Я пливу, щоб у нього було майбутнє! I swim for him to have a future!
Sasha was born in July 1991. When he was 3 years old, his parents were deprived of their rights to him, and he was sent to an orphanage, where he grew up. He later discovered that his mother died, and he didn't know anything about his father. Sasha was often running away from the orphanage and lived in the street. He first came to the Depaulka (evening minibus project that feeds homeless youth) project in 2008. He was coming to Depaulka from time to time for food and visited the Day Center to take shower, wash his clothes, and just be around people.
At some point he disappeared and we had no news from him... then we found Sasha in spring 2012, in the hospital suffering with third degree burns. He tried to light a fire in the street to warm up, he slipped and fell into the burning fire. But the worst thing was that he didn't ask for help immediately, he stayed in the manhole where he lived until the pain became unbearable...Sasha had seven skin grafts. Depaul supported him in the hospital, bought medication, brought food and fruit, and most importantly, just visited him. The healing has been a long process, as Sasha's body was very weak and heavily intoxicated.
Sasha is recovering now, slowly, but he's getting better every day. He stays at the Depaul Day Center, as he has nowhere else to go and is at high risk for infection. After Sasha recovers, he plans to go back to his studies, and Depaul will continue to give him the support he needs on the road to a positive independent life. He is already on this path. He is an active volunteer on another Depaul project that provides soup to adult street people. His innate leadership and communication skills have been a welcomed, heart-warming surprise and example for all Depaul staff and volunteers. We value the gifts and lessons he brings to us, as well.
Don't stand aside! Support my swim so young people like Sasha have a chance to live and have a future.
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