My name is Glen Roane and I have teamed up with my friend Gloria Folden to raise money to support the Yahodin family. We are long-time residents of the Bow Valley and we are reaching out to raise money for a Ukrainian family living in Canmore who are dealing with a life-threatening cancer affecting Olha Yahodin, the wife and mother of the family. Having lost the income of Olha, the Yahodin family are now struggling financially.

Two sisters, their husbands and children fled to Canada to escape from the war in Ukraine. With permission, we quote an excerpt from a text message we received from Olha's sister, Svitlana following a meeting we had with her to ask what we could do to help.

"Thank you so much for your kind words and your thoughtful offer of support — it truly means a great deal to us, especially during such a difficult time, in a country we had only just arrived to and dreamed of building a safe and peaceful life in.

We came here hoping to leave behind the fear of explosions, the hardships of war, and the uncertainty of refugee camps. Sadly, it seems the weight of those years has taken its toll. Olha, Alex’s wife, is now facing a very serious illness, and we are doing everything we can to help her fight for her life.

Tomorrow we are taking her to Calgary, where she will begin preparations for a very difficult second phase of treatment. July 3rd was her 44th birthday. She and Alex have two young children — Mariia is 7 and Oleh is 15. They need their mother so much right now.

Your offer to help touched us deeply. It’s such a strange and humbling place to be — not even knowing what kind of help one could ask for in such circumstances. Just knowing that people like you are thinking of us and standing beside us means more than words can say."

ABOUT THE FAMILY

The Yahodin family — Olha and Oleksandr (Alex), and their two children, son Oleh (15) and daughter Mariia (7) — have been living in Canmore, Alberta, since 2022. They arrived in Canada under the CUAET program after fleeing their home in the Luhansk region of Ukraine, which is now under Russian occupation.

From the very beginning, they embraced life in Canada. Both parents started full-time work soon after arrival and the kids enrolled in local schools. They have built deep connections in the Bow Valley and are active, valued members of our community.

Both children have become fluent in English despite their parents not being strong English speakers. They love their new home and community but are deeply affected by their mother’s illness.

OLHA'S ILLNESS

In October 2024, Olha was diagnosed with an aggressive and rare blood cancer — diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Since then, she has endured major surgery to remove a kidney, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Unfortunately, her cancer has been resistant to standard treatments.

Now, Olha is hospitalized and undergoing CAR-T cell therapy — one of the most advanced cancer treatments available in Canada. It is her best hope for recovery, but it is also extremely intensive and physically demanding.

WHY THEY NEED HELP

Olha has been unable to work since her diagnosis, and her husband is balancing full-time work with caring for Olha and the children. Despite his efforts, the family is facing significant financial hardship, struggling to cover rent, utilities, food, and the children’s needs.

The Yahodins have applied for Canadian Permanent Residency on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. They want to remain in Canada — the home where their children feel safe, supported, and truly belong.

HOW YOUR SUPPORT WILL HELP

Your donation will go directly toward:

• Rent and basic living expenses

• Food and household needs

• Care and support for the children while their mother is in treatment

A MESSAGE TO THE COMMUNITY

The Yahodins have given so much to their new home — now they need our help. Your kindness will give them not only financial relief, but also the hope and strength to keep going during the most difficult time of their lives.

Please donate if you can, and share this campaign to help spread the word. Every contribution matters.