My friend Natasha always stood up for those in need. I say that confidently as I have known her since 1985 – the year we met in first grade in Odessa, Ukraine. The other day when asked to describe her, I used the words caring, independent and determined.
In the last decade Natasha has experienced both ups and downs of tremendous magnitude.
There was the onset of the war in Eastern Ukraine back in 2012 that annihilated her family’s very successful business. There was volunteer work caring for wounded soldiers that scared the soul for life. Then the immense joy of becoming a mother to a baby boy followed by a massive stroke that completely immobilized her father. And to top it all, her mom’s cancer returned and rapidly metastasized.
Natasha suddenly found herself as a single mother to an infant and a primary caregiver to gravely ill parents. Thanks to Natasha’s love and care, her dad regained some of the mobility and was placed into a highly skilled nursing facility for further rehabilitation.
Unfortunately, despite putting up a serious fight against cancer, Natasha’s mom passed away in January of this year.
One would think that life would finally give Natasha a break…Not the case…
On the morning of February the 24th, 2022 Natasha and her now 3 year old son Timmy woke up to the sound of explosions. That was the day Russia invaded Ukraine.
After multiple attempts to flee the war zone, Natasha and Timmy have finally crossed the border into the neighboring Republic of Moldova yesterday morning. They left with two suitcases filled with Timmy’s toys and clothes and some family heirlooms. Due to congestion at the border crossing Natasha ended up carrying Timmy and the suitcases for almost 8 miles.
Natasha’s dad stayed behind and saying goodbye to him was one of the hardest things she’s ever done.
As Natasha embarks on piecing her life together – all by herself, she will need help.
This war is unfathomable. However it is now a brutal reality for 40 million Ukrainians. I am determined to help as many as I can and ask you to join me in this effort.
Please contact me with any questions.
Glory to Ukraine and its brave citizens.
