Darynka’s story: “I really want to see my friends again”

“The first thing I will do after treatment is go out with my friends. I really want to see them at last,” says Darynka, who is staying at Dacha.

Darynka is 10 years old and comes from the Zhytomyr region. She has been receiving treatment in Lviv for a long time. This cheerful girl loves being with her mother. At Dacha, she enjoys helping in the kitchen, making new friends, art therapy sessions and jumping on the trampoline.

Darynka’s life now involves many hospital visits and procedures. Last year, she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She underwent surgery in Lviv and four courses of chemotherapy, and is now receiving radiotherapy. Her mother, Yualina, is by her side at every stage of treatment.

Her belief in Darynka’s recovery and the support of people the family met at Dacha give her strength to keep going.

“We all share similar worries here, offer advice and support one another. That means so much,” says Yualina.

Before she became ill, Darynka loved dancing, especially energetic hip-hop. She also enjoyed fishing trips with her father.

The whole family now hopes that Darynka will recover, the war will end, and all children will be healthy and happy.

Darynka dreams of the day she can meet her friends again. Just to go for a walk together.

You can also support families staying in our family homes. Set up a monthly donation at zaporuka.org.ua and help families feel that they are not alone on the road to recovery.