Liliya Semchyshyn

“She was always very beautiful and cheerful,” is how her sister Angela says about Liliya Semchyshyn.

They were cousins, but they were like family. They grew up together, ate from the same plate.

“I remember how my aunt would divide a chicken leg between the two of us because times were tough, and there wasn’t enough food,” says Ms. Anzhela. “But we were happy. We dreamed, laughed, and shared our deepest thoughts with each other.”

Liliya is 58 years old and comes from Ivano-Frankivsk.

Her mother raised her on her own, working two jobs to make ends meet. To ensure her daughter was always under supervision, the woman enrolled her in a boarding school. But whenever there was an opportunity, she always brought her daughter home.

Liliya’s mother worked as a janitor. As the girls grew a little older, they helped her with cleaning. Later, Liliya worked as a secretary at the Institute of Oil and Gas, and then she sold goods at the market, worked in a café, and also worked in a kindergarten.

“Wherever she was, everyone loved her,” says the woman’s sister. “Liliya always had a special gift – the ability to find common ground with everyone. She was very kind and sociable.”

Liliya’s married life did not work out, and the couple did not have children. After the divorce, she returned to her mother. They became everything to each other. Her mother seemed to try to make up for the years when, due to work, she had to leave her daughter in the boarding school.

When her mother passed away, it was a real blow for Liliya. She fell into despair. Over time, her health worsened, and she was diagnosed with cancer and underwent surgery. However, new problems began to arise.

Liliya’s sister recalls how Liliya called her one day, saying, “Anzhulya” – she always called me that since childhood – “Can you imagine? They’ve diagnosed me with dementia.”

Over time, her condition worsened. Since December, Liliya has been living in the Shelter, where she is constantly cared for. She finds it hard to speak and often sleeps. However, she recognizes her sister and the Shelter staff, and smiles at them.

Currently, Liliya’s condition is stable, with a tendency to improve. She has been provided with all the necessary medications and care tools, as well as oxygen support. A psychologist, chaplain, and physical therapist are working with her to improve her quality of life.