The phrase “Sister of Mercy” is etched on my beloved grandmother's monument. She was a nurse during World War II, bravely rescuing wounded soldiers from the battlefield and saving lives. Even decades later, people remembered her and strived to continue the cycle of kindness she had started. I grew up in an environment that emphasized mutual support and assistance. I have been actively involved in charity work for two decades, participating in various projects to the best of my abilities.

When I chose the path of becoming a psychologist-psychotherapist specialized in PTSD, I envisioned healing the deep scars of transgenerational traumas and the violence imposed by the Soviet regime on Ukrainians. However, I never anticipated having to face a war in my own homeland. As a response to the full-scale invasion, my civic initiative for providing psychological support and dealing with acute traumas, aimed at preventing PTSD, evolved into a foundation. We named it “I Am” to assert our right to exist, define our identity, and exercise free choice.

Our programs and projects are dedicated to fostering resilience and mindfulness, striving to make psychological well-being a societal norm. Ukrainians are paying a tremendous price as they stand up for their freedom and dignity. We must repeatedly find the strength within ourselves to resist violence and uphold universal human values. War doesn't just devastate physically but also morally, leaving emotional wreckage in the minds and souls of both adults and children, giving rise to complex emotions such as anger, rage, hatred, grief, and despair.

I see my mission as helping people preserve their humanity despite the horrors of war, losses, and disillusionments. Additionally, our foundation works towards assisting veterans in their transition from the battlefield to civilian life.

So, I continue to support the cycle of kindness, inspired by my grandmother's legacy...