Olena from Kharkiv faced many challenges even before the full-scale war started. First, her younger daughter was diagnosed with a genetic illness, then she lost loved ones due to COVID-19. Finally, the woman suffered a stroke, confining her to a wheelchair.

Despite these hardships, Olena persevered through rehabilitation and treatments in Kharkiv. And then the war erupted suddenly. Relentless rocket strikes made it terrifying for Olena, unable to reach the basement due to physical limitations. But her main fear was for her little daughters – 5-year-old Emilia and 11-year-old Stefania. So, the family fled the city. “Yet, even here, they faced challenges. Olena’s husband lost his job, meaning money was often only stretched to cover essential needs such as food.

Later, the family returned to Kharkiv, where Olena resumed basic treatments despite ongoing shelling. Each trip to the hospital brought fears of not returning to her children. A friend shared Olena’s story with Save Ukraine volunteers, leading to assistance. Olena, without hesitation, accepted help, realizing she had to save her children.

Thanks to the Medevac project, our team evacuated Olena and her kids to a specially designed, accessible modular home in Gatne. Nearby is our “Hope and Healing” Center, where specialists are working on women’s rehabilitation and treating her youngest daughter, Emilia.

Olena is hopeful to return to normal life soon, heal her daughter, and lead her family back to a brighter future.