Lidiya’s fight to reclaim her life amid war

Their life changed overnight

A night drone attack destroyed Lidiya's home on July 8, 2024. The attack left her injured, suffering from a fractured spine, a broken leg, and multiple severe bruises. 

“With our neighbors’ help, my daughter, Lena, managed to pull me out of the rubble. They took me to the hospital, where doctors said that there is a long, tough treatment journey waiting for me.” Lidiya continued, “At that moment, I started recalling all my losses: My home, the beautiful garden I had adored, and everything my family and I worked hard to build.” 

Since the destruction of her home, Lidiya has been living in a temporary house provided by a humanitarian organization, located next to her former home. She knows that it is only a short-term solution. The new place deteriorates fast and needs maintenance and repairs. So far, she has not received any state assistance to rebuild her home.

For a long time, Lidiya was unable to walk, and even getting out of bed was impossible. Although Lena herself suffered from back pain, she cared for her mother. 

Starting rehabilitation with simple movements 

HI physical therapist, Anna, visited her and began physical therapy with exercises to improve Lidiya’s ability to stand, walk, and perform simple movements. With Anna’s support, she gradually regained the ability to walk with a walker to the kitchen and cook. Finally, she managed to regain a sense of normalcy in her life.

Anna played a significant role in Lidiya’s life. She became a source of strength and hope. Lidiya hugged her and expressed her gratitude for the difference Anna made in her life. 

“I am grateful for the support we receive from HI & humanitarian organizations; it gives us the strength to cope with injuries and losses. However, our greatest wish is to rebuild our own home,” said Lidiya. “We dream of returning to the place where our whole life once was. The war has taken everything, but we hold on, thanks to the support we get and the hope we cling to that one day we will live again in our own real house.”