Yulia's Story

3 min read

Published 10 June 2026

My story began in Pskov, Russia, where I spent my early childhood in an orphanage from around the age of four to five. I was born into a very poor family nearby and was the youngest of five children. Although my beginnings were marked by hardship and uncertainty, they became the foundation of a life shaped by resilience and gratitude.

In 1997, my life changed forever when I was adopted by an Australian family living in New Zealand through an agency called ICANZ. The process required significant time, effort, and commitment. My parents travelled to Russia to meet me at the orphanage, and after a long and emotional journey, my mum returned to bring me home. That moment marked the beginning of a new life filled with love, stability, and opportunity.

I grew up in New Zealand and later Australia, surrounded by care and encouragement. From a young age, I carried a deep sense of gratitude for the chance I had been given and for the family who chose me.

At the age of 16, I experienced a profound loss when my adoptive mum passed away from cancer. Losing her during my teenage years was incredibly difficult, but her love, strength, and the life she created for me continue to guide who I am today. Her influence remains one of the most powerful forces shaping my values, resilience, and outlook on life.

My early experiences, being orphaned, adopted across countries, building a new identity, and navigating loss, have all shaped the person I have become. They taught me strength in adversity, appreciation for opportunity, and the importance of connection, care, and perseverance.

Today, I am a mother to two beautiful young children of my own. Becoming a parent has deepened my gratitude for the life I was given and the love that shaped my journey. Every day, I strive to give my children the same sense of security, opportunity, and unconditional love that changed my life.

My story is one of challenge, hope, and gratitude, a journey that began with uncertainty but grew into a life grounded in resilience, purpose, and family.

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