*Marina* worked as an economist at a private company in Belarus and saw the protests of August 2020 as a long-awaited response from Belarusians to years of power usurpation.
“My parents and I never voted for the man who destroyed the dreams, hopes, health, and even lives of wonderful Belarusians, who trampled our independence,” Marina shares. “That’s why I always went to the protests—like many of you—throughout these endless 30 years.”
Starting August 11, she joined daily protests against the rigged elections. From August 17 to 19, she also took part in the intense night protests near the “Sosedi” supermarket (formerly “Riga”). On August 19, she was beaten with batons by law enforcers and detained but released after she disclosed that she was a cancer patient.
At that time, Marina was recovering from major treatment: she had been diagnosed with cervical cancer. After lymph node removal, she developed chronic lymphedema, which limits her mobility and activity. In 2018, she underwent extended radiotherapy and has since been living with serious health limitations.
“I heard many stories of people who were first released and then taken again to the remand center and subjected to horrific abuse. I’ll admit—I wasn’t ready for that kind of ordeal. Fearing persecution and worsening health, I fled to Italy on August 20, 2020—I had a valid work visa,” she recalls. Thanks to her language skills, she was able to find a job and was granted international protection in 2021.
Until recently, Marina managed without any outside help, but in December 2023, during a sudden stop on a city bus, she fell and suffered a severe hip injury. Necrosis of the hip joint began, leaving her unable to work. On May 17, 2025, she underwent a hip replacement surgery.
“Illness, trauma, and hardship have shattered my health and nearly stripped me of the ability to earn a living,” Marina says. “Right now, I rent a bunk bed and live in debt. Sadly, I can barely move on my own—my daily limit on crutches is 500 meters, after which I literally collapse from pain and exhaustion. I’m trying to improve my situation: I do freelance work, but I’m unable to find a steady job. Due to lymphedema and post-surgery restrictions, I need to alternate between activity and rest.”
She cannot turn to her family for help, as they are under persecution in Belarus, and her parents themselves require care and support.
Marina is asking for urgent financial support to cover housing costs, recover after her major surgery, and regain the stability she needs to seek suitable employment.
*This is an anonymous story. For security purposes, we have changed the hero's name. The image is generated using AI.
Fundraising Goal
€2000
€1000 – three months’ rent
€700 – essential medications and supplements Marina must take regularly
€300 – debts accumulated after hospital discharge