My name is Victor Kolesov. I’m writing to ask for your support of my friend and former co-worker Nina Zhukova. Following the recent death of her son Igor and the loss of Igor’s wife four years ago, Nina is in the process of obtaining legal guardian rights to raise her two beautiful grandchildren: 8-year-old Taylin and 5-year-old Gavin.

Nina is incredibly strong. With no time to grieve her son, she is devoting all her love and attention to Taylin and Gavin. They are not crying anymore. They can sleep at night and eat again. They are back at school. All due to the amazing healing power of a caring, selfless grandmother! Very few people possess the inner strength Nina has and she will need a lot more of it.

Nina will have to support her two grandchildren through school and college. Taylin and Gavin are just beginning their academic journeys. Children are fragile, and school life can be overwhelming and tough. I’m reminded of my own children and my daughter's first day of kindergarten when her big brother led her by the hand to her first class. That day was followed by countless others filled with homework and clubs, hard work and frustration, wins and losses, happiness and drama. It was not easy for me and my wife to handle it at times. Nina will have to do it alone.

Nina was laid off a year ago. It was a terrible time to lose a job even for such a strong engineer and experienced manager as Nina. We worked together for more than 20 years, and I was always captivated by her ability to care for the people around her, support them, cheer them up, or just listen to them. She didn't do it in response to the call for empathy by the corporate culture. She did it instinctively, truly and honestly. This unique quality is hard to find.

Now Nina needs help! Nina needs our support! She needs our support in a situation none of us ever wants to experience. She needs our support for two young lives to flourish and enjoy this world! For Taylin and Gavin!

Please consider making a donation to support Nina and her grandchildren. Your help will go a long way!

Thank you for your kindness!