As the second eldest in a family with limited means, my journey to become a doctor seemed impossible yet it stands as a reflection of my determination and my faith. Growing up, I watched my parents work tirelessly to support us. My mother and father could barely make ends meet, yet they ingrained in us the importance of education and the pursuit of our dreams.
My journey to medical school was paved with hard work. I completed my studies at Obarivsk Secondary School with distinction, receiving a silver medal for academic excellence. My excellent scores in biology, chemistry, Ukrainian language, and mathematics reflected my passion for learning and a natural aptitude for sciences.
In the year of my graduation, I took a significant spiritual step by being baptized through my church in Rivne. This sacred pledge to God reinforced my determination to utilize my abilities for healing others.
Despite financial challenges, I never lost sight of my dream. In 2016, I began my studies at the Faculty of Medicine, of Bogomolets National Medical University, securing a state-funded position and earning a scholarship through hard work and academic excellence.
I’m deeply grateful to the HART Educational Scholarship Fund for the financial support I received during my studies. This support has been crucial in allowing me to pursue my education without placing additional strain on my parents.
My journey from growing up in poverty-stricken family to being a doctor illustrates the profound impact of educational support.
In 2022, HART generously provided assistance as I began my paediatric internship at in Kyiv. Because I was 350 km away from my parents, the scholarship funds enabled me to rent an apartment while I completed my practical training at Kyiv Regional Children’s Hospital. This financial aid was a true blessing, allowing me to concentrate fully on my education and gain invaluable experience with young patients.
Throughout my studies and internship, I became deeply convinced that medicine was my true calling.
God blessed me with the necessary mental abilities, memory, logical thinking, and most importantly, a profound love for people and the ability to connect with sick children. My aspirations were never driven by the pursuit of high salaries or recognition, but rather to be a vessel for Christ’s light, demonstrating His healing power for both body and soul.
After completing my internship, I believe God guided me to my current role as a paediatrician in the Chemotherapy Department at the Okhmatdyt Medical Center. Here, I work with children battling different types of cancer.
Okhmatdyt Medical Center: A Beacon of Hope
Okhmatdyt, Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital, provides specialized care to approximately 18,000 children annually. Despite facing challenges, including recent missile attacks, the hospital continues its vital work. The resilience of the staff and patients here is truly inspiring, reinforcing my commitment to this calling.
As I write this during a night shift, amidst a power outage in the hospital, I’m deeply aware that these young Ukrainian patients require more than just specialized medical care. They also need dignity and spiritual support – something I strive to provide through God’s love.
Caring for children with severe illnesses such as cancer is emotionally taxing. As a medical professional, you form deep bonds with these young patients and their families. When a child passes away despite everyone’s utmost efforts, it’s heartbreaking. These losses leave a lasting impact on you.
My experiences likely fuel my passion to keep fighting for these children. Each life touched, each family supported, and each day of comfort provided is meaningful. Your work makes a profound difference, even when it’s not possible to save every child. I’m deeply grateful for your financial support during Ukraine’s challenging wartime period. It enabled me to realize my dream of becoming a doctor. I firmly believe that my education and life’s purpose is to save young Ukrainian lives and to bring God’s light into the darkness of their battles against deadly diseases.
May the Lord richly bless you and your families. Your generosity has not been in vain, for it has enabled me to serve these precious children and their families in their time of greatest need.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Anna Mykhailus
Background: In 2022, HART’s Scholarship Fund director, Svitlana, volunteered to help evacuate children undergoing cancer treatments to Italy for safety and continued care. During one of these missions, she met Anna, a fellow volunteer. Impressed by Anna’s story, Svitlana encouraged her to apply for a HART scholarship, which she subsequently received. Clearly, this encounter was orchestrated by a loving and compassionate God who used HART to bless this young lady and her family, who have had such a difficult life.
We invite you to support HART’s Education Scholarship Fund, empowering young people like Anna the opportunity to pursue and realize their dreams. In doing so, they will give back to their communities and churches, ultimately glorifying God through their lives and service.
