Friends!

My son, who lives in Ukraine, was sent to serve during the chaos of war despite lifelong, documented heart and neurological conditions. Long before his service, he was diagnosed with second-degree AV heart block, mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation, structural heart and aorta abnormalities, clinically significant arrhythmias, cardiac-related fainting, and a high risk of life-threatening arrhythmias under stress. He also suffered from chronic migraines, recurrent fainting, cerebral vascular disorders, impaired brain circulation, and spinal pathology affecting nerve regulation and blood flow. All of these were confirmed by specialists and documented in his medical records years before enlistment.

While stationed at a rear-area facility, his unit was struck during a bomb attack. He suffered shrapnel injuries, exposure to a powerful blast wave, and loss of consciousness. This event significantly worsened his cardiac and neurological conditions, marking a critical turning point in his health. Now, he faces severe, medically documented injuries: blast-related brain concussion, persistent tremor on his right side, severe speech impairment, significant neurological deficits, worsening cerebral vascular dysfunction, cardiac attacks with fainting, and a critically elevated risk of life-threatening arrhythmias.

For me, this is not an abstract story about war or policy — this is my child, living in a country torn apart by war. I am watching my son struggle, weaken, and suffer while being told that what he is experiencing is “not serious enough.” As a mother, there is nothing more heartbreaking. Every day without proper recognition, protection, and care feels like precious time slipping away. Without urgent intervention, his health continues to decline rapidly, and the absence of medical acknowledgment and legal safeguards leaves him in constant danger — with consequences that could forever alter the course of our lives.

I survived the occupation of Bucha. For weeks, I lived under bombs and constant shelling, and not once did I question my purpose: as long as I was able, I had to help others. I was deliberately shot at. Bullets passed close to my head. And even then — under bombs and gunfire — I did not allow myself fear, and I did not ask for help. I kept supporting people who needed it. I lived through war and PTSD and continued to help others free of charge — professionally and humanly — because I knew how to be a source of strength. I am a licensed psychotherapist in Ukraine. After coming to the United States, I retrained as a professional personal and business coach, certified at the ICF global PPC level. For more than a year and a half, I volunteered to provide emotional support and coaching through the Hug Space Warm Line, despite my own challenges. I continue to volunteer in support of people in both Ukraine and the United States, because this is my life’s purpose. Today, for the first time, I am truly afraid. More afraid than I was then — under bombs and fire. I have done everything I know how to do. From here, the only thing left for me is to ask for help. And for the first time in my life, I am asking. Not for myself — but to save the life of my son, who is still living in Ukraine. If you are reading this and can help in any way — you are now part of his chance to live.