Yurii Rusnak, a Ukrainian newcomer in Toronto, passed away on October 11, 2024, after battling an aggressive form of acute myeloid leukemia. Despite all medical efforts, his condition worsened, and his final days were spent in palliative care at Princess Margaret Hospital.
Yurii came to Canada two years ago in search of a new life under the CUAET visa program. Unfortunately, his journey was cut short by illness, leaving him without close family or friends in the country. His only remaining relative, his 84-year-old mother, could not attend his funeral due to her immobility after a stroke.
His final wish was to be buried in his hometown of Sokyriany, Ukraine. The funeral and cremation were held on October 17, 2024, at St. James’ Cemetery Chapel in Toronto. The ceremony was officiated by Father Petro from the Oshawa church community.
A GoFundMe campaign organized by Olesya Falenchuk has been set up to help fulfill Yurii’s last wish of being cremated and having his ashes returned to Ukraine. The campaign aims to raise $6,000 to cover funeral expenses, document translation, and the transportation of his ashes back to his homeland. As of now, $1,550 has been raised offline, with top donations coming from Ievgeniia Mangones ($1,550) and Father Petro ($1,125).
Many members of the community shared heartfelt messages in Yurii’s memory. On Facebook, Marika Pitolaj wrote, "Please honor the final wish of the Ukrainian newcomer who has sadly passed away due to a severe illness." The love and support from the Ukrainian community have been overwhelming, showing solidarity in fulfilling Yurii’s final request.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Yurii Rusnak and his loved ones in this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Short Summary of Yurii Rusnak
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Yurii Rusnak |
| Date of Passing | October 11, 2024 |
| Fundraiser Created By | Olesya Falenchuk |
| Goal Amount | $6,000 |
| Amount Raised | $1,550 (offline donations) |
| Location | Toronto, ON |
| Purpose | Funeral expenses, transportation of ashes to Ukraine |
Note:This post was written and edited by Gabriel Lewis, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.