Support for Vlad and Maryna: A Family in Need

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We are organizing this fundraiser to support Vlad (Volodymyr) and Maryna's family during an unimaginably difficult time. Just over a week ago, Maryna gave birth to their second child, a healthy baby boy. During the final months of her pregnancy, Maryna experienced troubling memory and vision problems. An MRI scan, which could provide a clear diagnosis, was not possible during her pregnancy. A few days after their son was born, Maryna was diagnosed with a 3.5 cm brain tumor.

As their local town lacks the medical facilities and expertise to handle such a complex medical case, Maryna was rushed to a hospital in Edmonton. Vlad left with their five-year-old son and with his newborn baby, made the difficult 7-hour car journey to Edmonton. Upon arrival, he learned that Maryna had undergone emergency surgery, which unfortunately was not successful. The doctors have found the tumor in a hard-to-reach area of the brain, making its removal complex and risky. Maryna's path to recovery is uncertain, but it's clear that regardless of the outcome, Vlad and his children will need to relocate to Edmonton. To compound their troubles, Vlad recently lost his job as a social worker.

Maryna and Vlad have lived in Canada for 7 years. In 2013, Vlad moved to Fort St John and attend the social working program at the Northern Lights College while working at the Salvation Army. He later came to help the community of Fort St John as a Homelessness Prevention Coordinator with the Community Bridge while Maryna raised their son and worked at Subway.

With their immediate family still in Europe, they are facing this crisis virtually alone. We are urgently seeking your support to help Vlad's family navigate this drastic change.

Here's how the funds will be used:

1) To urgently fly Vlad's mother from Europe, to live with them, and assist with newborn care.

2) Rent in Edmonton for the next six months.

3) Groceries for a family of four for the next six months.

4 To fly Maryna's parents to Edmonton so they can be with their daughter during this critical time.

5) Miscellaneous expenses to ensure that Maryna’s children and husband can spend as much quality time together as possible.

Every donation, large or small, will make a real difference in their lives during this crisis. If you can't donate, please consider sharing this campaign with others. Together, we can provide much-needed support for Vlad, Maryna, and their children during this challenging time. Thank you!