Ilya is a tattoo artist from Homel. Since childhood, he’s dreamed of creating beauty and leaving people with kind memories. When the 2020 protests began, he was already in Poland but couldn’t stay on the sidelines – he made posters, printed white-red-white t-shirts, and helped organize rallies in Katowice. He believed, like many of us, that every voice counts.
In 2021, Ilya received a pacemaker. A year later, it failed. Doctors said the only option was a transplant. Over the next year and a half, Ilya lost everything – his job, his home, his legal status. In Belarus, he risks repression. In Poland, he became almost homeless.
In March 2025, Ilya got a new heart. The surgery saved his life but used up his last money. His hostel is paid only until June 26. His passport and residence permit have expired. Doctors forbid him from working or even taking public transport – any infection can be fatal. He must take immunosuppressants and other medications on a strict schedule, follow a special diet, and attend weekly checkups.
Fundraiser goal
€4000
Now Ilya urgently needs:
– €1500 for housing (a room or hostel bed shared with no more than one other person, for 4 months);
– €1500 for medications and supplements to support his heart and overall health;
– €1000 for daily needs and basic recovery.
Ilya has no family in Poland. Friends have helped all they could. Now he needs our solidarity to finish recovery and rebuild his life.
By donating, you are literally giving two lives the chance to continue – Ilya’s, and the one now living in him.
Thank you for your support. Every contribution matters.