For me, February 24th was a “turning point” day. My husband went to defend the Motherland. I was left waiting for his call and praying. It was like that for almost two years. And then: a message about my husband’s death, emptiness, despair… Only the sad eyes of my daughter keep me going. Many months of “darkness.” But God extended a hand of support to me – I met the wife of a fallen soldier, and she invited me to a meeting of the Charitable Organization “Heroes Family.” And so, in a circle of “broken hearts,” I am learning to cry, to let go, to accept, to live on… THANK YOU to such people, to the organization “Heroes Family” for their attention, help, understanding, prayers, silent hugs, and time. For us, it is priceless.

My name is Serhii. In civilian life, I was a musician and accordionist. On January 4, 2025, I was mobilized into the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Due to a deterioration in my health during my service, I was admitted to a hospital in the city of Chernivtsi. There, I met the volunteers from the Charitable Organization "Hero's Family", who visited us weekly. I was touched by their attention, treats, coffee, and support. One day, the volunteers from this organization invited me to a "Gratitude Gathering" they organized jointly with a local church. There, I had the unexpected and wonderful opportunity to participate by playing musical pieces on my accordion and to socialize with my fellow soldiers. This reminded me of my civilian life and gave me new, pleasant memories. I am grateful for the support of the Charitable Organization "Hero's Woman" and wish them success in their work, which is very important and necessary during wartime.

The war has brought countless tears and worries to every Ukrainian, turning life into a clear line between "before" and "after." The war is felt most deeply by those whose loved ones are currently serving, those who have lost their homes, and especially those who have lost family members and friends. My young son and I, unfortunately, lost a husband and a father. With this news, we lost not only a loved one but also the very feeling that life was still moving. I didn't know how to go on, or how I would cope alone with my son. It felt like nobody could understand... But I held onto the belief that there were good people ready to help. Through other women who had also lost their husbands in the war, we were invited to a gathering organized by true professionals—people with a capital letter—the Charitable Organization "Hero's Family". Thanks to the meetings they conducted, we slowly learned to feel joy, smile, and live again. I am sincerely grateful for their boundless help. They are doing enormous work that helps many wives, children, and mothers of heroes feel warmth, support, and care. Special thanks for bringing happiness back into the eyes of the children. I wish you inspiration, health, and God's blessing in this vital work.

My name is Oleksii. With the full-scale invasion, I was mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine in April 2022. I carried out operations to defend Ukraine on the Kharkiv direction, where I was severely wounded. My injuries led me to a hospital in Chernivtsi, where I met volunteers from the Charitable Organization "Heroes Family" in one of the departments. What I value most about their work is their personal experience with having military personnel in their own families. This helps them better understand the challenges I have to deal with. In addition to psychological support, the "Heroes Family" volunteers visit us weekly and treat us to delicious freshly baked goods and freshly brewed coffee. They also bring hygiene products, provide barber services, and help with other daily needs. My path to recovery has proven to be long and difficult, but I am no stranger to hardship. I believe in my full recovery because I have strong support from my parents, my loved one, my doctors, and charitable organizations like Heroes Family.

My name is Yana Kozminska. I am the wife of the fallen Hero, Bohdan Tanasiuk, and a mother of five wonderful children. We raised the three youngest together with Bohdan. Bohdan was the best husband, my rock, and the protector of our family. During the full-scale invasion, my husband joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to defend our country, for which he ultimately gave his life. This happened on December 26, 2024. With his death, life became a continuous challenge. While experiencing the deep pain of loss, I had to find the strength somewhere to take care of the children and our home. One day, a neighbor who had also lost her husband in the war invited me to a meeting of the Charitable Organization "Heroes Family". There, I found connection with other women like me. We talked, shared experiences, and received psychological and spiritual support. A compelling part of their work was the individual activities offered by volunteers to everyone interested—nice things that helped me feel alive and beautiful again, such as manicures, massages, and other beauty procedures. The volunteers also provided material assistance with household issues. Over time, I felt a calling to become part of the Heroes Family team myself, so I could support other families who had lost loved ones and were just starting their journey of grief. This is how I joined as a volunteer and now participate in all the events organized by our organization. I regularly visit soldiers in the hospital and provide free haircuts. My life today is proof of the overwhelming power of good, which was sown and has yielded the fruits of strength, faith, and resilience. I am proud to be part of the Heroes Family team, where I receive support and, in turn, provide that crucial support to those who need it.