My Ukrainian Family in Need of Emergent Help

Hi everyone,

My name is Mariya, and I am from Ukraine; my mom and I moved to Minnesota when I was three years old. It is a day like today that I am grateful to be living here. I am reaching out to the world today to do what I can for my family- aunt, uncle, cousins, grandparents. My heart belongs in Ukraine, with them. I plan on doing everything I can to aid Ukraine and its people, for now, starting with my relatives.

As you know, in light of this terrible news of Vladimir Putin of Russia attacking innocent civilians in Ukraine, many people had to flee their homes. Unfortunately, this happened before daylight broke, and many weren't aware of the attack level until they woke up the morning of 2/24/2022.

My aunt Julia, her husband Vologda, and two kids- daughter Anna and son Vova had to flee their home in the middle of the night wearing pajamas and drove hours upon hours to the Moldova border. My mom called me crying, saying her sister was distraught trying to help her children into the car, with sounds of explosions and bombarding nearby. We could hear noises of explosions through phone calls. An unnatural and horrifying sound. Unfortunately, this is the reality of millions of Ukrainians. My aunt and uncle have worked their entire lives tirelessly in interior design and contract work, sending their kids to school and providing them with the best life possible under their circumstances. Now at the Moldova border, my uncle and cousin passed through by foot while my aunt and her daughter are left behind, waiting to be let through. Their lives have changed drastically today. My grandmother stayed behind in Kyiv to tend to my grandfather, who is incapable of leaving due to needing medical care. No sleep, no rest, scared- but remaining strong.

Please help with a prayer for their and all Ukraine's safety, as well as donating financially to their family and friends as they embark into the unknown. These donations will help my family and friends who (hopefully) join find shelter, food, and medical necessity. As we all know, this act of kindness will go a long way. I appreciate anyone taking the time to read this story.