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Donna felt like her life was wasting away in North Korea. After her uncle was publicly executed for selling electric wires to feed his family, she couldn’t advance in society and was constantly subjected to government inspections.

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In pursuit of a free life, she escaped North Korea with her daughter and resettled in the United States.

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“It still feels unreal to be treated like a human being in America, and I want to thank everyone who helped me live such a happy life in this great country.”

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She’s gone on to start her own business running a sushi kiosk in a university cafeteria. She's done so well at running her business that she’ll soon relocate her kiosk to a more profitable area and begin hiring employees to work for her.

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Donna’s daughter, Isabel, is doing wonderfully in school and can already speak fluent English. She enjoys drawing and making crafts. She’s also very fashionable and loves to pick out her own clothes.

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In the next five years, she wants to buy a house and hopes to eventually help North Korean defectors.

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“Thanks to LiNK, I was saved. And my life, which had once been withering away with no hopes or dreams, now has new buds sprouting with new dreams and a future, and I’m so thankful for that.”

Read about Donna in Marie Claire.

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‍Learn more about Donna's escape from North Korea and help more North Korean refugees reach freedom today.