Veniamin's "Guardian Angels" Get Him Back On His Feet

When in need, a helping hand makes all the difference.

Twelve-year-old Veniamin lives with his mother Maryana, and older sister Karina, in Ternopil, Ukraine. Veniamin likes to read, while Karina wants to be a journalist. Maryana is raising her children alone, which sometimes creates challenges.

A few months ago, Veniamin ran into the street in pursuit of the bus he takes to school. He was in a car accident, severely damaging his right foot. In the end, surgeons inserted an orthopedic plate into his leg, but the operation was expensive.

In Ukraine, lower-income families have little access to high-quality medical care, as public hospitals are under-funded and poorly equipped.

Maryana works as a seamstress. She's grateful for Karina's Chalice sponsor, whose support helps her stay in school and enjoy her love of drama and acting. But Karina has a cyst on her brain and needs check-ups every six months. That meant there wasn't enough money to cover Veniamin's plate and screws - which cost three times Maryana's monthly salary.

In this difficult moment, Chalice supporters stepped in.

Maryana contacted the local site for help, and staff called for donations. Soon, the support rolled in, and the family's future brightened.

The donors, Maryana said, were her "Guardian angels".

"You gave my son a chance to get back on his feet. It is a precious gift for him and all our family," she writes.

Veniamin can't walk on his right foot for  four-to-six weeks, per doctor's orders. He's on crutches and bed rest, a tricky thing for a young man his age! But he's making the most of it, diving into books like Fahrenheit 451.

In the end, Chalice supporters covered the entire cost of the plate and screws.

"We will never forget your kindness! I am sure that God will reward you generously. I keep you in my prayers. God bless you!" Maryana writes.

Veniamin, too, is incredibly grateful for the donors who offered a helping hand. He's even inspired to do the same for others.

"I thank you with all my heart," he writes. "I hope that I will be able to help someone in need when I grow up."