Although tensions between Russia and Ukraine had been building up for years before Russian forces started invading the nation on February 24, it’s always hard to predict exactly when things will escalate.
So what choice did people have but to go on with their lives until it happened? But unfortunately, this meant that when it was clear that the danger was near, the Ukrainians who could leave the country found themselves in a difficult rush to do so.
As a result, families had to take the risk of sending their children to safety alone and those with complicated feelings about leaving had to make a snap decision as to whether they’d get out or stay behind and help efforts to defend Ukraine.
But for one model, that hard decision was taken at just the right time to make multiple important statements.
Oksana Kononets of Ukraine had long dreamed of being a model and proved that nothing could stop her from pursuing that dream after she suffered a serious accident.
According to People , she fell from a fifth-floor apartment back in 2012, which left her with permanent spinal injuries. As a result, she’s been using a wheelchair since the age of 19.
Yet not only did she persevere with her dream, but she’s been active in finding ways for others in her position with similar dreams to make them come true.
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It’s for this reason that she was excited to feature in a Los Angeles fashion show run by a nonprofit called Runway of Dreams.
This organization promotes the creation of adaptive clothing for people with disabilities and their annual show falls well in line with Kononets’ goal of making fashion industry leaders see just how many people like her want to express themselves through fashion.
However, the closer that event came, the harder it would be for Kononets to actually get there from Kyiv as it took place on March 15, about three weeks into Russia’s invasion.
But determined as ever, she and her mother set out on a five-day journey to escape her embattled homeland and make it to the show.
As she told People , “[My mother] packed our luggage, only one luggage, for two [people]. We ride 11 hours to the west of Ukraine, 11 hours.”
You can imagine how crowded the train was as she rode to Poland, but she made it out and was able to find her way to the Netherlands before finally securing a flight to L.A.
And as you can see here, her chaotic journey ended just in time for her to participate in the event as scheduled.
In her words, “After this trip, I was very tired and also I can’t imagine that I’m here. I’m in safety, me and my mom is good. I understood that I have a [chance] to participate in Runway Of Dreams and I was happier about this. I was happier.”
She also shared her optimism that the “strong” people of Ukraine will persevere in the face of the conflict and that those with disabilities who want to enter the fashion industry will find their opportunities.
As she put it, “I want to say to people never give up. Never give up. Dreams come true.”
h/t: People
