For me, travelling to other countries means interacting with different people, cultures and ways of life. Travelling by bicycle means encountering these situations unpremeditatedly.

Of course, throughout my journey I often meet people who live in completely different circumstances than ourselves. Often these are interesting encounters that broaden my horizons and change my perspective on life. However, sometimes they are also difficult encounters.

I often consciously omit such moments from my writing or try to describe them as objectively as possible. I find it difficult to write without using my own truths as a benchmark. However, today I am making an exception.

Yesterday, about three kilometres from my destination, a man named Kamoliddin rode up to me on his moped. We started chatting and before I fully understood what was happening, he invited me to his home for dinner and to stay the night. I gratefully accepted.

He was an old man and I followed him home in the dark. His family welcomed me there: his wife, his mother, and - as I later learned - one of his daughters. It was warm, simple, and natural. A level of hospitality that one could only dream of.

The men and I entered the guesthouse, and we were served soup, meat and bread, as well as tea and pastries. As was often the case on this trip, translation apps were key to communication. Later, Kamoliddin's brother, who spoke a little English, joined us, which made things much easier.

After dinner, Kamoliddin sat next to me and said he wanted to introduce me to someone else. Then he brought his second daughter into the room.

„Our daughter, Umida, was born eight months into the pregnancy,“ she began. „She is now eight years old. She sustained a head injury during birth and was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy.“

Note: Cerebral palsy is a condition affecting movement, posture and coordination caused by damage to the developing brain. It usually develops around the time of birth and continues throughout life – with highly variable severity.

Since then, the family has been struggling day by day. For eight years they have tried everything: treatments in various clinics in Samarkand and Tashkent, repeated hopes, failures. So far, without the hoped-for success, without Umida at least being able to walk independently.

There is a new opportunity.

„We need to take him to India for treatment,“ said Kamoliddin. „For this, we need $20,000. We have a meeting – we need to fly on June 9th.“

Doubts arose at that time. Why was I invited... specifically?

Then she asked me for something unexpected: to record a video and share her daughter's story. Perhaps people would help. Perhaps someone would see this story and contribute.

There was a lot of hope in her words – and at the same time, so much despair. For a moment, I felt as though I had been used by other people. But then I realised: Perhaps I could be just a small spark of hope for this family.

I don't know if their expectations are higher or not. But I was able to take on this role.

I don’t know if this will work or not. But because I’ve seen how much this family is struggling, and how much they believe in this opportunity.

I know there are also many sufferings here. There are people in need of help around us. And we can't help everyone. Therefore, I have no expectations regarding this text.

I'm just keeping a promise. I'm sharing this story. And perhaps, I'm a small, hopeful part of their journey.

If you are reading this and wish to help – by sharing, showing your support, or offering assistance – you will find suggestions at the end of this text.

Announcement:

You can share this text and the video (available on YouTube and Instagram). I have Kamaliddin's permission.

I'm not sure if it can be transferred directly to a VISA card or not (see the end of the video). Kamoliddin says it's possible.

In addition, I have created PayPal money until June 7, 2026: PayPal money

I will send the collected donations to Kamoliddin.