Good afternoon, friends!
My name is Marina Pirog. I lived in Vitebsk, worked at the enterprise “Vitebskmyasomolprom”. In 2020, like hundreds of thousands of Belarusians, I took an active part in peaceful protests against the results of the presidential election: I stood in solidarity chains, was at the peaceful protest action of artists of Vitebsk on Freedom Square, participated in car rallies, was a member of house chats.
I openly declared my civic position at work, refused to sign a letter in support of Lukashenka. I had to quit my old job because of the change of management, and when I was hired at a new place of work, I was told directly that I was suitable, but they were not ready to take responsibility.
Repressions after the elections continued and intensified, I feared arrest and in the summer of 2023, with my 11-year-old son and 73-year-old mother, I left Belarus and emigrated to Poland, where I received additional International Protection.
Unfortunately, December 2024 was a very difficult and painful period for my family. My mom had a sharp deterioration of her health condition due to the progression of cancer, which we were fighting back in Belarus. My mom needed palliative care so that I could continue working. Every day she got worse and in January my mom died.
Her departure was a heavy blow for us. It is always a terrible thing to lose a loved one, and in emigration it is even more difficult. I myself organized my mother's cremation and sent the urn with her ashes to Belarus for burial.
Unfortunately, it took all my small savings to pay for the medication, the caregiver, the cremation and the transportation of the urn. I work in a restaurant, but in January, due to the change of location and renovation, we did not work. Accordingly, I did not receive any earnings for that month. I had to borrow money.
I have to pay rent for 2 months, buy groceries and necessities. My son and I are all alone in Poland, there is no one to help us, we have no other sources of income, and I really hope for your response and understanding!
How much is needed?
€3200
€1250 — funeral and related expenses
€1400 — rent and utilities for 2 months
€550 — food and household needs — €450.