Hello. My name is Inna and I was born in U-k-- raine and have lived there until I turned 23 years old. I’m really bad at writing but I will try my best.

My parents fled Kh ar-kiv, U kr -ain e, on March 8th. I’m the only child so I took full responsibility for my family even though I’m so far away. They were so scared because they couldn’t believe this was happening and they were paralyzed by fear. It took me a lot of effort to convince them to take shelter on Day 1. They stayed in underground subway for half a day on Day 1 of war and then relocated to basement under 16 story house (that was a small gym). The next day they decided to stay in my aunt’s apartment on the first floor of 16 story building to have easier access to bathroom and kitchen. They made a place in the corridor where they put mattresses and pillows and hid most of the time.

I kept trying to convince them to leave Kharkiv, but they were scared and kept saying it would end soon. I was also full of fear insisting because I couldn’t imagine them driving through the city where shelling and clashes were happening. But finally, they decided to take a risk. So my parents, my aunt, her husband, two kids (6 yo and 17 yo) and my great aunt managed to leave. Firs they have attempted to drive to railway station to take the train. They had to drive to the railway station through entire city for 30 minutes. When they arrived the amount of people at the station was terrifying, and they couldn’t imagine getting on the train. They also realized they would have to be standing in the train for 16-20 hours to get to destination. My aunt also had three dogs with her that she refused to leave them behind. She actually had to put down one dog (she is a vet and had medication to do that), because she was old, and my aunt didn’t see her getting through the unknowns of their upcoming travel. So we made a quick decision to drive to nearest big city. It was very scary because almost all around Kharkiv and its outskirts fight were being held, so it was very dangerous. They could hear explosions and shooting. Thank God they managed to leave the city and had enough gas. They drove 12 hours to get to nearby city called Poltava, which is only 145 kilometers away ( 90 miles ). The number of cars and narrow roads were the reason it took so long. Also check points. It was hard to find gas so that was also very stressful to drive not knowing how far you can get. When they reached Poltava, thank goodness, they stayed there for 5 days to regroup and catch up on sleep, eat and find gas. And to think on what to do next. My aunt, her husband and their kids are still there. But my mom, dad and great aunt decided to drive to west side of Ukraine. Well I convinced them. I really wanted them out of eastern region. I lost sleep and appetite for about two weeks. My family is everything for me! After 5 days break, my parents hit the road and drove following route - Poltava - Kremenchuk - Oleksandriya - Kropyvnytskyi - Uman - Vinnytsia - Ternopil - Uzhhorod. It totaled to 1161 km (720 miles). They were on the road for almost a week. I was hoping my aunt and her kids change her mind and start relocating to westerns side too. But unfortunately my aunt is still there with her husband and kids as she refuses to leave her husband as he is under 60 yo age.

They crossed border with Slovakia on March 15, I think. They drove six more hours to reach Bratislava. That's where they are now.

 

I have been supporting my family financially along the way. None of them had good savings. My parents have some property in Kharkiv but they didnt have much cash savings. My dad has been fixing clocks and watches for about 40 years. My mom hasn't worked in a while due to health issues. I raised some money earlier on Facebook but I didnt realize how fast it would be spent on gas, food, hotels, medicine and some cloth. My parents didn't get chance to return to their apartment to pick up more cloth and belongings before heading to railway station. It was dangerous to go back there from aunts place.

Part of it is also that US immigration process takes time even with expediting the processing and also it’s very costly. I have a decent job but because it's not something I've planned, so it’s becoming challenging. So far, I have paid 1070 dollars for the i130 petitions. Also have been sending money to my aunt and her kids regularly. Some relatives from my dad's side are struggling financially so I have sent money to them few times since war has started. Everyone lost their income. None of them had that kind of job that they could do remote. I will need to continue helping them for unknown period of time. Unfortunately, we all had our hopes that the war would end soon but now we are all seeing that it’s not the case. Ukraine is giving some material help but its not enough and not everyone qualifies.

I’m currently going through NVC process, where I had to pay 750 for both. Some upcoming fees are the fees for medical exams, that are around 200 dollars for each person. And blood tests for medical exam about 200 dollars for both. Next biggest cost would be airplane tickets from Vienna to St. Louis. They will cost about $2000 for both.

For me to continue helping my aunt and her kids who don’t have income and 4 women from my dad’s side (cousin, her daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter) who had to flee Kharkiv and now are located in Lviv, I’m asking for help to raise some money for the airplane tickets for my parents.

This will allow me to straighten out all other expenses and be ready for expenses for when they arrive here to make sure I can provide for them while they are waiting for work permit and green card.

I generally like to help people, very giving and donate often. But this time I’m in the position where I need help and I’m not used to asking and feel a bit ashamed. But kindness and thoughtfulness of everyone is so uplifting that I know that when I get through this, I will be willing to give and help even more like never before. I really appreciate everyone’s help and kindness! And if you are unable to help, I still appreciate for letting me share my story with you! Thank you!!!