My Myrtle Beach Community Welcomes a Local’s Heartfelt Return
Myrtle Beach, S.C. — This beautiful coastal town is always buzzing with stories, but none have hit close to home quite like the journey of one of our own, Anastasiia Sliusarenko. About 11 years ago, she made Myrtle Beach her home after moving from Ukraine. Now, following an emotional trip back to her homeland, she’s bringing back stories that remind us all of the resilience of the human spirit.
Back to Where It All Began
After not being able to visit her family since Russia’s invasion, Anastasiia returned from Ukraine just last Friday. Her time in the war-torn country was filled with strong emotions and firsthand experiences that photos and videos simply can’t capture. “Seeing it all in person was vital for me. Now, I don’t need to make it up; I’m not going to be lying when I say there are bombing civilians because I have seen it,” she shared with a heavy heart.
Fighting from Afar
Although she’s far from the front lines, Anastasiia’s heart is right there with her family still living in Ukraine. They’re not just her family; they represent the countless Ukrainians showcasing courage daily. “I wish I could be with my parents, but here I am fighting the battle with my voice, my presence, and my determination,” she explained. And it’s this attitude that makes her feel she’s making a difference.
The Spirit of the People
During her stay, she noticed a striking contrast: although Ukraine has changed significantly, one thing remains constant — the **_strength of its people_**. “When the sirens ring out, my mom just keeps doing what she has to do. She’s like, ‘I don’t have time for you Russian terrorists!’ as she stirs a pot of soup for my dad,” Anastasiia laughed, highlighting how humor and resilience are essential even in the most challenging times.
Advocacy with Purpose
Here in Myrtle Beach, Anastasiia isn’t just waiting for things to change back home; she’s actively engaging in local advocacy efforts with Razom, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Ukrainian communities. She believes that every little effort counts, whether engaging her neighbors or speaking with local representatives.
Next Stop: Washington, D.C.
For Anastasiia, the journey doesn’t stop here. She’s headed to Washington, D.C. next week for the Ukraine Action Summit, where she’ll meet South Carolina’s congressional representatives, including those from our own district. It’s a chance for her to share her experiences and urge people to keep the spotlight on Ukraine’s struggles. “Talking to our leaders, listening, advocating — it’s all key pieces of this ongoing fight,” she said, radiating passion for her cause.
What Can We Do?
As a community, inspiring action is in our hands too. Many in Myrtle Beach may wonder how they can help. Just engaging in conversations about Ukraine, spreading awareness, or even joining advocacy events can go a long way. Anastasiia encourages every one of us to raise our voices, saying, “In unity, there is strength.” So let’s stay involved, whether that means donating supplies, participating in local discussions, or simply offering support.
Final Thoughts
Anastasiia’s journey reminds us that although we may feel miles away from the action, our hearts can bridge the distance. By standing together, we can support not only our local hero but all those enduring hardship far from home. Myrtle Beach, let’s continue to advocate, show our support, and most importantly, **_remind our community that we are all connected_** — no matter the miles.
