"I didn't apply anywhere. When volunteers distributed food aid, my neighbors told me about it and brought it to me."
Lidiya, 80, and Oleksandr, 84, have been living in Bucha since the 1970s. Having survived the death of their son 24 years ago, there is very little they fear. However, such resilience and strength should not obscure the very real struggles they face one year into the war in Ukraine.
Oleksandr has been bedridden since having a stroke two years ago. Despite her own frail state, Lidiya has been taking care of him ever since. About a month ago, as she was attempting to move him, she fell.
After wearing a cast for a few weeks, a routine visit to the doctor revealed that the fracture was in fact on the femoral bone of her other leg. Weeks of using the injured leg have left her with debilitating pain. Neither of them has received medication or knows where to receive it.
“I didn’t apply anywhere. When volunteers distributed food aid, my neighbors told me about it and brought it to me,” Lidiya says.
For the past several months, Lidiya and Oleksandr have found a new arrangement: A woman has been living with them to help with the household and patient care, receiving free accommodation in return.
