UPDATE: Feb. 17, 2026. Yuliia continues to rest and make slow, meaningful progress. On days when her energy allows, she’s able to see a few nail clients—but the medication she takes to prevent tumor growth causes profound fatigue. Even an hour of walking can leave her completely drained. Because of this, working consistently simply isn’t possible right now.

Her husband is doing everything he can, working as many hours as his job allows, but their income has very real limits. At the same time, their expenses continue to grow. To continue receiving critical medical care, Yuliia and her family must remain in the United States. Unfortunately, recent government fee increases have made this much harder. In just six short months, they will need to pay thousands of dollars to maintain their status.

This looming costs are overwhelming for a family already stretched thin by illness and uncertainty.

If you are in a position to contribute, even a small amount, your support would make a tangible difference in helping Yuliia focus on healing rather than survival. Every donation helps relieve an enormous burden.

Other Ways You Can Help (Non-Monetary)

Support doesn’t have to be financial. If giving looks different for you, these gestures mean more than you know:

• Drop off a healthy meal (Yuliia loves citrus, tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, and fish)

• Bring plants for her balcony in the spring—plants bring her real joy

• Help with light cleaning or straightening (vacuuming, lifting, or moving items is very difficult for her)

• Assist with transportation or ride costs for her many specialist appointments in Northeast Philly or the Doylestown area

UPDATE -- 11/3/25. Yuliia met with Oncology & Radiology at Penn. And she's got a plan! Back in August, her surgeon removed almost all of the tumor. (He didn't want to cut too far and risk her brain function so some of it is still there.) The surgery & biopsy enabled her doctors to learn exactly what type of tumor this is.

A new drug was approved by the FDA *last year* that can stop the growth of IDH-Mutant gliomas. This drug is available in the US under the name Voranigo. This drug may stop the tumor from growing. It won't "kill" the tumor. Nothing will do that, unfortunately. Yuliia got her first dose of Voranigo 2 days ago.

This drug is serious. It stops the body from producing 1 specific enzyme and the side effects vary from person to person.

She's been able to get the medication, which is amazing. She's had 2 doses and it's too soon to tell whether she can tolerate this medication and for how long. The next step would be radiation therapy, and she is hoping to get as much time out of the drug as possible before subjecting herself to the risks of radiation to the brain.

Yulia would like to thank everyone for all of the warm wishes, prayers and positive thoughts being sent her way. And of course she is extremely thankful for her close friends, clients and aquaintencas that have supported her financially. She is amazed at how generously the community has rallied around her.

Here’s hoping the new medication works.

Update from 9/29

Yuliia is home from the hospital, and each day she’s regaining a little more of her strength. She’s working hard on balance, coordination, and endurance, while also giving her brain and skull the precious rest they need to heal. The doctors confirmed that the tumor they removed—about 3.4 cm—was a “Grade 2.” While it’s considered slow-growing, it’s also the kind that often comes back. Yuliia now has an oncologist at Penn guiding her through the next steps, which may include radiation and chemotherapy. Yuliia is on journey that none of us ever expect to take, but she’s facing it with incredible courage. Right now, she can’t work, and the financial stress is heavy. Your support means so much—it helps cover groceries, utility bills, and the essentials of daily life while she focuses on healing. Every donation, every share, and every kind word makes a real difference in helping her get through this difficult time.

Original post:

Yuliia and her husband Yevhen recently began a new chapter of their lives here in Pennsylvania after immigrating to the United States. With strength and determination, they built their new life from the ground up. Yevhen is a truck driver, and Yuliia is the heart and hands behind Nika Nails, a studio she opened in Bucks County. Yuliia has just received the devastating news that she has a brain tumor. She is scheduled for major surgery, followed by an uncertain recovery period. While her spirit is strong and her hopes are high, she and her family face weeks, possibly months, without a steady income and with a growing pile of medical expenses.

The good news? Well, it's hard to find good news here. But we're going to try.

We are asking for your help to ease the burden during this critical time. Your donation--in any amount--will go toward:

If you've ever met Yuliia, you know she is a fighter. Warm, hardworking, and full of life. Let's give her the support she needs so that she can focus on healing right now.

With gratitude,

Yuliia's Friends