Context:

Olha Kurtmalaieva, a Ukrainian woman, battled cancer and continues to fight for the release of her husband, Ruslan, who is captive in Russian hands since the war's escalation. Despite being diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, Olha overcame the odds and went into remission, driven by the hope of reuniting with her husband. Olha's journey has been marked by personal sacrifice and resilience, as she navigated life-threatening illness, displacement during the war, and the emotional toll of her husband's captivity. While organizing rallies to raise awareness about Ukrainian POWs, she co-founded the Marine Corps Strength Association to represent over 1,000 Ukrainian POWs still in captivity. Olha remains resolute in her mission, fueled by the love and strength of her bond with Ruslan, and continues to gather information about his condition and well-being from former prisoners.

Dive Deeper:

• Olha Kurtmalaieva faced a dire cancer diagnosis with Stage 4 lymphoma amid personal turmoil as her husband, Ruslan, remained a prisoner in Russian captivity during the ongoing conflict. Her determination to survive was fueled by her desire to bring her husband back, motivating her through the harsh realities of chemotherapy and the emotional isolation of her circumstances.

• Her relationship with Ruslan began in 2015, blossoming into a marriage defined by the challenges of military life, including long separations and the uncertainty of war. Olha's understanding of sacrifice deepened when Ruslan was captured, and she took on the role of an activist to support the cause of Ukrainian POWs.

• Despite her worsening health due to untreated cancer during her time in occupied Berdiansk, Olha focused on activism, organizing rallies and helping the military while evading Russian forces. Her commitment to her husband's cause overshadowed her own health struggles, even as her condition deteriorated to life-threatening levels.

• Olha's resilience was tested when her cancer progressed, necessitating emergency chemotherapy. Her survival was uncertain, but the thought of Ruslan and her unyielding love for him gave her the strength to endure the intensive treatment and eventually reach remission.

• In her pursuit to reunite with Ruslan, Olha has been active in gathering intelligence about his condition, learning about his injuries and the psychological torture he endures in captivity. Her efforts extend to civic activism and entrepreneurship, as she balances running an online cosmetics store with her advocacy work.