Help My Family Survive the War in Ukraine

Hi, my name is Zhenya White. I am 29 years old and currently living in the United States. I was adopted by a family in Texas when I was 17, along with my younger brother, who is still serving in the U.S. military today.

I still have three siblings living in Ukraine, not by choice. As many of you know, the situation there is devastating and continues to worsen. My family is living in constant fear, with limited access to water and electricity, and very few ways to earn money just to survive. I help them as much as I can, but I am not always financially able to support all of them on my own.

On December 30th, our family suffered an unimaginable loss. My sister’s husband, Igor Goncharov, was killed by a bomb while serving on duty in the Ukrainian military. Like many others, he had no choice but to go to war. He left behind my sister, Irina Balabina, and their twin boys who just turned 5 years old.

Irina is now alone, grieving the loss of her husband while trying to raise her young children in the middle of an active war zone, with very little support.

I am also raising funds to help my other siblings who are struggling under the same conditions:

• Larisa Novokhatko, who is married with two children—a 10-year-old boy and an 11-month-old baby. Her husband is currently serving in the military, leaving her to care for their children alone while facing shortages and constant uncertainty.

• Sasha Balabin, who is on his own in Ukraine and doing everything he can to survive with limited resources, unstable work, and ongoing danger.

I am doing everything I can to help my family, but I cannot do this alone anymore. I am asking for help to support my siblings and their children during this heartbreaking time.

How the Funds Will Be Used:

All funds raised will go directly toward helping Irina Balabina, Larisa Novokhatko, Sasha Balabin, and the children affected by this war, following the loss of Igor Goncharov. Donations will be used for:

• Food and daily necessities: groceries, clean water, hygiene products, and basic household items

• Utilities and living expenses: electricity, heating, and emergency bills during outages

• Children’s needs: clothing, shoes, diapers, school supplies, and small toys to bring comfort during a traumatic time

• Funeral and memorial expenses: covering costs to lay Igor Goncharov to rest with dignity

• Emergency support: medicine, transportation, and unexpected survival costs caused by the ongoing war

Every donation, no matter the amount, will help keep my family fed, warm, and supported. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean just as much.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness, compassion, and support during one of the most painful times in our lives.

— Zhenya White