Dear kind and generous friends,

I am reaching out to share the story of Olena, a brave single mother from Ukraine, and her 8-year-old son, Daniel.

In December 2024, Olena was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer (hormone receptor positive). She is now undergoing ongoing treatment, with surgery expected in the near future. Because of her illness, Olena cannot work and her little family is struggling to cover basic living expenses.

Olena’s journey has been filled with unimaginable challenges. She and Daniel fled their hometown of Izyum, Ukraine—near Kharkiv—after witnessing the horrors of war. They first sought safety in Norway, but the harsh conditions made it difficult to adjust. In March 2024, they came to Canada under the CUAET visa program, hoping to finally find peace and stability.

At first, they settled in Jasper, Alberta, where Olena worked to provide for her son. But after the devastating wildfires, they were evacuated once again, this time to Calgary. Just when they thought life might quiet down, Olena began experiencing worsening chest pain, leading to her heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Because Olena is under the CUAET program, she does not qualify for the full range of government support available to others in her situation. She has applied for limited assistance through Alberta Works and the Child Benefit program, but this will not be enough to cover rent, food, and the daily costs of raising her son while she focuses on treatment and recovery.

Our goal is to raise $20,000 to help Olena and Daniel with living expenses, so that Olena can focus on her health and Daniel can have the stable, safe childhood he deserves.

Every dollar and every share of this campaign makes a real difference. Your kindness will help lift a heavy burden from this young family’s shoulders during the hardest time of their lives.

On behalf of Olena and Daniel, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.