Help Vlada - Ukraine Refugee

Hi, my name is Paula Whigham. I live in Central Florida in the United States. In the summer of 2020, I met my friend Vlada Vesolova, a citizen of Odesa Ukraine. Vlada is smart and funny and a fighter. She has a disability that affects her mobility (usually in a wheelchair) and her vision. In a country that isn't very accessible. Vlada is an LGBTQ+ advocate in a country that isn't very gay friendly.

Vlada speaks four languages, Russian, Ukrainian, English, and a bit of Spanish. She has fought for her independence and education and to have her voice heard.

When Russia invaded Ukraine, she was living on her own in an apartment in Odesa. Her mother was in Russia visiting her fiancee; her father was working on a ship out of the country. Her brother was in town with her. On Thursday, February 24th, she joined her brother at another location to stay safe. On Friday, she went to another house in the city with a basement. Safer from bombs. She turned 22 years old on Saturday, February 26th. Her birthday, literally under siege. On Monday, she lost her job. On Tuesday, she fled her country. By car. With her brother, a friend, and a cute puppy. In the hopes to get to Germany for safety.

On March 5th, she and her group, refugees now, arrived in Berlin. They have a place to stay for a couple of days. They left everything except a suitcase or two each. They all need jobs and to start all over. I know so many need help now, and please give to any Ukrainian humanitarian charities. I am asking you to also help me to help Vlada and her family as they start a new life with so much uncertainty. Please give what you can and share this anywhere you can with as many people as you can.