In Tripoli, a city burdened by poverty and social divisions, VTC33 lives with his family, facing a life full of challenges and hardships. His path has been far from easy—he and his family were victims of human trafficking and endured experiences that left deep marks on their lives and spirits.

It was one of the most tragic moments when a boat sank on 23 April 2022, off the coast of Al-Mina Islands – Tripoli. During this incident, VTC33 lost his son, who could not swim. He was told that his son had been rescued from the sea and taken to the hospital, but the details of what happened afterward remained unclear. No confirmed news about his fate ever reached him, and the question of his son’s whereabouts haunts him daily. This profound loss completely changed his life, plunging him into despair and deep sorrow.

Amid this immense pain, he began contemplating suicide as a temporary escape from the burden of grief weighing on his hear. Each day felt like an impossible struggle between the desire to give up and the will to survive. Yet life did not leave him entirely alone.

VTC33 and his wife began attending regular psychosocial support sessions, alongside physical therapy and medical follow-ups. These sessions helped them express their emotions, cope with the stress and psychological pressure caused by the loss of their son and the discovery of his wife’s illness, and manage physical pain and daily health challenges. Gradually, VTC33 began to experience psychological stability, and regain the ability to communicate in a healthy way with those around him, while his wife received the support necessary to access basic medical care.

During this difficult period, he and his wife received financial assistance from the Cedar Centre for the Rehabilitation of Torture Victims. This modest support marked a true turning point in their lives. It enabled them to access essential medical care, which led to a shocking new discovery: his wife’s diagnosis with cancer. Although this news struck them hard, it did not leave them hopeless.

Session’s timeline:

May 2025

The family’s engagement with the centre began through general medical consultations. The 57-year-old male attended a GP consultation on 15 May, followed by his 48-year-old wife on 29 May, both focusing on routine health assessments and primary care.

June 2025

Their 27-year-old daughter attended a GP consultation on 24 June. During this month, both the male beneficiary and his wife began psychosocial sessions at the clinic, attending initial assessments and follow-ups that focused on wellbeing and family-related stressors, including the husband’s concerns regarding his son.

In addition, both husband and wife received physiotherapy sessions for lower back pain, myalgia, and difficulty moving over long distances. The husband reported these issues on 11 and 20 June, and the wife on 17 June.

July 2025

The focus shifted mainly to the wife’s medical condition. Several follow-up sessions were held to monitor her health, coordinate an ultrasound referral, and support her emotionally. The team assisted her in finding a suitable medical center in Tripoli.

The husband continued to report lower back pain, myalgia, and difficulties in mobility on 18 and 22 July, alongside ongoing psychosocial support sessions.

August 2025

Both beneficiaries continued attending sessions. The husband’s condition showed signs of deterioration, and his psychiatrist recommended urgent hospitalization. Coordination began with Dar Al Zahra’ Hospital to arrange admission and treatment. Meanwhile, the wife continued receiving emotional and medical support.

On 5 August, the husband again received physiotherapy sessions for lower back pain and myalgia, alongside ongoing psychological care. The wife continued receiving emotional and medical support.

September 2025

Follow-ups this month included the entire family — the husband, wife, and their adult daughter. The husband reported that his wife had been diagnosed with breast cancer and was preparing for surgery. The 3 beneficiaries continued receiving physiotherapy and psychological support as needed.

Today, VTC33 lives with his sick wife, his daughter, and his son in the same house, feeling a profound sense of responsibility toward them. His personal psychological pain is no longer the focus of his life; instead, he concentrates on protecting and supporting those around him.

For the first time in years, VTC33 has begun to feel emotionally stable. He returned to work and began to see himself as an important part of his family’s life, realizing that his presence can help them face life’s challenges. He expresses it by saying: “I used to think my life had no meaning and that I was not needed in this world. But after receiving psychosocial support and assistance, I realized that my existence matters in my family’s life, especially after discovering my wife’s illness. Neither of us can be weak; one of us must be strong to support the other.”

Today, VTC33 stands as an example of resilience and the ability to rise from the greatest crises. He has learned that pain and tragedy are part of the human experience, but strength and support can bring hope again. His life is no longer just about surviving—it has become a journey of rebuilding himself and his family, caring for those around him, and understanding that patience, strength, and determination can be the keys to salvation even in the darkest moments.

For him, the Cedar Centre has become more than just a support centre; it is a sanctuary that rebuilds lives and supports survivors of psychological and social trauma through a combination of psychological therapy, social services, medical care, and physical therapy, enabling them to face life’s challenges with courage.

This story, blending tragedy and hope, reflects not only the suffering of VTC33 and his family but also the power of psychosocial support and the importance of human solidarity in rebuilding the lives of those who have lost their way amidst crises.