Anastasia is on a roll!

Born with a condition that affects her movement, little Anastasia could not walk independently. She zipped around in her wheelchair. Her parents, Bohdan and Lyubov, enrolled her in a school/rehabilitation center. 

She was already in full swing there when she was sponsored through Chalice’s Pochaiv sponsor site. 

“Anastasia was quickly selected for sponsorship and has been a member of this wonderful Program ever since,” says the Pochaiv site staff who know her best. 

Anastasia always felt like her sponsors were her friends. 

“Despite the distance between them, Anastasia felt their support and prayers. These people helped the girl to find faith in herself and make it clear that she is not alone in this world, that she is special, that she can do everything and even more.” 

“Thanks to the sponsors, the parents already had more opportunities for Anastasia's treatment and education. “ 

Anastasia did well in her studies, and developed many talents, including poetry and crafting. She was constantly setting new goals for her physical strength and independence. 

“She persevered through all the rehabilitation courses, made a lot of effort, and learned to walk independently,” her site workers say. “Anastasia is a strong personality, a real fighter for life. A girl knows that success is the ability to step from one failure to another without losing enthusiasm.” 

Through it all, she felt her sponsors there in spirit. They “taught Anastasia to believe in her abilities, to do the impossible, even if it seems that the whole world is against you.” 

Meanwhile, her mother Lyubov – a teacher by training -- took a job at the center where Anastasia spent her grade-school years. With so much personal experience, Lyubov was passionate about helping other children with disabilities reach their dreams. 

When she graduated high school, Anastasia decided to pursue a university degree in journalism. She graduated in 2022 with her undergraduate degree. Undaunted by a wartime disruption, she enrolled in her master’s degree. 

“She loves life and enjoys every moment,” says the Pochaiv team. “After all, every new day is an opportunity to say “yes” to your dreams.” 

“Anastasia is infinitely happy that such a wonderful opportunity came her way – to get into the Chalice sponsorship program, where yesterday's dreams become today’s reality.”