Hello, a family friend, Irina Golberg, is stuck in Ukraine and desperately needs help for vital surgeries on her cataracts and a possible tumor in her jaw. Additionally Irina needs help supporting her horse she got before the war which she used to teach children horseback riding. Even a small amount would help.

My name is Sophia Mazyar, I live in the US.

Below is attached a letter from her further explaining her situation.

In 2018, I moved to Ukraine with my husband and our three children for his work as airline security. I became an equestrian therapist and instructor, saved a horse from being put down.

That horse became my lifeline. When everything else collapsed, he was my anchor.

Then COVID hit. My husband lost his job, and we were left with no support in a foreign country. In early 2022 he announced we were divorcing and took the children away for a vacation. A few days later, Russia invaded Ukraine. He fled with the kids and left me behind in Kyiv— alone, with no warning or safety plan.

Since then, I’ve fought to survive. I lost vision in one eye and now face a possible tumor in my jaw.

Now, on top of my health and emotional struggles, I’m facing serious legal issues. I am an official business/horse owner , I have to pay taxes which I don’t have any money to pay.

Due to my complicated immigration status and inability to pay taxes while unemployed, I am at risk of deportation from Ukraine.

The funds will be spent on my health issues, taxes, and my animals - with the documentation provided.

If you can help or share this story, it would mean the world to me. Thank you for reading.

Ira Golberg