Break waves, not families.

It was a cold March morning when my husband told me to get out of our family house…

He didn’t expect that all four of our kids would choose to follow me.

I grabbed our documents, the kids, and three tiny kittens - and had to run.

It was almost surreal watching what each child chose to take in that moment of chaos.

Little Nicole took her pencils.

Lisa, my oldest, wrapped the kittens in a blanket.

Lukas grabbed the charger from my iPhone - “so we don’t get lost” like he said…

And Mark walked out barefoot… holding only his surfboard.

in that day we lost almost everything - even the roof above our heads. But they couldn’t take away our faith or separate us.

That’s how our story of freedom began.

I’m so proud of my kids, but today I want to share the story of my son Mark Tkachenko, 13 - a Ukrainian junior surfing champion training in Portugal. Every day, he faces the ocean cold, wild, and endless - chasing one dream: to become a World Surfing Champion and to prove that nothing can stop you when you have purpose and family by your side!

This year, Mark is planning to represent Ukraine at the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship in Peru and European contest EuroKid in Tenerife.

We’re raising €12,000 to cover his competitions season: travels, daily trainings and gear.

Every euro brings him one wave closer to his dream - and reminds not only my kids, but others too that truth and kindness always win!

Join Mark’s journey

Follow updates at instagram: @mark.tkachenko_

With love and gratitude,

Ira - proud mom of four brave kids (and three cats)