Maryna’s story: from anxiety to confidence

Maryna (name changed) is a young woman from Ukraine who recently moved to Leipzig. Like many others, she was forced to leave her home because of the war. Before traveling to Germany, she reached out to the HelpNow service, which she learned about from friends who had also received support there. “I was really anxious before the move. I had so many questions — how I would access treatment, where to go, what documents I would need. I’m so glad my friends shared your contact information with me.”

The HelpNow team provided Maryna with detailed information: where in Leipzig she could access ART, what documents were required to register and begin treatment in a new country, and what challenges she might face during the first few months. Thanks to this, Maryna felt much more at ease. “Everything was explained to me very clearly. I learned exactly where to go and what paperwork to prepare. They advised me to bring a supply of my medication. That gave me a sense of control. For the first time in a long while, I could finally exhale.”

After arriving in Leipzig, she went to a local clinic, where she received help with the necessary formalities and continued her ART. “I’ve already done all the tests, received the medication I need, and I feel stable and free from unnecessary stress. I even started a free language course.”

Maryna emphasizes that this support helped her adapt faster and more calmly. “If it weren’t for this help, everything would’ve been so much harder. Now I feel confident and I’m slowly starting to move forward. Of course, not everyone thinks ahead about these things before moving — many just assume they’ll figure it out somehow. But it’s so much better to have a clear understanding of what to expect and to be prepared. Thanks to the HelpNow service, that was possible — and I’m truly grateful!”

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The publication was prepared within the framework of the “From Heart to Heart” project in partnership with Zjednoczenie Pozytywni w Tęczy and Step by Step Fundacja, with financial support from the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

“I Am Not Alone”: Oksana’s Journey of Support, Acceptance, and a New Beginning

Oksana (name changed) reached out to a consultant from the HelpNow HUB Foundation as part of the From Heart to Heart project during a very difficult period in her life. She learned that her first husband had died from AIDS, which was a severe shock for her. To find out her own status, she ordered an HIV test, took it — and the result came back positive.

During this challenging time, Oksana received all the necessary information and support:
“I am sincerely grateful to your organization for the support and care. During this difficult period, you provided me not only with psychological help but also with the strength to move forward. Thank you for your warm words, understanding, and for making me feel that I am not alone.”

The consultant helped Oksana find a laboratory in Poland where she could confirm the test. After completing the tests and receiving official confirmation, she was scheduled for a doctor’s appointment. At the medical center, she quickly underwent the necessary examinations — CD4 count and viral load — and just a week after the tests, Oksana began effective therapy.

“Special thanks to you for the reliable information about treatment and testing, for explaining everything honestly, openly, and without judgment. This is very important.”
Oksana also took care of her child’s health by testing them for HIV — the consultant sent her the appropriate test kits. The result was negative.

“Thank you for referring me for tests and for accompanying me every step of the way. Thanks to you, I was able to take important steps toward acceptance and self-care. You are incredible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

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The publication was prepared within the framework of the “From Heart to Heart” project in partnership with Zjednoczenie Pozytywni w Tęczy and Step by Step Fundacja, with financial support from the Elton John AIDS Foundation.


HIV Poland