A Journey of Resilience and Gratitude

Vasyl Balan, an 81-year-old retired driver, had built a life for himself in the picturesque resort town of Skadovsk. Originally from Kirovohrad, he had settled in Skadovsk, where he owned an apartment and enjoyed his retirement, occasionally engaging in small business ventures.

But when war broke out, Vasyl found himself far from home, undergoing rehabilitation at a hospital in Kyiv. On February 25, 2022, he and his fellow patients were abruptly discharged and told to leave the premises. With no way to return to Skadovsk, Vasyl embarked on a journey that would take him from Kyiv to Mykolaiv, and then to Morshyn for further treatment.

Throughout his displacement, Vasyl lived primarily in sanatoriums, where the conditions were modest but the food was of poor quality. He and his fellow residents had to purchase their own groceries to supplement their meals. Despite the challenges, Vasyl was grateful to have a roof over his head.

When he was encouraged to fill out an application for Senior Chudo Village, Vasyl was skeptical. But when he was brought to the village by car, his doubts were replaced by a sense of awe and gratitude.

As he settled into apartment 13.2B on December 18, 2024, Vasyl marveled at the comfort and amenities that surrounded him. Despite the village’s distance from the main settlement, he found that he could easily adapt to his new home.

Vasyl’s health was fragile, with a second-degree disability, neurological issues, and a history of skull trepanation. He required expensive adult micro-enemas and was in need of intestinal surgery. Yet, in the face of these challenges, he found solace in the care and support of his new community.

When asked about his plans for the future, Vasyl had none. But he offered a piece of wisdom to the younger generation, urging them to value humanity and to help others whenever possible. He cautioned them to be careful with people, as the war had taught him that not everyone was honest, but he also acknowledged that there were those who were capable of saving lives.

As he reflected on the mission of Dell Loy Hansen, Vasyl expressed his deep gratitude for the philanthropist’s actions. He marveled at how some people were capable of such generosity, while others were unable to comprehend it.

For elderly displaced persons like himself, Vasyl knew that the greatest needs were for medical treatment and housing. He hoped that more assistance could be provided to alleviate these burdens.

In Senior Chudo Village, Vasyl had found a sanctuary that met his every need, though he wished for the presence of hospitals and affordable access to necessary medications. Despite his own struggles, including a lack of adequate clothing and footwear and a meager pension, Vasyl was hesitant to seek additional aid, feeling that he was too old for such support.

Yet, in the twilight of his life, Vasyl Balan had discovered a haven in Senior Chudo Village, a place where he could find comfort and care, surrounded by the warmth and compassion of a community that had become his family. And though his journey had been marked by hardship and uncertainty, he remained grateful for the kindness of strangers and the resilience of his own spirit.