My name is Helen, and I never thought I would be writing something like this.

On February 22, 2025, our world shattered — my beloved husband Vadim was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Just one week later, he suffered a heart attack. It was the scariest moment of my life. Somehow, he survived, but the road ahead is unimaginably hard.

Vadim is the heart of our family. We’ve been together through everything — through moving across countries, raising our children, building a life rooted in love, service, and spiritual practice. He’s not just my husband — he’s my best friend, my teacher, my home.

Vadim began his Buddhist path over 30 years ago with Lama Ole Nydahl, back in our hometown in Russia. We turned part of our house into a meditation center, where people came together every week to find peace. When we moved to Israel, and later to the United States, we continued supporting Buddhist centers and courses wherever we could. It has always been a part of who we are — to help others, quietly and fully, with open hearts.

One of the things Vadim still does, even while sick, is make traditional Tibetan protectors — handwoven amulets filled with mantra energy. These protectors, crafted with love and intention, have been blessed by Lama Ole Nydahl and His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje. Vadim has made and sent hundreds to Buddhist centers around the world, believing that each one carries a thread of connection and spiritual protection for the person who receives it.

Today, I am caring for him full-time. We are doing everything we can, but the financial strain is overwhelming — between chemotherapy, post-heart attack care, travel for treatment, and daily expenses, we simply can’t do this alone anymore.

Your support will help us cover:

• Chemotherapy and ongoing treatment

• Recovery care after his heart attack

• Travel and lodging for treatment

• Daily living expenses while we walk this path together

Vadim is a loving father to our two children and a proud grandfather to little Kira. He has always been the one others turn to — now, we are turning to you.

If you can donate, we are deeply grateful. If you can share his story, it means the world to us.

We’re holding on to hope, to love, and to each other — and we’re not giving up.

With love and gratitude,

Karmapa Cheno

Helen