allowed me to move my leg.

At 11 years old, in a fall, the nail broke and they put another nail in that couldn't grow. So my leg stopped growing. The difference between my two legs is nearly 13 cm. I wear a special shoe with a platform, but it is quite soft and unstable when walking.

In 2020 I was diagnosed with osteoporosis and my bones started to break very easily.

I can't sit for long periods of time sitting down because the nail inserted doesn't grip the pelvis well and can hurt the soft tissues when sitting for long periods of time. I can't stand upright for long periods of time because the nail gets stuck in my tibia/lower tibia and can break the bone with prolonged exertion. I manage to move around briefly with crutches but have severe, stabbing pain and lie in bed most of the time.

The doctors in Bulgaria told me that there was nothing more they could do for me.

Luckily I found a specialist in Turkey! Assoc. Mehmet Ali Devedji from Koç University Hospital, Istanbul gives me hope for a new life.

Open surgery will be performed to remove a large bone implant, insert a large bone implant, lengthen with a large bone osteotomy and external fixator. Both my legs will be straightened out, I will be able to walk safely and comfortably.

Unfortunately, the amount of 70,000 euros for the operation is unaffordable for me and my family. Despite my great desire and constant search, I cannot find a suitable workplace. Not a single employer is willing to engage with me after learning about my problem.

I am currently living with my boyfriend who helps and accompanies me because I always need to have a companion. I would like to start a family, to have children, but it is impossible at this stage. I can't take care of myself, much less children and family. I dream to get well, to overcome the pain, to pass, to be able to live fully and leave something behind.

I am asking for help from all friends and kind-hearted people who are willing to help me in my fight for a better future! Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who will support me!