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Friends of Chervonohrad: Our Mission Continues

Writer's picture: Friends of ChervonohradFriends of Chervonohrad

Dear Friends,

 

It is with a heavy heart that we see Ukraine approach almost the 3rd year of war and we could not be more grateful for your continued support to sustain much needed spirit and resilience.

 

Chervonohrad current state:


Our hometown, Chervonohrad, population 65,000 people has become a home to thousands of refugees from Kyiv and Eastern Ukraine in the past two years. The town is experiencing heavy losses of its sons and daughters who have been drafted to the front lines. Our hearts continue to break as we learn about newly orphaned children. Winter strikes targeting electrical infrastructures leave Ukrainian power grids in a constant state of repair. As a result, residents have only 3 hours of electricity per day.


As we work with residents and local organizations in our hometown and beyond, we continue to feel inspired by the resilience, focus and hope of the Ukrainian people.


 

Your donations made the following urgent and important support possible:


MEDICINE


Since the start of war, we received repeated requests to contribute in two areas of health: ophthalmology and psychology. These initiatives have 3 strengths that align with FOC's mission: collaboration, innovation and sustainability.

Ophthalmology & Facial Reconstructive Surgery

In November 2023 and October 2024 FoC supported Dr. Parag Gandhi, Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive surgeon, to join the Face to Face Program (F2F) organized by Razom. In 2024, FoC founder, Natalia Sawka, traveled to Lviv and joined the mission team as a Safety Coordinator tasked with conducting risk assessments and organizing logistics of the October trip.



The intent of this Co-Pilot Project is to address the significant deficit in high-quality neurosurgical, spine, facial reconstructive, and plastic surgery training in Ukraine by training and mentoring Ukrainian surgeons. The two F2F mission trips accomplished 59 complex surgeries and patient recoveries. Including but not limited to ophthalmic, facial reconstructive, orthopedic procedures and direct teaching. Notably, a number of the medical staff on the visiting team are Ukrainian-Americans and invested in the overall success of program.


The mission trips are an excellent example of gathering top subject matter experts, leveraging leading-edge technology and medical innovation to improve as many lives as possible during the visits to Ukraine. The surgeons worked in advance with a medical device company to fabricate reconstructive facial implants for the anticipated patients, reviewing each case in detail. The surgeons noted their appreciation for collaborating with the engineers from the device company – mostly young Ukrainian volunteers equally eager to make a difference.





Implants for the patients were designed and manufactured ahead of time in Europe and surgery techniques were discussed by the doctors during preparatory zoom calls. According to Dr. Gandhi, this is the first time in his humanitarian assignments that he has reviewed every case of patients and learned their names before the trip. This experience added the human dimension of empathy and created a sense of urgency for the trip.


Artificial Intelligence Advanced computer engineering was used to design patient specific implants with exacting detail and steps for the surgeries. The team of doctors leveraged their skills and years of experience to bring everything to fruition in Lviv, despite frequent air raid sirens blaring in the hospital during surgeries. It is clear that the courageous and compassionate approach resulted in exceeded expectations of all involved.


PSYCHOLOGY

To no surprise, this war has had a significant and lasting impact on the mental health of those fighting and living through it.


When the opportunity arose to support the "You are not Alone” proposal from an American-Ukrainian NJ Psychologist trained in trauma management, we jumped into action. We partnered with Mariya Marteyneko and Yelena Avramenko to structure the Program, find US-based partners and grants to help cover the costs of program execution.





The goal of the “You are not Alone” program was to train 100 therapists and impact ~8,000 members of Ukraine Defense Forces.


Key elements of the Program:

  •     Ethical, legal and professional issues for the advanced practitioner

  •     Tools for healing trauma, especially Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  •     Advanced Grief Counseling

  •     Screening for the severity of symptoms, consider separate based on level of impairment

  •     Sharing practical resources: services offered, support, staying connected to community

 

EDUCATION


At the start of the war, we began working with Chervonohrad School # 2 which was accepting a large number of children from war displaced families. We continue the strong partnership with its teachers, students and parents to support them in the most fundamental of ways – education.


We would like to recognize Dr. Olena Nesteruk, a Professor in the Department of Family Science and Human Development at Montclair State University, and Natalia Gerus, English Language Teacher at School #2, for designing and executing a purposeful PenPal Program bringing together American and Ukrainian students in a meaningful cross-cultural exchange. This Program was awarded 1st place by Cognella for the Innovation in teaching.
We would like to recognize Dr. Olena Nesteruk, a Professor in the Department of Family Science and Human Development at Montclair State University, and Natalia Gerus, English Language Teacher at School #2, for designing and executing a purposeful PenPal Program bringing together American and Ukrainian students in a meaningful cross-cultural exchange. This Program was awarded 1st place by Cognella for the Innovation in teaching.

Dr. Nesteruk used the award grant from Cognella to fund a visit for some of the participants in the PenPal Program in Chervonohrad to the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv which distinguishes itself for progressive education and inclusive environment. This is such a great example of the sustained help which keeps on giving. We truly believe in these children and cannot wait to see all the great things they will do in the future.
Dr. Nesteruk used the award grant from Cognella to fund a visit for some of the participants in the PenPal Program in Chervonohrad to the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv which distinguishes itself for progressive education and inclusive environment. This is such a great example of the sustained help which keeps on giving. We truly believe in these children and cannot wait to see all the great things they will do in the future.

The school has transformed itself and has become a place where over a 100 children who have lost parents in war come during the holidays to share a little joy and  gifts we were able to give them thanks to your donations. The impact of these gifts goes beyond what one can imagine  as demonstrated when their eyes and hearts light up from the mere fact that someone remembers them and is sending them love with these small gestures.
The school has transformed itself and has become a place where over a 100 children who have lost parents in war come during the holidays to share a little joy and  gifts we were able to give them thanks to your donations. The impact of these gifts goes beyond what one can imagine  as demonstrated when their eyes and hearts light up from the mere fact that someone remembers them and is sending them love with these small gestures.

Allie Velasco from New Jersey, organized 2nd Grade Brownies of the Girl Scout Troop to collect 107 Easter gifts that were sent to Chervonohrad
Allie Velasco from New Jersey, organized 2nd Grade Brownies of the Girl Scout Troop to collect 107 Easter gifts that were sent to Chervonohrad

Donations have been used to equip classrooms with smart TVs for better access to information and educational content. This has been a tremendous help for the teachers, parents and increased student's motivation.
Donations have been used to equip classrooms with smart TVs for better access to information and educational content. This has been a tremendous help for the teachers, parents and increased student's motivation.
 

Supplies


We continue to supply much needed and requested supplies by the soldiers heading to the front lines from Chervonohrad. These include tourniquets, medical kits, gloves, solar power banks, and headlamps. This past winter we also supplied hand warmers and thermal sleeping bags, which were in high demand.




 

Thank you for standing with us and Ukraine and above all, please pray for peace.


Слава Україні!

[Glory to Ukraine!]



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PRAY FOR UKRAINE

Friends Of Chervonohrad Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations and gifts are deductible to the full extent allowable under IRS regulations.     EIN: 92-0832920

© 2025 by Friends of Chervonohrad

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