My daughter Masha and I fled Belarus on September 11, 2020, when she was only 7 years old. Her new life began in Ukraine. There were friends, school, language, habits — she became attached to this country with all her heart. When a full-scale war began in 2022, we stayed, we did not leave. On the first day, we took refuge in a cellar in Vorzel near Kiev, under shelling, then returned to Kyiv: anxiety, sleepless nights and constant fear became part of our life.
Against the background of stress and rapid growth — Masha has grown by 20 centimetres in a year and is now taller than me — she began to develop curvature of the feet. At first, she simply began to walk on her toes. Then it became clear that she could not stand on her heels — she fell backwards. The muscles and tendons were not stretched, she needs to do special exercises and undergo procedures every day, otherwise the situation will get worse.
In Kyiv, rehabilitation is now almost impossible: most medical institutions work only for the military. That's why we came to Poland specifically to treat Masha. The doctors here confirmed: surgery is not necessary, the bones are fine, but long-term work with the muscles will be required — daily stretching, massage, exercise therapy. According to the insurance, we were put on the waiting list only for July-August. But Masha cannot wait that long — during these months, the problem may become irreversible.
We are now in Poland and plan to stay here for at least 2.5 months. I will go to Kyiv: I continue to work and help. Masha is studying remotely at a Ukrainian school. This is essentially a health trip, but a lot depends on its outcome.
I ask you to support my daughter. It is hard for me to ask, but it is even harder to see how she cannot stand and walk normally. Thank you to everyone who did not stand aside. Thank you for your support. Long live Belarus!
How much is needed?
€4000
€1600 – rehabilitation procedures (massage, stretching, exercise therapy, 2,5 months)
€1200 – rent
€800 – food and household needs
€400 – travel and administrative expenses