They Escaped War—But Not Hopelessness

In the shadow of Ukraine’s war, Solomia was born, her tiny body soon displaying the first signs of cerebral palsy—stiff limbs and limited movement. After a year of fruitless searches in overwhelmed Ukrainian hospitals, her family made a heart-wrenching choice: travel to Israel for advanced treatment. “We flew to Israel not knowing if they’d let us in, but this was our only hope,” Solomia’s mother Katja recalled. “If there was a chance that my child could be healthy, we were ready to sell the house. We would do everything to make it happen.”

In Israel, clarity finally arrived—but it was devastating. Specialists confirmed a severe form of cerebral palsy requiring intensive, ongoing therapy. “The hope that we came here with was running out,” Katja shared. “Going from one specialist to another, from one hospital to another, searching. And when she got diagnosed, we were left hopeless.” Ukrainian aid was out of reach since they’d left the country, and local programs prioritized citizens or more critical cases. “I questioned God,” Katja admitted, “why we spent so much money on tickets, on accommodations in Tel Aviv and the hospital just to hear such a terrible diagnosis.”

The family rallied fiercely. “I couldn’t do this without my husband,” Katja said. “He works hard and when he comes home, the second shift begins. He has to forget about the fatigue because the family is waiting at home.” Grandparents, siblings—everyone pitched in—but the funds scraped together before fleeing Ukraine evaporated quickly. “We can’t buy everything the kids want,” Katja told her children. “I have to remind them that we have a goal and our finances are limited.”
Then, through a local Christian fellowship, Katja learned about CBN 
Israel. We immediately connected the family to a leading therapy center and covered every cost, ensuring Solomia received consistent, vital care. “Every day we focus on improving,” Katja said with quiet joy. “She still can’t stand on her own but she is learning to crawl. We see a big difference with the help of the therapies, mainly in her emotional development, learning, talking. The fact that she can now play with the boys and it even brings the family together.”

Thanks to you, we stepped in to fuel this family’s fight for Solomia—your care made the difference. Now, with steady medical attention, new leg braces, and even help with food, hope has returned to their home. “We couldn’t afford physiotherapy,” Katja said gratefully. “CBN is covering this. They paid for the therapies. They help us with food. I really want to thank you for being with us. You’ve brought us such positive emotions—not only to the children but especially to me.”

What a beautiful example of how CBN partners share the love of Jesus around the world with people in need! If you’re not yet a partner, we invite you to join us today. Help bring God’s love through initiatives like clean water wells, medical missions, feeding programs, and so much more—all in the name of Jesus! Join us today and become a part of what God’s doing through CBN partners.