After a severe injury, a Belarusian man has been left bedridden and temporarily unable to work. Because of the terms of his employment contract, he did not receive insurance compensation, leaving his family with almost no income during his recovery.
Alexander and Nina* have always acted together. In 2020, they supported alternative candidates, participated in election campaigns and protests, attended rallies, helped organize mutual aid initiatives, openly expressed their views online, and did not hide their position.
In the spring of 2022, Alexander was detained at his workplace. He spent two months in a pre-trial detention center, after which he was sentenced to two years of “chemistry” (a form of restricted freedom with mandatory labor). On the day the verdict was announced, the couple left Belarus. A few months later they arrived in Poland.
In 2024, Alexander was diagnosed with bladder cancer — invasive urothelial carcinoma (T2). His bladder was completely removed along with parts of surrounding organs. During surgery, doctors discovered metastases in the lymph nodes, and Alexander was prescribed one year of immunotherapy. At that time, the family already had to ask for support through BYSOL to cover medical treatment.
Since then, Alexander has been living with a urostomy bag, which requires constant care and monitoring. His wife accompanies him on trips and helps with medical procedures.
Last autumn, Alexander managed to start working as a driver. However, he was hired under a service contract, not a full employment contract, which meant he did not have full sick-leave insurance coverage. Nina often traveled with him during work trips because the stoma requires regular care and assistance.
On January 16, during one of these trips, an accident occurred. Alexander fell from a height of about one meter, resulting in a crushed heel bone and a complex fracture of the elbow joint.
Unfortunately, because of the type of contract he had, Alexander is not eligible for insurance compensation, leaving the family without income.
Several months of recovery lie ahead. Alexander is currently in a cast, continues his immunotherapy, and is unable to work. Nina remains by his side, taking care of him. After months of treatment and surgeries, the family has exhausted all their savings.
As soon as his health allows, the couple plans to return to work. But right now they are asking for support to get through the recovery period.
*Names and some details have been changed to protect relatives who remain in Belarus and may be in a vulnerable situation.
Fundraising Goal
€3900
€1200 – rent for 3 months
€1800 – food and daily living expenses
€900 – medication, hygiene supplies, and rehabilitation support