Since 2006, Maria and Yuriy have been caring for orphans with special medical needs in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Their journey began with the adoption of their daughter, Masha, in 2006, followed by their son, Denis, in 2009. Denis was born with hydrocephalus and spina bifida, and required ongoing medical care, which made the family spend a lot of time in the hospital and met many children who were there without parents and needed a family.

When the war came to their city in 2022, from the earliest days of the invasion, Mariya and Yuriy were supporting children’s hospitals with needed supplies. In one hospital, they found abandoned babies under the age of one, left without the possibility of transfer to an orphanage due to the constant bombardment of the city. These infants, suffering from a range of medical conditions, were being cared for by the hospital staff in a bomb shelter.

Maria and Yuriy brought these seven babies into their home, and instantly became a family of 12. These children, diagnosed with cerebral palsy, HIV, hepatitis, Down syndrome, heart defects, and other serious medical conditions, made their home into a foster care and changed their lives forever.

The couple also has a biological son, 24 years old, who lives with Asperger Syndrome.

To provide the high-quality medical care, therapies, developmental support, and everyday essentials that these children need, Maria and Yuriy’s monthly expenses range from $5,000 to $7,000.

With winter intensifying in Kharkiv, constant electricity outages and rising heating costs are adding to their financial strain. Your support is critical to ensure this family can focus on providing their children with care they need, without the pressure of worrying about the constantly growing bills.

We are starting this fundraiser to support Mariya and Yuriy, as their care is vital and life-saving for these children. Your support will go directly to covering medical bills, utilities, special therapy and developmental support, special needs education and other necessaries.

Please stay tuned for the updates from the life of this wonderful family as we will share more stories, and do not forget to share this fundraiser with your friends this Christmas season!

You may support the family via this platform or through PayPal directly [email redacted]