Support for Pregnant Ukrainian Mom and 4 Year Old

In mid-March, We had the privilege of being connected with a pregnant Ukrainian mom, who arrived in New York with her 4 year old son and a suitcase, after fleeing the war. We were connected with Yana through Michelle's kids’ fencing coach, who is also from Ukraine.

 

We would like to help Yana with a complete support system while she is in the US…prenatal care, housing, everyday items such as food and clothing, baby items, and kind people to help her along the way. Not knowing how long the war will last, we would like to provide 6 months of housing and support to start. She, of course, is hopeful that she will reunite soon with her husband back in Ukraine. Here’s a very short version of her story:

 

Yana (7 months pregnant) and her 4 year old son, were urged by her husband to leave Kyiv. Yana did not want to leave her husband or home. Yana and her son were driven to the border of Romania where they walked across and were met by volunteers processing refugees. They boarded a bus that took them to Italy. From there, they were able to get a 6 month travel visa and a flight to New York. Her husband remains in Ukraine.

 

Like many people, We have felt heartbroken and helpless watching and hearing about the war in Ukraine. We are
grateful for the opportunity to make a difference for at least one family. Thank you for considering!

-Michelle Lepori, Milena Kellner and Ninon Thomson