From Champion to Caregiver: Marina’s Courageous Journey

Marina stared out of the airplane window with a distant gaze. She was leaving her homeland behind, and now her view was hidden by dense clouds. It all seemed unreachable now as if it belonged to another life. Her heart was filled with many emotions, as well as a precarious hope. She didn’t know what lay ahead, but one thing was certain—there was no turning back. The family had left everything behind, not because they wanted to, but because they had no choice.

Marina was born in a small, close-knit town, near Mariupol. Her childhood was filled with sunny days and endless energy, which sprung her towards new discoveries. She loved motion and speed—the wind in her face, the laughter of friends behind her. Curious and restless, she discovered cycling. More than just a hobby, it was her passion and a path to achieving greatness.

Participating in regional competitions and winning the Ukrainian championship earned Marina a place at the prestigious Kyiv High School of Physical Culture and Sports. Coaches saw immense potential in her and invited her to join the national team. This was a tremendous achievement, but also a challenge. Through gruelling workouts and relentless perseverance, Marina became a multiple-time champion of Ukraine, proving that determination can overcome any obstacle.

Her next step would be enrolling at the Donetsk National Institute of Physical Education and Sports. Marina continued to earn awards, gain recognition, and receive invitations to international competitions. Her world opened up, as she visited different countries, competing, studying, and working. But one trip would change her life forever.

Travelling to Israel, Marina met a charming young man who transformed her life. Their story resembled a fairy tale: walks along the warm Mediterranean shore, endless conversations, and plans for the future. There were flowers, lavish gifts, romantic gestures, and a proposal—it was everything a girl might dream of. They married and soon God blessed them with a beautiful little daughter they named Nicole. Basking in the sun and enjoying the delights of the sea, it seemed the young family had everything they needed in this beautiful place. But life is rarely perfect...

Circumstances Marina had not foreseen shattered the brief happiness she had just glimpsed in her young life. Disillusioned and heartbroken, with her six-month-old daughter in her arms, she returned to her hometown of Novoazovsk. Back in her parents' home, Marina realized she needed to rely on herself.

Without waiting for help, she moved with her little daughter to Mariupol, where opportunities were greater. Life became entirely different—cycling was left in the past, but Marina did not lose herself or her fighting spirit. Every day, she found the strength to build a new future for herself and her daughter.

Looking for something to bring back her passion and erase the shadow of painful memories, Marina turned to the emerging beauty industry—permanent makeup, tattoos, piercings, and more. Quickly mastering the techniques, and driven by her perfectionism, perseverance, and artistic nature, Marina became one of the first and best permanent makeup artists in the city. She didn’t just do this as a job; she created art, helping women feel beautiful and confident.

Demand for her services grew, and Marina opened her own beauty salon—a reflection of her personality: stylish, cozy, and professional. She poured her soul into her work.

In her new life, Marina met Andrey, the director of the local branch of a driving school in Novoazovsk. Their relationship grew, and he soon became her friend, support, husband, and father figure to Nicole. Life began to settle, and they could finally breathe a sigh of relief... but only for a short time.

Ongoing events in Donbas since 2014 have already left a mark on the region. Life was unstable and filled with anxiety. On February 15, 2022, Marina and Andrey travelled from Mariupol to Novoazovsk to celebrate Marina's mother’s birthday. The festive atmosphere was warm, but shadows of the impending war loomed over the city and the entire country.

Then, on February 24, 2022, the unimaginable happened—the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began.

Like many others, Marina’s family found themselves at the epicentre of horrifying events. The strength Marina had built within herself over the years became essential once again. Her beauty salon had to close due to constant bombings, roads became unsafe, and lives were turned upside down overnight.

Having faced many hardships in her life, Marina knew she couldn’t give up. Now, she had to fight not only for her daughter and family but also to help others in even more dire situations.

Together with Andrey, they established a humanitarian aid center based at the local branch of the driving school. They distributed food, clothing, and medicine to those in need. Each day felt like a marathon—negotiating with volunteers, organizing transportation, and helping those who had lost everything.

Soon, Mariupol turned into a zone of despair and ashes. Refugees who had lived for two months without running water or proper food took their first showers and received clean clothes at Marina and Andrey’s home. Marina’s mother, an experienced nurse, continued to work at the local hospital, which was overwhelmed with the wounded from the very first days of the war.

With medical staff stretched thin, Marina, despite having no medical training, stepped in to help. She quickly learned how to clean and stitch wounds, apply bandages, administer injections, provide medications, keep patient records, and even assist during surgeries.

In the hospital, she witnessed horrors she had never imagined in her worst nightmares—bleeding wounds, people with missing limbs, and the dying or already dead. Each day was a new test of endurance. The young woman who had once dedicated herself to creating beauty, now washed blood off her hands as she listened to moans and cries.

When it became clear that the situation in Ukraine wouldn’t improve any time soon, Marina made a difficult decision—to leave. She understood that without decisive action, her family would soon become victims of this senseless war. Her thoughts were consumed by the image of her daughter’s big blue eyes, as clear as two lakes. She had to save her and provide her with a future because staying meant putting everything at risk.

As a mother, Marina knew she had to find a safe place, where Nicole could grow up in peace and receive an education. At the time, many countries were offering help to Ukrainians, including Canada, which had launched the CUAET program. This initiative allowed Ukrainians to enter the country with the opportunity to live and find work.

Navigating the chaos of war to secure the necessary documents was no easy task, but after several weeks, Marina and her family received approval from the Canadian Embassy. After saying their goodbyes and overcoming numerous challenges to reach Poland, they boarded a flight to this distant, unfamiliar country.

In Canada, they were welcomed by Sasha and Alisa, acquaintances from Mariupol who had already settled, to some extent, in their new life. Sasha and Alisa introduced them to a kind Canadian family, Martha and Phil, who opened their home to the newcomers and helped them with everything—paperwork, driver’s licenses, school enrollment, and more. Marina and Andrey were deeply grateful for the warm reception and support, and they formed a lifelong bond with Martha and Phil. Volunteers and local organizations also played a vital role, providing help when it was most needed.

Maryna shared: “Your kindness will never be forgotten! Thank you for making the world a better place.”

Marina is now rebuilding her life from scratch once again. To afford their accommodation and to cover necessities, Marina and Andrey took on any job they could find. Marina worked in a hotel, drove a snowplow, and even worked as a taxi driver. Still, the income was not enough to meet the needs of their family.

Determined as ever, Marina enrolled in a specialized driving school to obtain a GZ license to drive a large truck—a job typically dominated by men.

While studying English, working 10-15 hours a day, and responding to late-night calls to tow cars, Marina once again proved her resilience. She was determined to create a better life and leave behind the horrors they had endured.

Thoughts of returning to her beloved profession never left her mind. She dreamed of opening a salon, reviving her skills, and once again helping women feel beautiful and confident. Marina envisions a place that combines all her knowledge and talents—a haven of beauty and empowerment.

Her journey is far from over, and her spirit and character remain an inspiration to others seeking the strength to move forward. She believes that moments of despair touch everyone, but with support, we do not have to see only obstacles in our way, but instead we can see stepping stones.

In rare moments of peace, when the world quiets down, Marina gazes at the stars, dreaming of a future filled with love, warmth, and laughter. In this future, her home is a sanctuary, free from fear and full of light and hope.

Marina’s story is not over, and we hope to witness a beautiful continuation.