Chornobyl survivor recalls reunion with her birth mother who she thought was dead
Anna Gabriel with a framed picture of a time when as a child she and her parents met former President of Ireland Mary Robinson during her visit to Bandon in 1996. Picture: Noel Sweeney
After attempting to locate the whereabouts of the baby daughter she had given up in the aftermath of the Chornobyl disaster, Anna Gabriel’s mother was initially directed to the site of a graveyard.
As the world marks 40 years since the explosion at reactor No 4 that led to decades of human disaster, Chornobyl survivor Anna is glad to have been able to offer her birth mother some closure.
She said that it was Adi Roche and Chornobyl Children International (CCI) who made their reunion possible. Even decades after one of the world’s most devastating disasters, shockwaves continue to ripple across generations.
However, Anna is a testament to the strength that can prevail over unprecedented adversity. She first arrived in Bandon, County Cork, in 1996, thanks to the help of Adi Roche from Chornobyl Children International and Ali Hewson, wife of international star Bono.
Read More
The pair first set eyes on Anna during a visit to Abandoned Children’s Hospital Number One near Minsk. She was later adopted by Helen and Robert Gabriel. Four-year-old Anna immediately adapted to her new life in Ireland.
This was despite severe disabilities, including deafness and deformed legs. All these years later, Anna said the Chornobyl Children International (CCI) charity continues to support her.
“They helped me track down my family after turning 21. I met my birth mother and brought her over to Ireland, and got to know her. She had been told I was dead, and I had been told the same about my biological parents.
"You can imagine the shock she must have felt to have someone call to her door and ask if she had given up a daughter all those years ago.”
Anna finally had the chance to meet her biological mother, who flew to Ireland for the reunion.
“She was a lovely woman, but also a very sad woman. I can’t imagine the pain she went through when putting me up for adoption. She couldn’t keep me because of the title of a rejected child.
"When she looked at me, I could just see the guilt and shame in her eyes.
"I got adopted and had a brand new lease of life. That is a miracle in itself. Coming to see me was her first time on a plane. It was her first time seeing a beach because where she came from was all enclosed.
"When I met my mother, I felt nothing but love for her because I couldn’t imagine the pain of having to give up your own child. It was nice to see that I have her hair and cheeks.
"It’s bittersweet now because I can’t meet her or send her cards and letters due to the war in Ukraine, but I’m hoping we can make contact again someday."
Since her arrival in Ireland, Anna has benefitted from advanced medical intervention, including prosthetic legs and what she described as a bone-conductor hearing aid.
The 33-year-old admits she has no memories of Chornobyl.
“I don’t know if that’s down to PTSD or the fact that I was so young.
"My earliest memories are of my classmates asking if they could take my wheelchair for a spin. I had a wheelchair when I got tired when I was small.
"The other kids didn’t understand Chornobyl even if the teachers explained one or two facts about it. One of the questions I still get asked is what Chornobyl is like today.
"My answer is always the same. The land is contaminated. The water is contaminated. Three or four decades later, the kids are still being born with defects.
"It breaks my heart, but all I can do is continue to raise awareness.”
The accountant opened up about the bond she has with activist Ali Hewson.
“It’s surreal to know that I have Ali Hewson as my godmother. She never forgets my birthday, and she never forgets me. I might get jewellery one year and a hairdryer the next. I’d be happy even if it was just a hug.
"Even though we don’t get to see each other often — obviously, she has a very busy schedule — it’s a privilege to spend some family time with her when I can.
"It’s more than just godmother duties. I see her as like a favourite aunt or a long-lost sister. She and Adi were the first people to hold me as a baby. They saw something special in me. There are not enough thank yous in the world that can cover what they did for me.
"There were a lot of neglected children left behind because their own families couldn’t take them in, classified as reject children.
"It’s a term that is often thrown around because that person has a physical or mental disability. It’s hard to hear because you don’t want any child to be neglected.”
Anna is still coming to terms with the loss of her adoptive mother almost two years ago.
“She was a brilliant mother and grandmother. The only way I can describe her is as the glue that held our family together.
"It’s a tough pill to swallow not having her here anymore, but I’m going to continue to make her proud. I have to keep living for the two of us.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
