Miami Heat center Omer Yurtseven is proud of his Turkish heritage, so it was only natural for him to make a plea for help.
After Turkey was dealt a devastating, magnitude 7.8 earthquake, Yurtseven immediately jumped into action. He is teaming with the Heat to start fund-raising efforts. At least 36,000 people have already died in the earthquake.
The Heat are doing their part by auctioning off autographed jerseys to help the cause. The first jersey up for sale is Jimmy Butler.
"We experienced the most painful and destructive disaster of our country Turkey's history. We are in deep sadness. Our country has become a big house of condolences. This grieving is hurting all of us all over the world. We also feel a part of us under that debris like we are stuck. But we are also the ones who will heel the wounds."
"We have always stood up like this through very difficult times," Yurtseven said. "We will get back on our feet again. With these thoughts, I and my friends in America are starting a campaign in the earthquake zone with the hope of meeting even if it's just a single need."
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