My name is Julien, and I never imagined I would be sharing my story like this. Two years ago, while traveling in Thailand, my life changed in a way I could never have anticipated. I fell from a height of 10 meters — about 33 feet — and suffered 19 broken bones. My pelvis, sacrum, hip, both legs, and wrist were fractured, and I nearly lost my life that day.
Doctors warned me I would never walk again. But I did.
The first days after the fall were unimaginably difficult. I woke up in a rundown hospice, placed in a crowded, unhygienic room with no intensive care, no clean water, and barely enough food. For six days, I hovered between life and death, completely at the mercy of circumstances beyond my control. Even though the French embassy had declared my life at risk, no action was taken. My travel insurance flatly refused to help.
What saved me during that terrifying time was the kindness of a complete stranger — a woman visiting her family who saw me and chose to act. She washed me, brought me food and water, and stayed by my side. Without her, I truly do not know if I would have survived. Her compassion is something I will never forget.
Eventually, after days of waiting, persistence from my loved ones back in France led to my transfer to Bangkok International Hospital. There, doctors confirmed the urgent need for life-saving surgery. Yet even then, my insurance refused to cover the costs, attempting twice to repatriate me home — despite the fact that traveling in my condition would likely have killed me.
After 19 days in intensive care, and under heavy sedation, two surgeries were finally approved. Each lasted over 23 hours. Metal rods, plates, and screws rebuilt my body, giving me a second chance at life. Once stabilized, I was flown back to France and spent nine months in a rehabilitation center, relearning how to sit, move, and walk. The process was grueling. Immobile and dependent, I struggled with basic daily tasks. Doctors repeatedly told me I would probably never walk again.
But I refused to accept that. Against all odds, with patience, determination, and a love for life, I learned to walk again — step by step, painfully but triumphantly. Every step reminded me of what courage and resilience truly mean.
Today, however, the metal implants that once saved my life are causing chronic pain, nerve damage, and severe limitations. My left side is partially paralyzed, my hand has lost much motor function, and my left foot no longer moves at all due to neuropathic damage. The metal compresses my nerves, disrupts sleep, and leaves me exhausted every day. Simple movements have become a constant struggle, and my independence is limited.
The removal of this hardware is not optional — it is critical to my health, mobility, and quality of life. The surgeon who originally operated on me in Thailand is ready to perform the procedure, but in France, I have no insurance and no financial support. The surgery costs close to €40,000, and I cannot cover it alone.
For over a year, I have sought help from specialists across France and Europe. Some say the procedure is too complex. Others admit they simply don’t know how to do it. But all are aware of the precision of the Thai surgical team that rebuilt my body once before. My life literally depends on completing the work they began.
Asking for help is not easy, and it took a long time to share this story publicly. But I’ve realized that sometimes, vulnerability is the only way to move forward. Every donation, every share, every kind message brings me closer to this surgery, closer to living without constant pain, and closer to regaining a full and functional life.
This is more than a surgery — it is the chance to reclaim my body, my independence, and my future. After surviving near-death, enduring months of rehabilitation, and learning to walk again, I never imagined I would be left helpless in my own country. Yet here I am, asking for help — from friends, family, strangers, and anyone willing to support me in this fight.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for reading, sharing, or contributing. Your support is not just financial; it is hope, encouragement, and a lifeline for someone who has already fought against impossible odds. Every action, no matter how small, brings me closer to healing and a future where I can move freely, live fully, and continue to embrace life.
💛 Help me complete my journey. Every donation, every share, and every word of support brings me one step closer to mobility, health, and independence.