My name is Yvette Sadovoy, and I’m starting this fund in memory of our beloved babysitter and dear friend, Valentina, who passed away unexpectedly.

Valentina and her husband Ivan came to the U.S. from Belarus just seven years ago, hoping to help their daughter's family build a better life. I met Valentina when my son was just six months old, and she became his full-time caretaker during the week. She was with us full-time until he started school, and then part-time after that. He’s almost 7 now. For the past year and a half, she’s also been helping care for my twin girls.

I’ve never met anyone as compassionate, patient, and deeply knowledgeable about children. Valentina didn’t just care for my kids — she loved them. She quickly became part of our family. She supported us through difficult times, celebrated our milestones, and nurtured my children as if they were her own. The way my son treats her like a grandmother tells me everything I need to know about the bond they shared.

Valentina was also the primary emotional and financial supporter of her family. Her husband Ivan was seriously injured at work three years ago, and while working full-time, she also cared for him through his recovery. Her daughter, son-in-law, and 6-year-old grandson — who joined them in the U.S. two years ago — also lived with her.

Her sudden loss has left a deep emotional and financial void in their lives. My family is doing everything we can to support them, but I know it will take time for them to regain their footing.

If you’re able to contribute anything — to help with rent, groceries, daily expenses, or simply to ease their burden during this incredibly difficult time — it would mean so much. Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly to her family to help them through the coming months.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support.