The Girl Who Chose Art

“We are so grateful for the work he has done,” said Kateryna. “These doctors are working from their heart. They do their work and don’t expect anything in return. For me, it’s very unbelievable that there are people like this.”

Though Anna is homesick and misses her 16-year-old brother and her beloved cat, she is staying strong. She keeps herself busy painting and drawing. Her favorite things to draw are cats, butterflies, unicorns and her family members. Some of her artwork even hangs on the walls of her home in Ukraine.

Anna’s love for art has always fueled her excitement at school. “She loved to go to kindergarten,” Kateryna said. “A lot of kids cry when their parents drop them off, but Anna loved it.” On the morning of the accident, Kateryna, who is a teacher and happened to be on vacation, suggested Anna stay home with her. But Anna insisted on going. “I have to go today,” she said. “There’s going to be an art lesson.”

Anna’s other interests include dancing and playing games on her phone. When she grows up, Anna dreams of becoming a doctor to help children. She’s inspired by the physicians who are helping her now. Despite the pain, trauma and homesickness, Anna and her family said they’ve felt love and kindness from those around them.

“It’s challenging, interesting and exciting being here,” Kateryna said. “But I also have a lot of pain inside that I can’t treat. I have scared feelings, worried feelings. But on the other hand, I have a lot of love and feel a lot of love from these people. Despite everything, I know there are lots of people who are praying and helping us.”

Anna and her parents will return to Ukraine soon but plan to travel back to Texas for follow-up care. Until then, they remain thankful for the staff at Shriners Children’s Texas who are helping Anna heal, both inside and out.

“We appreciate all the doctors, nurses and staff here,” said Kateryna. “The people here change lives.”