Anna Semchuk's past year has been extremely trying for her, her husband, and young family.
Last May, just as Anna and her husband were starting to feel settled in Bryn Mawr after escaping Ukraine to bring their three children (7, 9, 11) to safety in the U.S. and away from the war, she was diagnosed with breast cancer (Grade II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma).
After her diagnosis, Anna endured 6 rounds of chemo as she prepared for her mastectomy. Her surgery was on October 28, 2025. It was successful, however during her surgery, remaining cancer cells were found in the lymph nodes. She is now going through 14 rounds of chemotherapy, and concurrent radiation treatment.
Anna and her husband Olexi are extremely kind, hardworking, and a wonderful asset to our surrounding community. They have worked so hard to support their family in their new country while battling the unimaginable. If you have ever had a desire to help a neighbor - or wondered how you could help the people of Ukraine who were helplessly attacked in their homes by the war - this is the perfect way to show your support.
More Background on Anna and Family:
As I got to know Anna, I learned that she, her husband Olexi, and their three children (6, 8, 10) had recently relocated to Bryn Mawr from her home country to escape the war that was (is) tragically ravaging her homeland. They bravely left behind their siblings, parents, and extended family to keep their children safe. I often wonder if my husband and I would be brave enough to make the same choice if we were in that position.
One day, I saw Anna silently shed a few tears as she worked. When I asked what was wrong, she shared that earlier that day, her brother was killed in the war. President Zelensky attended his funeral. Anna was tragically unable to be there to say goodbye to her brother.
Leaving her country, relatives, and friends would have been enough for anyone. However, our sweet Anna just received terrible news and has a fight ahead of her.
Two weeks ago, Anna sent me a text and shared that she found a lump in her breast. After a biopsy last Thursday, we learned Friday that Anna has Grade II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma which has metastasized to a nearby lymph node.
We are awaiting staging of the cancer and the specific treatments Anna will need to endure; we will update this page as we learn more later this week.
Given their very limited support system in this country, it will likely be difficult for Olexi to continue his full-time work as an electrician while caring for Anna through treatment and their three young children.
My hope is that our community can rally behind Anna and her wonderful family and show them support, so we can make this fight a bit easier.