Andriy was born in Mariupol, a major port city on the coast of the Sea of Azov, and among the most heavily shelled by the Russian army. Andriy and his family were among those affected by the attacks, with their house ending up completely destroyed. After losing their home, the family lived in a church in the city center with other residents and survivors. They were given food just once daily, sometimes needing to resort to melting snow in order to have drinkable water.

The war took Andriy’s father from him – Russian forces killed him while bombing the city as he searched for food to feed his starving family. He now lives in Uzhhorod, over 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) away from his hometown, with his mother.

With the assistance of the Fund, Andriy has received support for his debilitating back problems, which require ongoing treatment and sports training with a special coach. In addition, he has been provided with a laptop to attend English classes on the Preply educational platform, a backpack with school supplies, vouchers for groceries, legal help, shoes and financial assistance from the “1K for Ukraine” program, though there is an ongoing need to support him with clothes and food.

Andriy dreams of a happy, peaceful and stable homelife resembling the one he once had in his native Mariupol, and of one day owning a scooter.