As many of you know I'm Ukrainian and last week the war crept up closer to home. On May 25th, a rocket destroyed 2 family homes of my childhood friend, Evgenia where she lived with her husband and two kids ages 8 and 12 as well as her mother in-law’s home who lived next door. Miraculously the entire family survived, they were pulled from the rubble by neighbours before the flames came. 

About their injuries- Zenia herself was thrown outside by the force of the blast, sustaining deep cuts across her face and body. The rest of the family suffered broken legs and cuts while their youngest son sustained the heaviest injuries as he was facing the direction of the blast. Doctors removed 14 pieces of shrapnel from his body. He came dangerously close to losing an eye and will require additional surgeries, including a retinal transplant.

Despite their injuries and the complete destruction of their homes, the family remains remarkably positive. They are grateful that all of them are alive and surrounded by a caring community.

I can imagine that once the initial shock and adrenaline wear off, the reality of their losses will weigh heavily and they have a very long and hard road to recovery both physically and mentally. If you're able to help in any way, even the cost of a single cup of coffee, multiple tiny efforts could make a meaningful difference. The raised funds will be transferred to Eugenia's family.

The first few seconds of this news segment features footage of their homes and the rest of the street in the aftermath of the strike

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNxjAyn5Xos

For those who speak Ukrainian this is a local news segment, it features Maryna, Evgenia's sister in-law, describing the event - https://youtu.be/yN5n4R8VsIo

This fundraiser is organized by Kateryna Nebesna

The benefits of this fundraiser will go to the family of Evgenia and Maksim Lozko