A Lifeline Amidst War and Displacement
When the war in Ukraine erupted in February 2022, families like Maryna’s faced unimaginable choices. As bombs fell and cities burned, Maryna, her son Max, and her daughter fled their home, leaving behind not only their belongings but also the wheelchair Max depended on due to cerebral palsy. The bus that offered them a chance at survival had no room for it—every seat meant another life saved. Carrying her son on her back, Maryna made the journey to Poznan, Poland, where safety awaited, but so did new challenges.
The Struggle for Stability in a New Land
Arriving in Poland brought relief, but also uncertainty. Language barriers and the struggle to find work were daunting, but the greatest worry was Max’s ongoing medical needs. Maryna often spent nights in tears, unsure how she would provide for her children’s next meal or afford the medication and therapy Max required for his cerebral palsy and severe foot deformity.
In May 2022, Maryna attended a distribution event for aid cards. Volunteers patiently guided each recipient through the process, treating every family with dignity and respect. When Maryna received her card, she felt a weight lift—her children would not go hungry that night. It was her first encounter with the kindness of strangers in a foreign land.
Building Trust Through Consistent Support
Since the outbreak of war, the Tzu Chi team in Poland has distributed tens of thousands of supermarket cash cards to Ukrainian families in need. These efforts have continued monthly, alongside programs for adult job training and children’s psychological and educational support, helping new arrivals gradually rebuild their lives.
Regular home visits became a source of comfort for Maryna. Volunteers like Lukasz Baranowski and his wife, Monica Chang, listened to her worries about Max’s health, her struggles to find work, and the overwhelming cost of medication. They offered information about local resources and, most importantly, a compassionate ear.
Supporting Dreams and Health
During one visit, Max shyly shared his dream of becoming a computer engineer. However, the family could not afford a computer. In May 2024, Lukasz purchased a laptop with his own funds and delivered it to Max, who was overjoyed to take a photo marking the start of his journey toward his dream.
LEFT: Poznan volunteer Lukasz Baranowski personally delivered a laptop to Maryna’s (right) family, giving Max (left) a chance to pursue his dream. | Photo: Mariana Mocharnyk. RIGHT: Maryna (left), now in Poznan, volunteers her time to provide free haircuts to other families in need. | Photo: Igor Prus
The Tzu Chi Pharmacy Aid Card
Maryna’s story is just one among many. As volunteers visited families, they repeatedly heard about the difficulty of affording medication. While Ukrainian refugees can access public hospitals in Poland, the cost of prescriptions remain a heavy burden. As one volunteer noted, “You can walk into the doctor’s office, but you can’t walk out of the pharmacy.”
After months of research and negotiation, the team launched the Tzu Chi Pharmacy Aid Card in 2024. This card can be used at over 9,200 partner pharmacies across Poland, allowing families to purchase necessary medications and track their usage. Maryna’s family was among the first to benefit, ensuring Max’s treatment could continue.
Giving Back to the Community
Receiving help inspired Maryna to give back. She now volunteers at the Poznan Tzu Chi office, offering free haircuts to families in need. “Someone once helped me, now it’s my turn to help others,” she said with a gentle smile. Her journey from recipient to volunteer is echoed by many others who have received support and now serve their new community.
LEFT: From 2023 to 2025, monthly distributions of aid cards and ongoing support programs have helped Ukrainian families rebuild in Poland. RIGHT: In Poland, younger Ukrainian refugees have joined volunteer efforts to support older newcomers. | Photos: Igor Prus
A Card of Hope
The Tzu Chi Pharmacy Aid Card has become a vital link between doctors and patients, protecting the health and dignity of over 500 families. For those unfamiliar with smartphones, volunteers provide printed versions to ensure everyone can access their medication.
LEFT: The card can be used at 9,200 pharmacies and allows for real-time balance checks and usage tracking. RIGHT: The card can also be printed for those not comfortable with smartphones, ensuring all recipients can obtain their medication. | Photos: Igor Prus
Lighting the Way Forward
While a small card cannot end a war, it has brought hope and stability to hundreds of families facing the aftermath of conflict. Through practical support and the warmth of human connection, families like Maryna’s are finding the strength to heal, rebuild, and even help others along the way.
Written by Monica Chang (張淑兒)
Source: 慈濟醫療卡 為戰火後逾五百家庭點亮希望之燈
