Since the start of the Syrian Civil War, close to five million Syrians have fled the country to start a new life for their families. Although this number is increasing everyday, there are still thousands stuck in the country. Surviving is a daily struggle in this war-torn country, and thousands of doctors are risking their lives to help make life a little more bearable.

A US-based relief organization, the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), has been helping to provide Syrians with medical assistance during this deadly war that has taken close to 400,000 lives. Over 1,700 doctors have been working in 110 medical centers across the country, and have treated three million people so far. SAMS’s largest trauma treatment center was bombed this past October, leaving many in despair. Dr. Ahmad Tarakji is the president of SAMS, and is not surprised that hospitals are prime targets for airstrike attacks.

“It’s like waking up from death,” Tarakji said. “You cannot see a lot because the dust is all over the place. You’ll see blood on your clothing, and you don’t know if it’s yours or somebody else’s.”

“If I was one of those doctors I would feel both honored and scared,” junior Ethan Byczek said. “Putting the people’s lives before their own is brave.”

Although their resources are limited, SAMS is trying their best to help the lives of Syrians in need.