February 24, 2025 

As the world marks the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, millions of Ukrainians continue to endure the consequences of war—displacement, loss, and the daunting challenge of rebuilding their lives in foreign lands. Among them are Iryna Krychkevych and Valentyna Hoshkoderia, two courageous women who found refuge in New York and, with the support of Catholic Charities, have begun a new chapter of resilience and hope. 

Fleeing War, Facing New Challenges 

For Iryna Krychkevych, leaving Ukraine was never part of the plan. “I wasn’t ready to leave my country because I loved and appreciated my life in Ukraine,” she recalls. A business owner and a dedicated mother, Iryna had built a successful floristry enterprise and was pursuing an academic career in agriculture. But when war broke out, her life unraveled. Moving to the United States meant starting over, with no job, no home, and a four-year-old daughter to care for. 

The first months in New York were grueling. “I felt great despair and was willing to take any job, but we just couldn’t find anything,” she says. Just as life seemed to be stabilizing, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “It felt like my world turned upside down. I thought it was the end.” Amidst her health struggles, Catholic Charities NY stepped in, providing financial and emotional support during her treatment, ensuring her family had the stability to remain in the U.S. 

For Valentyna Hoshkoderia, the horrors of war were unfathomable. She lived through the siege of Mariupol, witnessing bombs obliterate her city, planes circling back to confirm their targets, and bodies left unburied in the streets. When she finally escaped, her journey took her through Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Poland, and, eventually, to the United States, where she arrived at 73 years old with nothing but two cats and the hope of survival. 

Adjusting to life in New York was an immense challenge. “I spent my entire life in one city, Mariupol. I knew every street, every person. Suddenly, I was in a different world,” she shares. The language barrier and severe health complications made the transition even more difficult. With the help of Catholic Charities, she found financial assistance, psychological support, and a senior daycare community that helped her regain a sense of belonging. 

Valentyna’s family has also faced significant challenges. Her daughter, who came to New York earlier, has worked tirelessly to establish a new life while raising Valentyna’s six-year-old granddaughter. Despite the initial struggles, her daughter has had her psychology degree evaluated and hopes to practice in her field. Meanwhile, Valentyna’s niece remains in Kyiv, committed to staying in Ukraine despite the dangers. Her sister, however, stayed in Mariupol, and their communication has become sparse, as both fear that any conversation might deepen the pain of their separation. 

A Painful Anniversary 

As February 24th approaches, both women reflect on the impact of the war. “We have all become psychologically unhealthy people,” Iryna says. “Ukrainians everywhere, no matter where we are in the world, share the same dream—that this war will end.” 

For Valentyna, the wounds of war remain fresh. “With each anniversary, our perseverance only grows stronger. Our attackers tried to erase our history, to break us, but instead, they have permanently etched our resilience into the fabric of Ukraine’s identity.” 

The separation from family adds to their pain. Iryna has not seen her relatives in over two years. “Not being able to hug my mother is unbearable,” she says. Meanwhile, Valentyna fears for her loved ones still in Ukraine. “My niece returned to Kyiv because she refuses to let the war take her identity. My sister remains in Mariupol, a city now in ruins.” 

Messages of Strength and Hope 

Despite their hardships, both women refuse to be defeated. Iryna has returned to her passion, working as a florist in New York and dreaming of opening her own flower studio. “Every bouquet I make holds a piece of my heart,” she says. 

Valentyna, though battling severe health issues, holds onto one wish: “I want to see Ukraine’s victory and the return of all its territories.” 

Their message to the world is clear: Ukraine endures because of its people—their strength, resilience, and unwavering hope. “We remember, we fight, we believe. And no one will ever make us forget,” Valentyna declares. 

As we mark another year of war, their stories remind us of the human cost of conflict—and the extraordinary resilience of those who refuse to be broken. Catholic Charities of New York remains committed to standing with Ukrainian refugees, offering support and solidarity as they rebuild their lives, one step at a time.