The Tischenko Family (2 parents have 4 orphans in foster care).

Foster father: Alexander

Foster mother: Tatyana

Nika had been living with her mother in the basement of a building until she was approximately 5 years old. At that point her mother died.  She does not remember her father at all.

After her mother's death Nika lived on the street with Gypsies and traveled with them throughout Ukraine and Russia.