Dear Sponsor,
My name is Milana, and I am 9 years old. I live in a village with my parents and my brothers and sister. We had to leave our home because of the war, but we are grateful to now live in a safe place.
I am in the 3rd grade, and my favorite subject is math. My best friend is Solomiia, and we love playing together. I also enjoy singing carols at Christmas, playing with my friends, and eating pizza. When I grow up, I would like to work in a store.
Thank you for your kindness and for helping children in Ukraine. I would love to receive a letter from you. Please pray for my family and for peace in our country.
With love,
Milana
Caseworker Comments:
Milana is a bright, creative, and kind-hearted young girl whose gentle spirit shines through in everything she does. She loves drawing, singing, and creating with modeling clay, often expressing her imagination through her artwork and play. Milana works hard at school and takes pride in reading and writing, always eager to learn new things. At home, she is a caring daughter who willingly helps her mother by washing dishes, sweeping floors, and keeping her space tidy. Although she has her own place to sleep and study, she often chooses to sleep close to her mother, reflecting the deep bond they share.
Despite the many challenges her family has faced, Milana remains joyful, thoughtful, and full of hope. Her warm heart, resilience, and love for her family make her a truly special child who longs for a brighter future.
Milana is one of seven children in a family that has endured the trauma of war, displacement, poverty, illness, and uncertainty. Originally from the Donetsk region, the family was forced to flee their home because of the war. Since then, they have been displaced four separate times, desperately searching for safety and stability. After years of upheaval, they have finally settled in a small rural village, but life remains a daily struggle.
Milana’s mother, Oleksandra, is a devoted and sacrificial woman who spends every day caring for her children, particularly her twin sons who face severe disabilities, including cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and profound hearing loss. Her caregiving responsibilities are relentless, made even more difficult by her own health challenges. Oleksandra suffers from progressive multiple sclerosis, which has severely damaged her eyesight and continues to threaten her health and independence. Despite her pain and limitations, she pours every ounce of strength she has into caring for her children.
The family’s financial situation is heartbreaking. They survive almost entirely on small government assistance, which is quickly consumed by medications, diapers, food, school supplies, and other necessities. There is rarely enough left over to meet even the most basic needs. Meals are often limited to simple soups or borscht, while more nutritious foods and hearty meals are rare luxuries.
Adding to the family’s challenges, Milana’s father has struggled to find stable employment since returning home. The stress of war, displacement, and financial hardship has created tremendous strain on the household. Yet despite everything, the family continues to cling to their faith and regularly attends their local church, drawing strength and hope from God during difficult times.
The home they rent reflects the hardships they face. The small house consists of only two rooms, a kitchen, and a hallway for a family of nine. Furniture is scarce, and there are not enough beds for everyone. Several of the children sleep on mattresses placed directly on the floor. The floors are worn and deteriorating, the windows are damaged and covered with plastic to block cold drafts, and there is no running water inside the home. Every bucket of water must be carried from a neighbor’s property because their well has gone dry. Bathing is done using washbasins, the toilet is outside, and daily tasks that many families take for granted require tremendous effort.
Yet even in these difficult circumstances, Milana’s family continues to demonstrate incredible resilience, faith, and love. The children support one another, share what little they have, and continue to dream of a better future. Milana remains a cheerful young girl who finds joy in simple moments and treasures time with her family.
