When the Russian Federation attacked Ukraine, I was in a penal colony under the article for participating in peaceful protests. We received an order to remove any symbols from prisoners that resembled Ukrainian, national or right-wing symbols. And I had a tattoo that fit this description. So I was summoned to the chief and was told that it was necessary to remove it. I refused. For that I was sent to a punitive isolation center.
After 30 days in the punishment cell, you start to perceive reality differently. The wardens came to me again and put me in front of a choice: either I agree to remove the tattoo, or I will not go free at the end of my sentence. I chose the former.
I was given a vial of acid solution and told I had 15 minutes to fix the problem. I clenched my teeth. I took the vial. I started rubbing the solution on my skin.
The acid was very strong. A wound formed. I peeled off a layer of skin along with the meat. The burn festered and didn't heal for many months. Since the colony administration wanted to hide the incident, I did not receive normal medical care. I was treated with whatever I had to. A big ugly scar formed on the place of the tattoo.
When I was released, I left Belarus and applied for help to the ByHelp Foundation, so that they could help me improve my health: they fixed my teeth, did a full examination and helped me with the treatment of this burn. I was given the latest Gilauron injections. They gave me new meat, but I still needed cosmetic surgery.
Skin resurfacing, smoothing, and tattooing are needed to bring the burn site back to normal. The muscles also need further recovery. According to doctors, the period of full recovery will take about six months. And the first 2 months will need to be very careful with the damaged skin area, so at work (I work in a dusty place) I will take a vacation at my own expense.
I am asking for your help to help me heal my burn. In order to recover, I need to raise €2900. With this money I will undergo several courses of chemical and mechanical peeling, remove the remnants of the old tattoo and bring my skin back to normal. I will also be unable to work for 2 months, so please help me with accommodation and basic needs.
How much is needed?
€2950
€1050 — cosmetology services (chemical and mechanical peeling, laser resurfacing, removal of old tattoo fragments),
€1200 — housing and utilities for 2 months when I won't be able to work,
€700 — this money I will spend on groceries, travel and essentials.
There's one more thing. After all the procedures, I'll still have a visible scar. And I'd like to cover it up with a new tattoo. But just putting a new tattoo on top of the scar won't work. You need a master who knows how to work with damaged skin. I went all over Warsaw and found a tattoo artist who was willing to take on my case. But the price of such a tattoo is two and a half times higher than a regular tattoo. €1500. If this money can be raised, I can finally get rid of the scar that has reminded me of torture all my life. I want it to be replaced by something that reminds me not of pain, but of freedom.
Thank you to everyone who will help me do that.