Hello, Dear Sponsor!
My name is Lidiia, and I am 5 years old. I live in a village with my mom, my sister, and my three brothers. Sadly, I no longer have a dad, as he has passed away. My mom works as a social worker, and my sister Aliona, along with my brothers Oleksii, Volodymyr, and Maksym, all go to school. I go to kindergarten, where I have many friends: Polina, Karolina, Milana, Sofiia, Yeva, Zakharyk, Mykhailyk, Illiusha, and Andrii. I really enjoy playing with the kids there, although I do not like nap time very much.
I love holidays, and I especially love eating yummy treats, cutlets, and sausages. In my free time, I like to draw, write, and mold things out of clay. Even though I do not quite know how to do everything yet, I am learning little by little. When I grow up, I want to be a superhero.
I am very glad for the opportunity to be your sponsored child, and I am so happy that I have a sponsor like you who helps me and my family. A huge thank you to you. We love you, and we thank God for you and for the fact that people like you exist.
With love,
Lidiia
Caseworker’s comments:
Lidiia is a bright, kind‑hearted, and energetic little girl. She loves drawing, riding her bicycle, and excitedly sharing stories about her day. In kindergarten, she interacts warmly with other children and is known for her sincere, open personality. Growing up in a large family, she has learned the importance of helping others, supporting her siblings, and being grateful for even the smallest blessings. At home, she eagerly helps tidy up her toys and always tries her best to be obedient and responsible.
Lidiia’s mother, Tetiana, has been raising her five children alone since the tragic passing of her husband in the summer of 2025. Their family’s journey has been marked by profound hardship and extraordinary resilience. Many years ago, Tetiana’s husband suffered a life‑altering injury after courageously stepping in to defend a woman who was being harassed by a group of men at a train station. The attackers brutally beat him, leaving him with severe head trauma. Although he survived, the entire left side of his body remained paralyzed, and he regained only partial mobility in one leg.
For nearly a decade, he struggled with limited mobility, and during his final years, he became fully dependent on a wheelchair. He could no longer eat independently and required constant care. Throughout this long and painful period, Tetiana was his sole caregiver—while also raising their children and doing everything she could to keep the family afloat. When her husband passed away, she became the only provider and emotional anchor for all five children.
Today, Tetiana works as a social worker in her village, caring for elderly residents who live alone. She earns a minimum wage of about 6,000 UAH ($139 USD) per month. The family also receives state child assistance. However, even combined, these funds are far from enough to cover the basic needs of a large family—especially in the midst of Ukraine’s ongoing war and rapidly rising prices for food, utilities, and essential goods.
A significant portion of their income goes toward utility bills, firewood for winter heating, groceries, medications, seasonal clothing, and school supplies. Despite Tetiana’s tireless efforts, the financial burden is overwhelming.
The family lives in a small, aging village home. The children share a single desk for their schoolwork, taking turns to complete their assignments. Much of the furniture is old and worn, and the kitchen is in need of repairs. Yet, despite these challenges, Tetiana works tirelessly to create a warm, loving, and stable environment for her children.
This family has endured immense suffering, but Tetiana has never given up. Her strength, devotion, and perseverance are remarkable. Still, the weight she carries alone is far too heavy. Their financial situation, the devastating loss of the father, and the ongoing hardships of daily life have left them in urgent need of support.
Sponsorship would be a tremendous blessing for Lidiia and her family. It would provide stability, ensure proper nutrition, support her education, and give her the chance to grow and thrive despite the challenges around her. Most importantly, it would offer hope, something this family deeply deserves after so many years of struggle.
