A Light in the Darkness

Mariya Adamchuk, a 69-year-old retired gas boiler operator, had lived an ordinary life in the village of New York, Toretsk district, Donetsk oblast. But as her health began to deteriorate, with diabetes and gradual vision loss, the challenges mounted.

When war came to her doorstep, it took the most precious thing from Mariya—her son. Trapped under the rubble, his fate remains unknown to this day.

For over six months, Mariya and her family lived in a basement, not truly living, but merely surviving. It was in these harsh conditions that she lost her sight, falling and severely injuring her head. With nowhere to go and no choice but to stay, they relied on the aid of volunteers who brought food and medicine. But Mariya’s diabetes led to severe attacks and even comas.

When the volunteers finally organized an evacuation, Mariya was taken from the territory of the phenol plant. They had planned to return for her son, but the shelling began, and he was left behind. Mariya was taken to Kostiantynivka and from there, she fled to a safer region.

Finding herself in the Haisyn district of Vinnytsia oblast, Mariya rented a place to live. Distant relatives took advantage of her limited abilities, extorting money from her. Life became increasingly difficult.

It was a neighbor, Maryna, who suggested that Mariya fill out an application for Senior Chudo Village on September 7, 2024. Despite her doubts and fears, having endured mockery, misunderstanding, and indifference, a call from Mariya Vitaliivna became the first ray of hope.

As Mariya settled into apartment 13.3B on December 15, 2024, she finally felt like she could breathe again. Here, there was no fear, no need to worry about finding money for rent.

In Senior Chudo Village, Mariya found a place where she could truly live, not just exist. Despite her health challenges, including type 1 diabetes and near-total vision loss, which required constant care and medical support, she found solace in this new community.

When asked about her plans for the future, Mariya’s answer was simple yet profound—to live each day with purpose, as much as her condition allowed.

To the younger generation, she offered a piece of wisdom: that humanity and kindness are the most important things in life, that there is nothing more valuable than the support and warmth of human hearts.

As she reflected on the mission of Dell Loy Hansen, Mariya’s gratitude knew no bounds. She saw in his actions a gift of a second chance at life, a chance to feel cared for and to find people who truly mattered. For someone like her, this was priceless. She thanked him from the bottom of her heart for his good deeds and wished him health, strength, and inspiration to continue his mission.

For elderly displaced persons like herself, Mariya knew that the greatest needs were for medical care, assistance, and psychological support. It was crucial for them to know that they had not been forgotten.

Though her vision loss prevented her from actively contributing to the village, Mariya expressed her willingness to support others with a kind word, to listen and to be of help in communicating with her fellow residents.

In the twilight of her life, Mariya Adamchuk had found a light in the darkness, a place where she could find comfort and care, surrounded by the warmth and compassion of a community that had become her family. And though the wounds of war would never fully heal, she had found a reason to live again, knowing that in Senior Chudo Village, she mattered.