What was your life like before...

My life before the war was pleasant. Despite my age and 50 years of work experience, I was working; I had a job as a cleaner at a school. My family was by my side: my son and his wife, my daughter and her husband, my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In 2020 I was seriously ill with COVID-19, which left me with a diagnosis of endocarditis of the heart and back, and that is when my nightmare began. I had heart surgery and two valves were replaced. I could no longer live a full life; I can barely move, I have a Group 1 disability. I am a widow, and in 2023 my daughter also died of cancer. The war scattered my family. I tried to take my own life, but I was saved. The war has worsened all my illnesses; it is very hard both psychologically and financially, and sometimes I don't want to go on living.

How does this affect your everyday life?

My mornings always begin the same way: tears for my loved ones, a prayer to God, taking my medicine, and thoughts about how to provide myself with food and medicine and pay for the apartment over the month. I can barely move around the apartment; sometimes my neighbors take me outside for some fresh air. It is very hard for me to think that I have been left alone and that there will be no more bright days in my life. Sometimes my son comes to see me and helps however he can, but he has his own family to support financially. The constant shelling wears me down psychologically; I am very frightened. I am very afraid of being left all alone. I remember my happy life with my loved ones, and that is all I have — my memories.

Your strengths and dreams

My strength, I believe, is that I am still alive in this life where nothing is left for me. I hope for compassion and for your financial help; you give me a chance at continuing to live and hope that there are many kind people in this world, and a chance to stay with you. God bless you!

What exactly will the funds be used for?

I need the funds for my continued existence as a human being. I receive only an old-age pension. Medicine, food, rent for the apartment. Thank you!