On the morning of February 24, 2022, Mariia and her mother were living in their family home in the village of Novi Petrivtsi, just outside of Kyiv, near Irpin and Bucha. When the first Russian helicopters flew over their property and the nearby training base shook violently from explosions, Mariia realized — the war had begun.

At that time, her father was far away, abroad. She understood that only her mother and the Ukrainian Armed Forces could protect her.

Three weeks in a bomb shelter and the subsequent evacuation are memories that will last a lifetime — not everyone was able to escape…

Resilience and Hope - Life went on. Everyone had to survive. After reuniting with her ill father in the Czech Republic, the family relocated to Canada and eventually began building a new life in

Boston, USA. Today, Anton Prodan — a member of a well-known Ukrainian rowing family from Kyiv’s Burevisnyk club — is Mariia’s coach and shares his years of experience with young athletes at CRI (Community Rowing Inc.) in Boston.

For Mariia, her athletic journey and academic success became symbols of strength and victory. Every grade at school felt like a medal, and every last stroke of the oar — done for Ukraine.

Mariia’s Mission: Compete for Ukraine, Support Ukraine.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Mariia has been actively supporting Ukrainian educational and medical institutions, as well as rehabilitation centers.

• Financial assistance for Kyiv Specialized School-Lyceum No 216

• Support for Youth Sports School Burevisnyk

• Kyiv Rowing Federation

• Kyiv medical сenter "School of Integrative Osteopathy"

She proudly raises the Ukrainian flag at international competitions, supports the Boats for Ukraine project, and volunteers at St. John’s Ukrainian Catholic Church.

Mariia Prodan – One of the Most Promising Young Rowers of Ukraine and North America.

Based on her outstanding performance in the 2025 season, Mariia is recognized as one of the most promising young athletes in Ukraine and North America for the 2026/2027 competitive rowing season.

At just 16 years old, Mariia has already achieved impressive international results:

• 10th place at the World Rowing Championship U19 2024, St. Catharines,

Canada (representing Ukraine)

• Gold – Head of the Charles River Regatta U17 2024, Boston, MA

• Gold – US Youth National Championship U17 2024, Sarasota, FL

• Gold – Royal Canadian Henley Regatta U17 2024, St. Catharines, Canada

• Gold – US Youth National Championship U19 2025, Sarasota, FL

• Gold – Royal Canadian Henley Regatta U19 2025, St. Catharines, Canada

(representing Ukraine)

Her winner’s plaque from the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta was gifted to Kyiv Youth Sports School "Burevisnyk" as a symbol of unity and pride in Ukrainian sport.

What Mariia needs to rise the Ukrainian flag on the podium of the World Rowing Championship and Keep Supporting Ukraine:

• Empacher X17 single scull

• Concept2 racing oars

• Full medical insurance

• ✈️ Travel and lodging expenses for training camps and competitions (2026–

2027)

• Flexible and individualized academic support

Fundraising Goal: $250,000

90/10 distribution model:

• 90% – Humanitarian aid for Ukraine: aid to Ukrainian schools and non-profit

social organization, funding of cultural and sports events, medical aide

• 10% – Support Mariia’s journey to the top of the World Rowing podium under

the Ukrainian flag

Focus Areas of the Aster Charity Fund:

• Humanitarian aid for the Ukrainian people and medical centers

• Financial assistance for Kyiv Specialized School-Lyceum No 216

• Support for Youth Sports School Burevisnyk and Kyiv Rowing Federation

Join us. Every donation helps Mariia row for Ukraine — and helps Ukraine stay strong.