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Hello! My name is Valiaryna Kustava. Many people know me as a poet, TV presenter, mentor, and creator of media projects. My life has been devoted to writing books, promoting Belarusian culture, and helping people in difficult situations. But now, I find myself in a position where I need to ask for help—a decision that hasn’t come easily.
Back in 2020, I started a project called “Belarusian to Belarusian.” Through it, I shared stories of repression and supported over 120 families of political prisoners and those affected by persecution. But in June 2021, because of my work with “Belsat” and my support for the people, things took a drastic turn. A black bus arrived at my door, and I found myself facing criminal charges for allegedly “financing and organizing protests.” They searched my home and my parents' home, and even sealed my property.
With nothing but a backpack, I fled to Poland. Miraculously, my daughter, who was only two years old at the time, was also evacuated. My elderly parents, who depend on me, are also with us. In addition, I am a solo mom.
Shortly after we arrived, my dad was diagnosed with cancer. The doctors initially gave him only two months to live, but I’ve been fighting alongside him for over a year. This journey has included a complicated surgery, 12 rounds of chemotherapy, dealing with thrombosis, and ongoing tests and procedures. In the beginning, I stayed with him in the hospital 24 hours a day. Later, I handled everything from his dressings to injections and appointments. Later my daughter also required treatment, leaving me caring for both her and my parents.
In the middle of all this, my own health took a hit from stress, exhaustion, and emotional burnout, and I even needed surgery. The latest tests and doctors’ reports show I urgently need treatment and rehabilitation. I keep working because there’s no other way, but everything we’ve been through has left me in debt. That’s why I’m reaching out.
If I can make it through this incredibly hard time, I want to go back to helping others—supporting Belarusians and inspiring people to keep going. I want to live fully again and create for our Belarus, because I truly believe “Belarusian to Belarusian” means love, support, and hope for a better future. Where we stand together, there’s our Motherland.
So, here I am, asking for help. The amount I’m requesting won’t cover everything or fix all the problems we’re facing, but it will make a real difference in starting to turn things around. I’m incredibly grateful for any support, and if by some miracle, we raise more than I’m asking, I’ll use it for my dad’s rehabilitation and further treatment for myself and my daughter. rehabilitation of me and my daughter.
How much is needed?
€8700
€4,600 — Rent for the apartment where my daughter and I live
€3,100 — Rent for my parents’ apartment
€1,000 — Part of the legal fees in Belarus