My name is Daniel Gaines and I'm an organizer from Los Angeles raising funds for my friend Kawthar Bilal Arafa from Gaza City, Gaza, as well as her adopted baby, Karam, whom she found on the street.

I met Kawthar online through another person in Gaza who I became friends with. After several conversations, including video calls with her, I decided to help her by creating this campaign. All funds will be transferred to her via PayPal to help her pay for food, clothing, tents, medical care and other essentials for both herself and her baby. Here are some of her own words:

"I am Kawthar, I am 18 years old, I live in the besieged Gaza Strip. I have been displaced more than 10 times. I am living the most difficult days of my life, during the best days of my life, as there is no water or food, no treatment or anything. I suffer from a severe shortage of food and malnutrition. Your help will ease my difficulties. I hope you will participate in my campaign."

UPDATE: In spite of the ceasefire, Kawthar and her baby continue to struggle with food and other necessities, since aid has still not resumed at the levels needed. Bombs also continue to fall, including next door to Kawthar's current residence. Your continued help is much needed. Thank you.