My name is Maria Novik, I am a former political prisoner in the TUT.BY case. At the company, I was deputy chief accountant. Until the last moment, I did not ask for help – I thought I would manage. But over time, it only became harder.
I was forced to come to Poland in December 2024, although I wanted to stay in Belarus until the last moment. But I started receiving strange calls from hidden numbers, and every morning someone would knock loudly on my door for a long time, demanding that I open it. And since at that time my son was already at the war in Ukraine, the persecution could have been connected not only to my case but also to this fact.
My son went as a volunteer fighter in the autumn of 2024. Of course, like any mother, I tried to dissuade him, but he was an independent, intelligent, and honest person with a well-formed opinion on this matter. And I always respected my son’s decisions.
After arriving in Poland, I tried to legalize my stay and adapt in a foreign country. And I would have managed all this, because I am a strong person. Prison did not break me, exile did not break me – the war that took my son broke me.
He passed away six months ago, killed while carrying out a combat mission. In these realities, I try to live. Only helping others as much as I can keeps me going.
Unfortunately, my financial situation is now difficult: a lot of money was spent on the trip to Ukraine for my son’s funeral. The savings I had are running out. But I cannot get a job yet, as the legalization process is still ongoing. Against the backdrop of stress, my health has worsened – problems with my back, endocrinology, and gynecology began.
Therefore, I am asking for help to survive this difficult moment of my life.
Fundraiser amount:
€3500
€1500 – rent for 3 months
€1000 – treatment for the most urgent health issues
€1000 – food and daily expenses