In the small town of Kiskőrös in southern Hungary, about 120 kilometres south of Budapest, Lana and her eight-year-old daughter Anastasia, who lives with Down syndrome, found a new sense of belonging after fleeing their home in Kharkiv due to the violence of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Life in a foreign country comes with many challenges, from enrolling a child living with disabilities in school, to navigating a new healthcare system, and dealing with complex administrative procedures. In addition, Lana’s husband works as a truck driver across Europe and only comes home on weekends or every couple of weeks, leaving her to care for her daughter on her own. These immense challenges left Lana sometimes feeling overwhelmed.
Things became easier when they met Etelka, a staff member at the Hungarian Red Cross local branch, who encouraged Lana and Anastasia to join a summer camp for children organized by the Red Cross. This opened the door to ongoing Red Cross support for the family, including help with enrolling Anastasia in school.
“Thanks to the Red Cross, Anastasia was able to attend school with other children and later start first grade in an inclusive classroom,” Lana explains. “We’ve stayed in close contact with their team ever since. They are always there when I need them.”
Photo: Hungarian Red Cross National Directorate
Photo: Hungarian Red Cross National Directorate
The Red Cross also provided food and hygiene packages, covered Lana’s travel costs to attend Hungarian language classes in the nearby city of Kecskemét, and even supplied textbooks to support her studies.
One of the most empowering moments came when Anastasia attended Red Cross summer camp all by herself for the first time. “She had a great time, and I was able to relax for a week knowing she was in good hands,” Lana said.
Lana’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference targeted support can make. Far from home, they found not just shelter, but dignity, inclusion, and hope for the future.
Finding Safety and Community in Hungary
Life in a foreign country comes with many challenges, from enrolling a child living with disabilities in school, to navigating a new healthcare system, and dealing with complex administrative procedures. In addition, Lana’s husband works as a truck driver across Europe and only comes home on weekends or every couple of weeks, leaving her to care for her daughter on her own. These immense challenges left Lana sometimes feeling overwhelmed. Things became easier when they met Etelka, a staff member at the Hungarian Red Cross local branch, who encouraged Lana and Anastasia to join a summer camp for children organized by the Red Cross. This opened the door to ongoing Red Cross support for the family, including help with enrolling Anastasia in school.
“Thanks to the Red Cross, Anastasia was able to attend school with other children and later start first grade in an inclusive classroom,” Lana explains. “We’ve stayed in close contact with their team ever since. They are always there when I need them.”
Photo: Hungarian Red Cross National DirectorateHow Support from the Red Cross Empowered the Family
In 2024, the Hungarian Red Cross launched a program to support refugees living with disabilities and chronic illnesses, with financial support from the Canadian Red Cross. Through it, Lana was able to secure therapeutic shoes and glasses for Anastasia, essential items that eased her daughter’s daily life and reduced financial strain on the family.Photo: Hungarian Red Cross National Directorate
The Red Cross also provided food and hygiene packages, covered Lana’s travel costs to attend Hungarian language classes in the nearby city of Kecskemét, and even supplied textbooks to support her studies.
One of the most empowering moments came when Anastasia attended Red Cross summer camp all by herself for the first time. “She had a great time, and I was able to relax for a week knowing she was in good hands,” Lana said.
A Story of Dignity, Inclusion, and Hope
Looking ahead, Lana hopes for continued support, including with Anastasia’s dietary restrictions and therapeutic equipment needs. She also dreams of settling permanently in Hungary. Beyond her own family, Lana worries for other Ukrainians who sought refuge in the region but struggle to secure stable work and livelihoods.Lana’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference targeted support can make. Far from home, they found not just shelter, but dignity, inclusion, and hope for the future.
