My Dear Sponsor,
My name is Ilona, and I am writing on behalf of my four-year-old brother, Ruslan, who attends kindergarten.
Our family was forced to leave the Donetsk region because of the war and now we live in another village. We are grateful to have a safe place to stay, although life is still difficult. Our mother cares for our large family while facing health challenges, and our father is currently serving in the military.
Ruslan loves playing with his brother Nazar, drawing, watching cartoons, and spending time outdoors. His favorite foods are pasta, pelmeni, and sweets.
Thank you for your kindness and support. We would be very happy to receive a letter from you and get to know you better.
With gratitude,
Ilona and Ruslan
Caseworker’s Comments:
Meet Ruslan, a gentle, kind-hearted little boy whose compassion shines far beyond his years. At just four years old, Ruslan has a deep love for his family. He enjoys playing with toys, watching cartoons, and attending kindergarten, but what stands out most is his caring nature. Seeing his disabled brother struggle breaks his heart, and he often tries to comfort and help him however he can. Ruslan also worries about his mother and frequently offers to help with household chores, proudly sweeping the floors and doing whatever he can to make her smile. His actions reveal a child with a remarkably loving and selfless heart.
Behind Ruslan’s bright smile is a family carrying an enormous burden.
Ruslan 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.
Ruslan’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 a 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, Ruslan’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, Ruslan’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. Ruslan remains a cheerful little boy who finds joy in simple moments and treasures time with his family.
