***THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO DONATED. WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF TRANSFERRING FUNDS TO THE ORGANIZATION (yay! Bank transfer processing time). Please contact me or Alla with questions***

 On 3/26, I will be running the D.C. Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. In light of the invasion of Ukraine, I'll be proudly sporting the colors of Ukraine and am using the opportunity to bring awareness and fundraise for The Voices of Children Foundation. This Ukrainian organization, founded in 2015, focuses on helping children affected by the war. Today, during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, they are providing non-stop assistance to affected children and families from all over the country, providing emergency psychological assistance, and assisting in the evacuation process.

Our current goal is $1,991 to represent the year Ukraine regained its independence from Russia. 
(To reach our goal is only $19.91 from 100 of our friends!)

 

Слава Україні! Glory to Ukraine! 

 

P.S. if you're in DC on 3/26, I'll be the one running in Blue & Yellow. 

If you'd like to purchase a shirt or item that Alla & I designed - you can do so here .

This site allows designs to collect royalties. Thus, we will donate any royalties made from the sales of these designs to The Voice of Children Foundation.

 

More about why I care here: 

 

This current situation hits home because one of my best friends, Alla, is Ukrainian. Her mom, family, childhood best friends are all still there - in & near Kharkiv. Though I am sure my empathy will fall short of the anger, fear, heartbreak, pride and courage Ukrainians everywhere are feeling, I am trying to because Alla is my family - and this is her family, her home.

 

It's heartbreaking to think that the gratitude I feel for my safety, country, and life, currently comes at the expense of atrocities brought upon a beautiful people, culture, and nation that deserves their independence and security as much as I do. It’s been awe-inspiring and beautiful seeing the courage and pride of Ukraine and its people. Alla has always been an inspiration to me as a friend for her strength, resiliency, courage, joy and sense of self. I now have no doubt where she gets it from.

 

я тебе люблю, Alla