As the crisis in Ukraine continues, approaching the 42nd month, so does the suffering of the people. We continue to provide aid and support in more than 250 different cities, towns, villages, and outlying areas across the country. Below we briefly describe the stories of a few of the individuals we help:
Boris, from Kyiv, is 64 years old. He lost both of his legs to diabetes. Boris lives alone and depends on others for assistance with daily living including meal preparation. We deliver hot meals and groceries to ensure he has adequate nutrition.
Svetlana, from Bila Tserkva, is a holocaust survivor; tragically she lost her brother and parents in the concentration camp where she too was held captive. Due to beatings she sustained at the camp she lost her hearing and vision on the left side. After being single her whole life, 10 years ago she married a retired pilot. Sadly, both became very ill and her husband was bedridden for 3 years before his death last December. Once again Svetlana was left completely alone. She lives in an apartment without heat or water. We regularly provide her with food, clothes, and personal hygiene items. Despite the many tragedies she has endured over her 97 years of life, she remains alert and engaged, always complimenting and thanking the staff and volunteers.
Alexander, from Kyiv, is 73. He retired in 2006, with a pension of 4000 UAH per month (approximately $100). His wife, 75, suffers from a variety of medical conditions and has no pension of her own. They rely on the hot meals and other assistance we provide on a regular basis.
Maxim, from Pryluky, is 5 years old. He lives with his mother while his father is away working in Western Ukraine. Last year he went to stay with his father for several months, but he returned home to begin kindergarten. The ongoing airstrikes have left Maxim traumatized; he runs and hides anytime he hears the warning sirens. His mother struggles to afford adequate food, clothing and other necessities for herself and her son. We are honored to provide assistance and support.
Alena, 37 years old, lives in Kamianske with her 14 year old daughter who uses a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy, and her nephew--the son of her sister who is unable to care for the boy. They live in a house without heat but were fortunate to be given a woodburning stove that helped them survive the cold winter. Alena is not able to find work that pays enough to cover child care; we are glad to help her with food and other necessities.
Liudmila, is 87 years old and lives alone in Cherkassy, with no relatives nearby. She cares for herself including cooking her own meals. Occasionally her niece makes the long trip to come visit, bringing Lidmila food and medicine. Liudmila’s pension is modest and barely covers the many medications she needs for high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, varicose veins and other chronic conditions. To make matters worse, she fractured her knee in 2021 and has had limited mobility since. Additionally she underwent cancer surgery in 2023 that has left her with scarring in her intestine. Liudmila requires ongoing medical treatment and supervision. It is our privilege to provide support and assistance, addressing her medical needs and more.
Together we save lives and restore hope.
