Surviving in Ukraine

A Mother and Daughter Seek Help in the Midst of War

Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine life has been very difficult for 87-year-old Gerthruda and her 44-year-old daughter, Anna. The pair is from Zaporizhya, a city in Eastern Ukraine. Gerthruda draws a meager pension while, before the war, Anna worked as an artist. Since the invasion, however, there’s no longer any demand for Anna’s art. It only took a few months for Gerthruda and Anna to burn through their savings.

Unable to afford food, the mother and daughter began to face hunger. To save money for food, Gerthruda began skipping her medication, causing her health to deteriorate. Then they found Cross International’s partner on the ground in Ukraine—Dorcas.

On seeing Gerthruda and Anna’s need, Dorcas staff provided them with a food package containing pasta, condensed milk, sunflower oil, rice, and more. In all, it was enough food to last them at least a month. With food in hand, Gerthruda was able to buy more medication. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of Cross supporters like you, Gerthruda and Anna expressed that they now have hope that they will live through the war.