Help Kids in Ukraine in Time of War

Dear Friends,

Thank you for being there for children in wartime Ukraine!

Facing a serious illness is always heartbreaking. Facing it again as a recurrence—while living in a frontline city under constant bombardment—is almost unimaginable. Yet this is the reality for Mykhailo, a 16-year-old from Zaporizhzhia.

At just 11, he was diagnosed with cancer for the first time. His treatment took place in Kyiv, and he fondly recalls our Family House Dacha, where he stayed with his mother between therapies. 

For 4 years, Mykhailo remained in remission, but during the full-scale war, new pain in his arm revealed a tumor in his cervical spine. Despite the devastating news, Mykhailo’s spirit stayed resilient. He often quotes Confucius to underscore his resolve: "It’s better to outsmart the enemy—in this case, the disease—than let it advance."

Mykhailo underwent a complex surgery in Lviv, which included the installation of a metal structure in his neck. While turning his head remains a challenge, he brushes it off as a minor inconvenience: "These are small things compared to the big picture of getting better."

He finds comfort in sessions with psychologist Mariana, who says: "He inspires me, and I strive to mirror his strength back to him. His passion for Zaporizhzhia is so infectious that he's even made me think about visiting his city one day."

Mykhailo dreams of returning home after treatment, continuing his studies, and one day uncovering the legendary gold of the Scythians. Yet, above all, he wishes for the war to end, so those fighting for freedom can live long, happy lives.

Thank you for your generous contributions, which make it possible for Mykhailo to continue his treatment and dream of life beyond it. Your support is giving him—and so many others—not only the strength to fight for their health but also the hope of a brighter future in a free Ukraine.