Razom together with the famous Ukrainian travel blogger Anton Ptushkin, held a fundraiser in the United States to purchase 10 mobile bath and laundry complexes for the defenders of Ukraine on the front lines.
The fundraiser included two charity meetings with Anton Ptushkin in New York, which drew over 300 attendees, as well as an online auction where people could purchase valuable commemorative items to support the defenders of Ukraine.
Some of the items up for auction included:
A flag with the signatures of three Ukrainian generals — Zaluzhny, Syrsky, and Pavlyuk — which sold for $6,900.
A copy of Time magazine with Valery Zaluzhny on the cover and his autograph, which sold for $5,600.
A baseball bat signed by members of the New York Yankees baseball team, which sold for $3,700.
A bracelet with the “Azovstal” logo and the signature of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, which sold for $2,600.
Chevrons with the image of Patron the Dog, the hero dog who helped detect landmines in Ukraine, which sold for $3,700.
“Before I came to the United States, I tried to raise funds for one bath and laundry complex through my social media in Ukraine,” said Anton Ptushkin. “I was surprised to raise the money we needed in just two hours, and I raised the money for the second complex just within a day. This showed me that Ukrainians are willing to donate to humanitarian items for the military. However, people in Ukraine are also willing to donate to weapons and drones, while American people are more cautious about donating to these things and prefer to donate to humanitarian items. This is why I decided to try to raise money for mobile bath and laundry complexes in the United States. We did our first fundraiser and it was a success, so we decided to continue.”
Ptushkin also said that he chose New York as the starting point for the fundraiser because there is a large Ukrainian diaspora in the city. Jason Birchard, an owner of famous New York restaurant Veselka, generously donated $20,000 from his Stand With Ukraine Fund to the event.
Overall, the fundraiser raised $200,000, which will be used to purchase 10 mobile bath and laundry complexes. The showers are currently being manufactured near Kyiv and will soon be delivered to the front lines.
“It’s great to see that people from all over the world are coming together to support Ukraine,” said Olya Yarichkivska, one of the founders of the Razom foundation and the head of the Razom Heroes program in the United States.
“The money raised from this fundraiser will provide our defenders with much-needed bathing and laundry facilities, which are essential in this hot weather. We will continue to do everything we can to support Ukraine and its defenders.”
The Razom Heroes program is one of the many initiatives of the Razom foundation and the “Together for Ukraine” non-profit that are providing vital assistance to the defenders of Ukraine.
The program has already provided the frontline with over 130,000 tactical first aid kits, 3,000 combat medic backpacks, 100 pickup trucks/evacuation vehicles, 2,000 drones, walkie-talkies, repeaters, generators, starlinks, and other essential items for victory.
Thank you so much for your support and willingness to help Ukraine in such difficult times. So many of you are taking on efforts to support Razom and Ukraine that we are overwhelmed with requests, questions, and proposals. Our team is working tirelessly to scale our efforts to provide what is needed in Ukraine, which can change day by day. Before reaching out to info@razomforukraine.org, review our Frequently Asked Questions below.
We can do this. Together!
Whom can I talk to about corporate funds and/or donation matching?
To discuss donation matching and/or large corporate, organization and funds grants & donations, please send your inquiries to donations@razomforukraine.org. There are hundreds of companies running matching programs with Razom today. You can find ways to donate to Razom, including all banking information and Razom EIN, on our Donate page.
What to do if I want to change my recurring donations?
We’re sorry to hear you haven’t received a receipt for your generous donation to Razom! There are a few ways to troubleshoot this. First, check your inbox and spam folder for an email from donations@razomforukraine.org If you don’t find your receipt after searching for the Donations email address, this may mean that we do not have your email address or mailing address due to the form of payment or platform you used to make the donation. Typically, if you make a donation to Razom via Facebook/Meta, you will receive your donation receipt from Facebook/Meta. Similarly, if you made a donation to Razom through corporate matching or your employer, please ask your employer or company for a receipt. If all else fails or if you still have questions, please contact donations@razomforukraine.org and include your name, amount of donation, and the donation method used. Please wait up to a month for donation processing, especially if you sent us a check in the mail. Thank you!
Can I donate my time and volunteer with Razom?
Thank you for your desire to become a Razom volunteer. Volunteers are fundamental to Razom’s success and ability to make an impact for Ukraine. If you would like to become a volunteer, please fill out this form. Right now, we can’t promise to get back in touch with you immediately, but will email you as soon as we get a new volunteer request from our teams. That said, you don’t have to wait for us to reach out to be able to support and make an impact for Ukraine:
Participate in informational efforts by advocating for Ukraine on your social media. Follow our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter accounts for the latest action items and subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news on how you can advocate for Ukraine in your community and beyond.
Bookmark the Razom HeyLink page for a one-stop-shop of all kinds of links and resources to help Ukraine – and share it with your friends!
Run a fundraiser on behalf of Razom or other organizations doing great work and feel free to get as creative as you can. We’ve had people start personal fundraisers for Razom on social media, host benefit concerts, poetry readings, dinners, make tattoos, produce art, and so many creative ways that get people in their communities involved in helping Ukraine. If you’d like to start a GoFundMe campaign, you can choose Razom as the recipient at their platform here. Email your questions about personal and small fundraisers for Razom to donations@razomforukraine.org.
Can Razom help me volunteer in Ukraine?
Razom is not recruiting volunteers in Ukraine at this time. If you’re intent on going to Ukraine and volunteering, you may find the following resources helpful:
If you’re interested in volunteering for Razom, either remotely or in-person in the New York area, please fill out the Razom Volunteer Form.
If you are a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident, one of the most powerful ways you can support Ukraine is by becoming an advocate for Ukraine. Join the Razom Advocacy Network here and you’ll be sent alerts on the next important opportunity to contact your Representatives in Congress about legislation in support of Ukraine.
Please keep in mind that your donations to Razom go a long way in helping Ukraine as well. Consider making a donation to Razom or organizing a fundraiser in your community.
Thank you for your support and willingness to help!
How can I see an overview of Razom work in 2022? How can I catch up on reading the email newsletters from Razom?
Information on planned rallies around the world can be found here. The list is crowdsourced – you can add information about a rally in your city or town to the list by completing a form on their website. If you don’t see any rallies nearby – consider organizing one, reach out to your local Ukrainian community, start a group on Facebook. Be proactive! Be creative!
Razom regularly promotes rallies in the New York City area as well as rallies meant to bring people from all over the US together in Washington D.C. Just follow us on social media, especially the Razom Instagram, or subscribe to our newsletter to get alerts.
How does Razom spend its donation money?
Following russia’s full scale attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Razom quickly mobilized an emergency response to save lives. Our priority is to provide critical humanitarian war relief and recovery depending on the most urgent needs as they evolve. Right now this means delivering humanitarian aid in the form of tactical medicine, hospital supplies, and communication equipment, supporting the Ukrainian healthcare system by providing critical medical aid to hospitals and doctors, supporting on-the-ground efforts by distributing grants to hyper-local NGOs, and advocating for Ukraine. Razom maintains an admin rate of no more than 15% (historically averaged below 10%). Learn about the latest Updates on our project impact by checking out the July 2022 Razom Impact Report and stay tuned for an updated 2022 Razom Impact Report, which will be out very soon!
Are you a legit non-profit organization?
We are a US-based, registered 501c3 non-profit, started as a volunteer-driven organization founded after Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity in 2014. You can learn more about Razom on various pages of this website:checkout ourAnnual Reportsfrom the past eight years, ourBoard of Directors and Leadership Team, our projects and partnerships. Following russia’s attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Razom quickly mobilized its emergency response project to save lives. You can find regular updates on our Updates page.
How can a hospital in Ukraine receive aid from Razom?
Thanks to the incredible work of the Razom Health team, Razom provides aid to hospitals and nurses in the form of medical and hospital supplies and tools, which vary depending on the in-kind donations we receive and the procurement process. If you would like to request aid for a hospital or a medical institution, please visit this page.
How can someone on the frontlines (first responders and defenders) request aid from Razom? To request humanitarian aid for a Ukrainian military or first responder unit, please visit this page.
Do you help refugees?
We are aware of the large number of Ukrainians who fled or lost their homes as a result of the war. Razom is responding to this in a few ways:
Razom received a grant from the Mayor’s Office of New York City to support the Razom Ukrainian Response Initiative (URI), a program started by Razom volunteers to support newly-arrived Ukrainians in NYC via legal clinics, clothing drives, school supply distributions, and other efforts. Learn more about the Ukrainian Response Initiative. The URI team has a document of helpful public immigration information and updates here.
If you personally, or your organization, is willing to help displaced Ukrainians in a meaningful way, please fill out this form.
If you’re a Ukrainian migrant that needs help, fill out this form.
URI has an office at the address 98 2nd Avenue in New York City, but please email URI@RazomForUkraine.org first to check if the team can help answer your questions via email.
There are many other organizations, large and small, working in this area. Among them we recommend referencing the following resources:
If you haven’t found an answer to your question on this page, please write to info@razomforukraine.org. Please allow us 48 hours to respond. Our resources are limited, but we are doing our best to follow up as fast as we can. Thank you for understanding!
ПОШИРЕНІ ЗАПИТАННЯ
Дякуємо за підтримку та готовність допомогти Україні в такі важкі часи. Через таку велику зацікавленість підтримати Разом та Україну, ми щодня отримуємо велику кількість прохань, запитань, та пропозицій різного роду. Наша команда невпинно працює над збільшенням масштабу наших зусиль, щоб забезпечити те, що потрібно Україні, і ці потреби та виклики змінюються також щодня. Перш ніж звертатися до нас за адресою info@razomforukraine.org, перегляньте поширені запитання нижче.
Разом до перемоги!
З ким я можу поговорити про корпоративні пожертви та/або мечінг кампанії?
Щоб обговорити мечінг кампанії та/або великі корпоративні, організаційні та фондові пожертви та кампанії, будь ласка, напишіть на пошту donations@razomforukraine.org. Сьогодні існують сотні компаній, які використовують відповідні кампанії з Разом. Ви можете знайти всі способи фінансової підтримки Разом, включно із всією банківською інформацією та EIN номером Разом, на нашій сторінці для донатів.
Чому я не отримав(ла) квитанцію для своєї пожертви?
Дякуємо за вашу щедру пожертву Разом! Є кілька способів знайти квитанцію про вашу пожертву.
Якщо ви не знайшли свою квитанцію після пошуку, це може означати, що ми не маємо вашої адреси електронної пошти чи поштової адреси.
Як правило, якщо ви робите пожертву Razom через Facebook/Meta, ви отримаєте квитанцію про пожертву від Facebook/Meta. Подібним чином, якщо ви зробили пожертву Razom за допомогою корпоративного збору коштів або свого роботодавця, попросіть у свого роботодавця чи компанії про квитанцію.
Якщо ви досі не можете отримати квитанцію, або у вас все ще є запитання, будь ласка, напишіть на donations@razomforukraine.org і вкажіть своє ім’я, суму пожертви та використаний метод пожертви.
Будь ласка, зачекайте до місяця для обробки пожертви, особливо якщо ви надіслали нам чек поштою.
Чи можу я пожертвувати свій час і стати волонтером у Razom?
Дякуємо за бажання стати волонтером Разом! Волонтери є основою успіху Разом.
Якщо ви хочете стати волонтером, будь ласка, заповніть цю форму. Наразі ми не можемо обіцяти, що зв’яжемося з вами відразу, але ми надішлемо вам лист, як тільки отримаємо новий запит для волонтерів від наших команд. Більш того, вам не потрібно чекати, поки ми звяжемось з вами, щоб мати змогу підтримати Україну:
Долучайтеся до інформаційної підтримки України у своїх соціальних мережах. Слідкуйте за нашими сторінками у Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, щоб дізнаватися про останні дії та підпишіться на нашу розсилку, щоб отримувати останні новини про те, як ви можете відстоювати інтереси України у своїй громаді та у світі.
Слідкуйте за майбутніми подіями на сторінці Razom Events
Збережіть сторінку Разом в HeyLink, щоб мати доступ до ресурсів для допомоги України, і поділіться нею з друзями!
Проведіть збір коштів для Разом або інших організацій, які ви підтримуєте. Можна відкрити особистий збір коштів для Разом у соціальних мережах, організовувати благодійні концерти, поетичні читання, вечері, робити благодійні татуювання, творити мистецтво та багато іншого щоб залучити людей до допомоги Україні. Якщо ви хочете почати кампанію GoFundMe, ви можете вибрати Разом як одержувача на цій платформі тут. Надсилайте свої запитання щодо організації збору коштів для Разом на donations@razomforukraine.org.
Я хочу волонтерити в Україні. Чи може Разом мені допомогти з цим?
Разом наразі не приймає волонтерів в Україні. Якщо ви маєте намір поїхати в Україну та бути волонтером, вам можуть бути корисні наступні ресурси:
Якщо ви зацікавлені у волонтерстві для Razom, дистанційно або в районі Нью-Йорка, заповніть цю форму.
Якщо ви є громадянином або постійним жителем США, один із найпотужніших способів підтримати Україну – це стати адвокатом України. Приєднайтеся до адвокаційний мережі Разом тут, і вам буде надіслано сповіщення про наступну можливість зв’язатися зі своїми представниками в Конгресі щодо підтримки України.
Майте на увазі, що ваші пожертви на Разом також суттєво допомагають Україні. Ви можете зробити пожертву Разом тут або організувати збір коштів у своїй громаді.
Дякуємо за вашу підтримку та бажання допомогти!
Де я можу переглянути всю роботу Razom у 2022 році? Де я можу прочитати всі розсилки Разом?
Перегляньте наші інформаційні бюлетені тут і підпишіться на розсилку тут, щоб отримувати найсвіжіші новини Разом прямо в свою електронну пошту. Натисніть тут, щоб знайти звіт Разом від липня 2022 р., і слідкуйте за новинами про звіт Разом за 2022 р., над яким ми зараз працюємо і який буде опубліковано дуже скоро!
Коли і де наступний протест?
Інформацію про заплановані акції по всьому світу можна знайти тут. Ви можете додати інформацію про акцію у вашому місті до списку, заповнивши форму на сайті. Якщо ви не бачите жодних мітингів у вашому місті – організуйте! Зв’яжіться з місцевою українською громадою, створіть групу у Facebook. Будьте ініціативними! Будьте креативними!
Разом регулярно рекламує мітинги в Нью-Йорку, а також мітинги, які збирають людей з усіх куточків США у Вашингтоні, столиці США. Слідкуйте за нами в соціальних мережах, особливо Instagram, або підпишіться на нашу розсилку, щоб отримувати інформацію вчасно.
Як Razom витрачає зібрані кошти?
Після повномасштабного вторгнення росії в Україну 24 лютого 2022 року Разом швидко мобілізувало проект Emergency Response, для порятунку життів в Україні якомога швидше. Нашим пріоритетом є надання найнеобхіднішої гуманітарної допомоги. Наразі це – тактична медицина, медичне обладнання та комунікаційне обладнання, підтримка української системи охорони здоров’я шляхом надання критично важливої медичної допомоги лікарням і лікарям, підтримка громадянського суспільства шляхом розподілу грантів НУО, та адвокація подальшої підтримки України у Конгресі США. Разом відкладає не більше 15% (історично в середньому нижче 10%) коштів на адміністративні витрати. Дізнайтеся більше про роботу Разом, переглянувши звіт, що вийшов у липні 2022 року, і слідкуйте за новинами Разом щоб дізнатися про роботу Разом у повному звіті за 2022 рік, який буде опубліковано дуже скоро!
Чи ви легітимна/законна неприбуткова організація?
Разом – неприбуткова організація у США з офіційною реєстрацію 501c3, заснована волонтерами після Революції Гідності в Україні в 2014 році. Ви можете дізнатися більше про Razom на різних сторінках цього веб-сайту: перегляньте наші річні звіти за останні вісім років, нашу раду директорів і керівництво, наші проекти та партнерства. Після початку повномасштабного вторгнення 24 лютого 2022 року Разом швидко мобілізувало проект Emergency Response, щоб врятувати якомога більше життів в Україні. Ви можете знайти регулярні новини про нашу роботу на сторінці Updates.
Як лікарня в Україні може отримати допомогу від Разом?
Завдяки неймовірній роботі команди Razom Health, Разом надає допомогу лікарням та лікарям у вигляді різного медичного та лікарняного обладнання та інструментів, наявність яких змінюється залежно від того, що ми отримуємо від донорів, і процесу закупівлі. Якщо ви бажаєте подати запит на допомогу для лікарні чи медичного закладу, зайдіть на цю сторінку.
Як хтось на передовій (служби першої допомоги та захисники України) може отримати допомогу від Разом?
Щоб подати запит на гуманітарну допомогу українським військовим або підрозділу, зайдіть на цю сторінку.
Чи ви допомагаєте біженцям?
Ми знаємо про велику кількість українців, які були вимушені покинути Україну або втратили свої домівки внаслідок війни. Разом допомагає таким людям кількома способами:
Разом отримало грант від мерії міста Нью-Йорка на підтримку ініціативи Разом Ukrainian Response Initiative (URI), програми, започаткованої волонтерами Разом для підтримки новоприбулих українців у Нью-Йорку через юридичні консультації, роздачу одягу та їжі, медичні послуги та інші види допомоги. Дізнайтеся більше про Українську ініціативу тут. Команда URI створила документ із корисною публічною імміграційною інформацією та оновленнями тут.
Якщо ви особисто чи ваша організація бажаєте суттєво допомогти новоприбулим українцям, будь ласка, заповніть цю форму.
Якщо ви новоприбулий українець чи українка, якому потрібна допомога, будь ласка, заповніть цю форму.
URI має офіс за адресою 98 2nd Avenue у Нью-Йорку, але, будь ласка, спершу надішліть лист на URI@RazomForUkraine.org, щоб записатися на прийом.
Є багато інших організацій, великих і малих, які працюють у цій сфері також. Серед них рекомендуємо звернутися до наступних:
Національний банк України відкрив спеціальний рахунок для збору коштів на потреби Збройних Сил України
Якщо ви не знайшли відповідь на своє запитання на цій сторінці, будь ласка, напишіть нам на пошту info@razomforukraine.org. Дайте нам, будь ласка, 48 годин на відповідь. Наші ресурси обмежені, але ми робимо все можливе, щоб якнайшвидше відповісти та допомогти вам. Дякуємо за розуміння!
In acknowledgement of all the hard work volunteers, supporters, partners, and donors have put into Razom’s Emergency Response for almost five straight months now, we’ve put together an Impact Report. We’re making history together, #Razom, and we wouldn’t be able to do it any other way. So take a look, read it, share it, and help us continue this great work for Ukraine.
Razom is proud to support education in Ukraine. We are passionate about investing in the country’s talented youth, the future generation of professionals set to lead with innovation, drive positive change, and contribute to global advancements.
Recently, Razom sponsored the first, in-person school of mathematics for students in grades 1-6 and 10th grade, held in the Kyiv region at the end of October. This one-week event brought together 80 participants and featured not only intensive math sessions but also master classes, talent shows, chess tournaments and sports activities.
In the words of one participant, the atmosphere created by the teachers made math irresistible.. Onsite math schools are vital, providing face-to-face learning that fosters stronger connections and faster progress compared to remote alternatives.
The event was organized by Tsyfra, one of Kyiv’s finest math clubs dedicated to providing supplementary mathematical education and nurturing scientific thinking among primary and secondary students. With disciplines like math, mathematical logic, physics/natural science and chess, Tsyfra educates through study groups, emphasizing problem-solving via lectures, seminars, games, and theoretical analyses.
The center’s commitment to academic excellence is evident through consistently high results in various Olympiads and competitions, as students continue to excel, even amidst the challenges of war.
At Razom, our mission is to continue fostering democracy and prosperity in Ukraine, and we believe supporting education is a key, long term strategy to manifest this purpose. We proudly recognize the dedicated teachers shaping the minds of Ukrainian children, and the students who persevere in their studies. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our amazing sponsors, whose generosity makes these programs possible. Together, we’re paving the way for a brighter future in Ukraine.
We invite you to learn more and support Razom’s Relief Program, of which Razom Ticket is a part.
The New York Jets have donated an additional $100,000 to benefit Razom for Ukraine. The donation is part of the organization’s $1 million commitment, to be split between various organizations, to help aid the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Previous donations of $100,000 were given to Razom for Ukraine, Plast Scouting, the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, UNITED24, CityServe, Slow Beskid & Children’s Paths, Nova Ukraine and Revived Soldiers Ukraine.
In 2022 and 2023, Razom distributed more than $80 million in donated funds to over 150 organizations in Ukraine that provide aid and services to frontline and liberated areas that supply basic needs such as food, power, medicine, first aid kits and water filtration systems. Additional and ongoing support includes providing winterization materials to individuals along with the scaling up tactical medicines and supplies for field medics, evacuation vehicles, tourniquets, portable medical scanners, and mobile shower units for frontline defenders.
The events in Ukraine are personal to the Johnson family and the New York Jets. Suzanne Johnson, wife of Mr. Johnson, grew up in a Ukrainian neighborhood in New York and is from a family of immigrants. Her mother, Marie, was born to Ukrainian immigrant parents while her father, Stefan Ircha, is from Ternopil, a town outside of Kyiv, and immigrated to the United States after WWII.
We create impactful programming that leaves lasting legacies for our community. Initiatives funded by the New York Jets Foundation positively influence the lives of young people in the tri-state area and provide opportunity for disadvantaged communities.
About Razomfor Ukraine
Razom for Ukraine (Razom) was founded in 2014 and is one of the leading US-based nonprofits dedicated to the mission of supporting a democratic and prosperous Ukraine. With a robust international network of volunteers and partners, Razom, which means “together” in Ukrainian, provides humanitarian aid, and administers programs and services focused on health, advocacy, civil society and culture. Razom advances its mission by creating spaces where people meet, partner and do, while maintaining a relentless focus on the needs on the ground in Ukraine. Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, Razom for Ukraine has grown to include over 200,000 donors and volunteers. Website: www.razomforukraine.org.
Celebrating Ukrainian Culture: Highlights from the New York Ukrainian Cultural Festival
This year’s inaugural festival, founded by Razom in partnership with Yara Arts, the Shevchenko Scientific Society and the Ukrainian Institute of America, took place from November 7 – 19 in New York City. It was dedicated to the memory of renowned Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina, who tragically lost her life this past June when Kramatorsk was attacked.
“We decided to hold a cultural festival in New York to preserve her memory and the cause she was passionate about, the New York Literary Festival that she founded. Amplifying Ukrainian voices and cultural diplomacy here in the States are core principles of Razom’s mission, which we wanted to advance with this initiative. In general, over a thousand people connected with the festival, many of whom were not Ukrainian,” shared Razom Board member, Maria Genkin.
Various cultural events took place in Manhattan during the festival that focused on Ukrainian literature, music and cinema.
“We included a diverse range of films, opening with ‘Dovbush’ and hosting a packed evening with a selection of short films, concluding with ‘Pamfir’ receiving a standing ovation,” explained Polina Buchak, film curator at Razom.
Four events were dedicated to Ukrainian poetry. Poets Alex Averbukh, Boris and Lyudmila Khersonsky, and Iya Kiva read their poetry in the original, while translators or actors read in English. In events produced by Yara Arts Group, poetry from the Executed Renaissance generation of writers, Victoria Amelina, and Serhiy Zhadan, was featured.
In addition, the New York Public Library hosted a meeting with Ukrainian writers. Andrii Kurkov, Oksana Lutsyshyna, and Olena Styazhkina presented their novels published in America this year to over a hundred readers who attended.
During the festival, the public discovered the music of Sergei Bortkiewicz. Musicians Anna Shelest, Pavlo Hintov, and Oleksandr Chaplynsky performed works by this little-known composer born in Kharkiv at the end of the 19th century.
Throughout the festival, organizers raised funds for Amelina’s beloved “New York Literary Festival”. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped organize this extraordinary celebration of Ukrainian culture and to all who attended!
Russia’s full-scale invasion left the Kharkiv and Kherson regions, including villages like Prudianka, Tsypivka, Brazhkivka, and Mala Komyshuvakha, along with the city of Izium, deeply scarred. With winter approaching, damaged roofs leave homes vulnerable to the elements. Recognizing the urgent need for shelter before winter, Razom under the auspices of our Relief Program, provided grants to Volonterska UA, Nove Misto and World foundation for Ukraine, to undertake the crucial task of rebuilding roofs.
Over the past 6 months, these communities bore the brunt of extensive damage: 90% of buildings destroyed, direct hits from unexploded ordnance, and the aftermath of shelling and explosive waves. Basic necessities became a luxury, with villages located up to 30 kilometers away from major roads, rendering them practically inaccessible. With shops, pharmacies, schools, and hospitals non-operational, the challenges were immense.
Despite these adversities, the resilient spirit of the people prevailed, and many chose to return to their villages post-de-occupation. However, the issue of housing reconstruction remained unaddressed, leaving damaged houses vulnerable to the harsh winter conditions. Mold, deteriorating ceilings, and cracked walls served as poignant reminders of the pressing need for immediate action.
United in purpose, Razom together with Volonterska UA, Nove Misto and World foundation for Ukraine have set their focus on repairing roofs and installing windows, with a clear goal: to secure homes before the unforgiving winter sets in. This ongoing project, now one and a half months underway, extends its reach to both the rural villages and the city of Izium, where over 100 private houses suffered significant damage.
The project is advancing steadily. Purchasing materials and completing repairs will span the next three months, ensuring the job is done thoroughly. Together, we’re not just rebuilding roofs; we’re restoring hope and resilience to the heart of Kharkiv and Kherson.
This year, as the global Ukrainian community marks the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor, Razom for Ukraine, has joined with Holodomor90, “an anti-genocide campaign dedicated to raising awareness and commemorating” the man-made famine that killed an untold number of Ukrainians from 1932-1933.
Holodomor is the Ukrainian word for “death by hunger”. Millions of Ukrainians are estimated to have perished this way as a result of Soviet forced, agricultural collectivization policies endorsed and executed by the dictator Josef Stalin, intended to slowly and systematically starve people and eradicate a nation.
Alongside a host of other mission-aligned partners based in North America, we are working on the stated objectives of raising awareness about this historical trauma so as to never forget, paying tribute to the victims and calling for official designation of the Holodomor as a genocide.
The Holodomor90 campaign culminates on Holodomor Memorial Day (the annual day of remembrance, every fourth Friday in November). This year, on November 25th, activists and allies alike are urged to light candles – an action known as запали свічку – in memory of the victims.
Here is how you, dear Razom supporter, can participate:
Sign the Petition for U.S. Genocide Designation
A petition on Change.org has been launched urging U.S. President Biden to issue a proclamation declaring the Holodomor a genocide. The goal is to obtain at least 25,000 signatures by Holodomor Memorial Day 2023. It would be a historic first for a U.S. president to bestow such a designation.
Mykola Murskyj, Razom’s Director of Advocacy said, “As Ukraine faces aggression from the Kremlin once again, it is paramount that the United States officially acknowledges that the Holodomor was a genocide. This historical recognition is an essential step in preventing such atrocities from happening in the future.”
Write a Blog
The Holodomor90 campaign invites writers of various disciplines and perspectives to contribute to the Holodomor literary space by submitting blog posts. Areas of expertise include: Survivor Stories, Historical Analysis, Research Insights, Artistic Expression, Holodomor Educational Resources, Reflections and Commentary.
#ShineALight
The #ShineALight campaign encourages individuals and groups to post “selfie” images or videos to their social media during the month of November. In these videos, participants can share their thoughts on why it is important to recognize the Holodomor as a genocide and express their solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
Purchase a Holodomor Sunflower Candle
The Sunflower Holodomor candle, created by Razom’s generous corporate partner Door County Candle Co., is now available on its website www.doorcountycandle.com.The candle comes in a 16 oz. jar and features a sunflower yellow wax with a vanilla scent. It stands as a symbol of remembrance and solidarity with those who suffered and 100% of the profits from the candle will be donated to Razom for Ukraine
Hold or Join a Candlelight Vigil
On Saturday, November 25, 2023, candlelight vigils will be held worldwide to honor the victims of the Holodomor. Joining a vigil near you is a meaningful way to pay tribute to those who perished and to stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian community.
Inspire the Future!
By participating in the #ShineALight movement, attending candlelight vigils, and supporting other Holodomor awareness initiatives, we can collectively honor the memory of those lost during the Holodomor and ensure that their stories are not forgotten. Together, we can illuminate this dark chapter in history and inspire a brighter future for Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) was established in 1996 as an interdenominational institution, aiming to unite the efforts of various denominations to focus on the spiritual revival of Ukraine, coordination of interconfessional dialogue in Ukraine and abroad, participation in a legislative process on church-state issues, and the implementation of comprehensive charitable actions. It is one of the largest nonprofits in Ukraine and represents over 95% of religious communities in Ukraine, including Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities.
During their visit, the delegation engaged in a series of meetings with U.S. government officials, church counterparts, local communities, and media outlets, while also attending a range of public events.
The delegation shared information and perspectives on the state of religious freedoms in Ukraine and highlighted Russia’s disinformation efforts. They also exchanged insights with their U.S. counterparts, shedding light on how Ukrainian religious communities have responded to Russia’s invasion and the profound impact of Russia’s aggression on religious life within Ukraine.
Highlights included:
An interfaith panel with the Atlantic Council at the US Institute for Peace, moderated by Marie Yovanovitch, former Ambassador to Ukraine, followed by a USIP private roundtable.
A meeting at the State Department with Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Rashad Hussain
A panel discussion at Hudson Institute moderated by Nina Shea
Meeting with USAID, Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova, Senator Chuck Grassley, the Heritage Foundation, ADAMS Center, the National Coalition Supporting Eurasian Jewry and more
A meeting with Commissioner Eric Ueland and Ex. Dir. Erin Singshinsuk at the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
A trip to the White House for a meeting with Kelly Razzouk, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Democracy
A conversation with the American Jewish Committee, hosted by the Consulate General of Ukraine in Houston
A special Ukraine Gratitude Dinner in Houston hosted by Ecclesia Houston Christian Community, featuring Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
The visit highlighted the unity and diversity of Ukrainian religious communities in the face of Russia’s full-scale invasion, and gave the leaders a chance to spread their message to a wider audience through interviews with the press.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our partners and friends for engaging with the UCCRO delegation last week and helping us organize this trip!
Razom has recently supported the publication of Olena Stiazhkina’s novel “Cecil The Lion Had to Die” by Harvard University Press’s HURI Books.
In this novel, Stiazhkina follows the fate of four families as the world around them undergoes radical transformations when the Soviet Union unexpectedly implodes, independent Ukraine emerges, and neo imperial Russia begins its war by occupying Ukraine’s Crimea and parts of the Donbas. Stiazhkina shows how new identities are forged based on distant and recent decisions people make when faced with the situation of a stark choice. Just as Stiazhkina’s own decision to transition to writing in Ukrainian as part of her civic stance—performed between the covers of this book that begins in Russian and ends in Ukrainian—the choices that the members of the four families make, take them in vastly different directions, presenting an image of the Donbas that is multifaceted and nuanced. A tour de force of stylistic registers and intertwining stories, ironic voices and sincere discoveries, this novel is a must read for those who seek to more deeply understand Ukrainians from the Donbas, and how history and local identity have shaped the current war with Russia.
A historian by training, Olena Stiazhkina is a prolific Ukrainian writer and journalist with numerous scholarly publications and eleven books of fiction. Until the occupation of the city of Donetsk, she taught Slavic history at Vasyl Stus National University in Donetsk (1993–2015) and then at Mariupol State University (2015–2016). Her scholarly interests focus on women’s history, life in the Soviet Union, and the history of the Donbas. Since 2016, she has served as the senior research fellow at the Institute of History of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Her works of fiction comprise collections of short stories, novels, and detective stories (under the pen name Olena Iurska). Having written almost exclusively in Russian before, Stiazhkina has been transitioning to writing in Ukrainian following Russia’s 2014 aggression against Ukraine .
The novel will be published by Harvard University Press in their Havard Library of Ukrainian Literature in the beginning of 2024. Advance copies of “Cecil the Lion had to Die” and “Ukraine War/Love: A Donetsk Diary” will be available at the November events listed below.
Razom is proud to be coordinating this book tour in partnership with other organizations.
NOVEMBER 8th BOSTON
Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute, 6:00 pm
Pritsak Memorial Library at HURI, 34 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Pictured, right to left: Svitlana Kukharuk, Ukraine on Campus stipend awardee, Vitalii Svichinskyi, Razom in Ukraine, Oleksa Martiniouk, Ukraine on Campus
Hailing from universities across California, Florida, Iowa, New York, and Wyoming, the first cohort of Ukraine on Campus stipend awardees brought their unique stories and impactful advocacy to the halls of Congress recently. Razom for Ukraine, through the Ukraine on Campus project, was able to support five students in offsetting the cost of attending the third Ukraine Action Summit, which took place October 22-24, 2023.
The Summit, organized by the American Coalition of Ukraine, of which Razom is a founding member , consisted of panel discussions, collaborative advocacy training, and Congressional meetings on Capitol Hill. The three day event offered students, and constituents at-large, an opportunity to engage with their Congressional Representatives and Senators and develop sustainable relationships with their offices in advancing continued and unwavering support and aid for Ukraine. Student awardees brought their unique perspectives, academic expertise, and personal connections to Ukraine as they sat down with members of Congress and their staff to present legislative remedies to the greatest challenges facing Ukraine and her allies today.
(Uliana Storoshchuk / Ukraine Action Summit) Pictured, left to right: Solomiya Kovalenko (Iowa State University), Svitlana Kukharuk (Bard College), Pournima Narayanan (Stanford University), Oleksandra Nelson (University of Florida), Anastasiia Pereverten (University of Wyoming)
This semester’s cohort of UAS stipend awardees included students from across the country, each displaying highly unique, yet very impactful leadership in championing Ukraine on their campuses and in their local communities. Solomiya Kovalenko, a student at Iowa State University, co-hosts a podcast about Ukraine on the local radio station in Ames, Iowa, in addition to her work with the Ukrainian club there. Svitlana Kukharuk, studying human rights at Bard College, launched the Ukrainian Solidarity Clubfocused on social, cultural, and activist outreach,after serving as an on-campus ambassador with the Lubetzky Foundation’s Global Democracy Ambassador Scholarship program. Pournima Narayanan, engages students at Stanford and beyond through her work with the Ukraine Support Alliance at Stanford and SUSTA, and makes an impact in the community through TeleHelp Ukraine and Brave Generation‘s MentorUkraine program. Oleksandra Nelson, president of the Ukrainian Student Association at the University of Florida, leads efforts to fundraise, educate, and advocate both on campus and in the Gainesville city community. Anastasiia Pereverten, working on an advocacy-related capstone project for the Honors College at the University of Wyoming after an internship with the New Lines Institute, has championed Ukraine in her small college town with everything from rallies and fundraisers to movie screenings and stickers.
Ukraine on Campus, already a database of 50+ Ukrainian student groups across American university campuses, is a developing project focused on connecting students interested in championing Ukraine and mobilizing the resources they need to activate their campuses in support of a Ukrainian victory. Its goal is to engage student activism both on campus and beyond through conferences, event tours, and more.
For the second time, Ukraine played host to the ‘Face the Future Ukraine’ mission, a collaborative effort involving Canadian and American reconstructive surgeons. This initiative brought global experts together with their Ukrainian colleagues to perform over 30 life-changing plastic surgeries on individuals who bore the scars of war. Among the patients were military personnel from various regions of Ukraine, all sharing a common experience of severe blast injuries to the face and neck.
Meet Andrii Smolenskyi, a 27-year-old who, after volunteering for the front lines at the onset of the war, eventually became the commander of a separate aerial reconnaissance unit. In late May 2023, during one of the missions, he suffered a grievous injury. Andrii lost both arms, his eyes, and partially his hearing.
Andrii Smolenskyi
Andrii has undergone nearly two dozen surgeries, and thanks to the heroic efforts of Ukrainian doctors, his life was miraculously saved. However, a significant scar painfully contracted his face. Surgeons from the ‘Face the Future’ mission took on the task of relieving his pain and enhancing the aesthetics of his face. In a complex, 6-hour surgery, they removed deformed tissue, placed a titanium implant under the eye, transplanted fat tissue and skin from his neck, and prepared his eye for cosmetic implants.
Dr. Peter Adamson, Founder and President of the Face the Future Foundation, described this as an exceptionally challenging case due to the patient’s multiple combined injuries, with most of the facial bones and muscles missing after the injury. He noted that this mission in Ukraine presented the most severe combined cases in their experience and expressed their commitment to returning every six months to assist Ukrainian defenders and train local colleagues.
Dr. Peter A. Adamson, MD (Canada) and Nataliya Komashko, MD ( UA)
To perform these unique surgeries, a team of 15 international specialists, including reconstructive surgeons, oculoplastic surgeons, plastic surgeons, otolaryngologists, surgical oncologists, anesthesiologists, and nurses, arrived in Ukraine. They worked alongside and shared their expertise with Ukrainian specialists from Ivano-Frankivsk, Kyiv, and Zaporizhzhia.
The preparation for this mission spanned five months, involving extensive online consultations for patient selection and surgical planning. For many patients, free individual implants were designed and 3D-printed by bioengineers from Materialize to restore the integrity of bones that were fragmented due to injury, said Nataliia Komashko, MD, Head of Ukrainian Association of Endoscopic Head and Neck Surgeries, who led the clinical program from Ukrainian side.
Dr. Nataliya Komashko (UA) (on the left)
This successful partnership between ‘Face the Future Foundation,’ ‘Razom for Ukraine,’ and ‘Still Strong’ has evolved into a long-term program, demonstrating remarkable results in training and supporting Ukrainian doctors in their professional development. It signifies an extraordinary achievement and outcome that will help Ukrainian doctors contribute to global medicine.
Dr. Cho, Dr. Kesarwani and Dr. Trites with a patient
During the two ‘Face the Future Ukraine’ missions, the team of experts successfully restored physical health and aesthetic beauty for over 70 Ukrainians. Importantly, all reconstructive surgeries were provided free of charge to the patients.
These missions also hosted international symposia for surgeons and nurses, allowing specialists from Canada, the U.S., and Ukraine to share their experiences in performing complex reconstructive interventions and the nuances of managing patients with combat injuries. More than 200 surgeons and nearly 300 nurses participated in the symposia.
Lileia Dzaliuk, Co-Pilot Coordinator in Ukraine
The Razom Co-Pilot Project has been facilitating the organization of highly qualified doctors’ visits to Ukraine since 2016. With the outbreak of war, medical organizations and teams from the U.S. and Canada approached Razom for support in helping Ukraine. Currently, the Razom Co-Pilot Project provides organizational and financial support to the largest teams in the U.S. and Canada, including ‘Face the Future,’ ‘Face to Face,’ ‘Global Leap Missions,’ and ‘Co-Pilot Neuro.’ Over 100 North American doctors have worked in Ukraine, performing 300 complex surgeries this year alone.
“We understand that it is impossible to help all patients during the short stay of the international team. Therefore, one of the leading goals of Co-Pilot is to train Ukrainian doctors and help them become leaders in their field and save thousands. Each international team conducts educational events: conferences, lectures and consults Ukrainian doctors online. Razom supports the observership for Ukrainian doctors in the U.S.. Only this year, 10 UA doctors had such an opportunity”, said Yuliia Shama, U.S. Co-Pilot Project Lead.
We are immensely grateful to the team of Face the Future Ukraine:
Surgeons Team Peter A. Adamson, Nataliya Biskup, Matthew Brace, Raymond Cho, Jonathan Trites, Priya Kesarwani, Paul Slavchenko
OR Team Jackie Abbott, Bibi Yasin, Janae Weber, Emma Piehl, Khristie Morrell, Luci Heiman, Hanna Robinson
Gail Kapsambelis (videographer)
Advisors Mark Levin, Anthony Brissett, Burke Bradley, Debbie Fritz, Maureen Merchant
The ‘Face the Future Ukraine’ humanitarian program is a joint effort involving organizations such as Face The Future Foundation (Canada), Razom for Ukraine (USA), Still Strong (UA).
We are immensely grateful to all partners and donors:
CF Patients of Ukraine, and the project “Rehabilitation of War Injuries.” organized academic days. The mission received support from Direct Relief, Materialize, STORZ Karl-Storz Ukraine, the Ukrainian Association of Endoscopic Head and Neck Surgery, the Regional Clinical Hospital of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Council, Metinvest, Yellow Blue Force Foundation, the Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine, Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Military Administration, Transmed, CF «Чисті Серця», and Razom.
The Ukrainian Cultural Festival is organized by Razom, Yara Arts, Ukrainian Institute of America, Shevchenko Scientific Society and Bowery Poetry Club and will take place November 7th through November 15th in New York.
Over ten days in November, you will have an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Ukrainian poetry and prose and check out the best in contemporary Ukrainian cinema.
Meet writers Andriy Kurkov, Oksana Lutsyshyna, Olena Stiazhkina and poets Iya Kiva, Alex Averbuch and Lyudmyla and Boris Khersonskys. Watch “Pamfir” and other contemporary films.
Below is the schedule of events. Please check in often for changes and ticket information.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7th
DOVBUSH
Presented by Razom
The most ambitious Ukrainian action movie to date, the drama, directed by Oles Sanin, tells the story of Oleksa Dovbush, one of the leaders of Ukrainian resistance known as ‘Opryshky’ which opposed Polish and Austrian administrations. The resistance movement had been active from 16th to 19th centuries. Released in Ukraine in August 2023 the movie became a box office sensation even when the movie showings are interrupted by air raids.
How Fire Descends: NY Poets & Artists Respond to Ukrainian Poetry
Presented by Bowery Poetry Club & Yara Arts Group
NY Poets & Artists Respond to Ukrainian Poetry featuring Ukrainian poet Iya Kiva.
Translators Amelia Glaser, Olena Jennings, Virlana Tkacz and Wanda Phipps; and poets: Pichchenda Bao, Bob Holman; Yara Arts Group and Bushwick Book Club react to Serhiy Zhadan’s new book “How Fire Descends”
Poetry in Ukrainian with English translation. Moderation by Oleh Kotsyuba
Translations read by Sashko Krapivkin.
Alex Averbuch will read from his latest book Zhydivsky korol (The Jewish King, a 2023 finalist for the Shevchenko National Prize), as well as from his upcoming collection, Of Rage and Longing, and answer questions from the audience. Averbuch’s poetry deals with intertwoven Jewish-Ukrainian relations through the prism of his family history and Ukraine’s multiethnic past and present. The book features poeticized documentary materials related to the Second World War: letters by Ukrainian Ostarbeiters sent to their relatives in Ukraine, intertwined with letters by Jewish Holocaust survivors who returned to devastated villages in Ukraine in search of their murdered relatives, as well as poems about the Russo-Ukrainian war currently taking place in his home region of Luhans’k. Unsettling but ultimately liberatory de-specifications of ethnos, language, and sexuality relieve trigger-points in Ukraine’s history through the confessional intimacy of family, shame, pleasure, and the reconciliation of self and other.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10th
6:30PM in The Frederick P. Rose Auditorium at Cooper Union
A FOREST SURROUNDS POETS: UKRAINIAN POETRY IN PERFORMANCE
In English with some Ukrainian
Come to hear Ukrainian Poetry in Performance by Yara Arts Group, a resident company at La MaMa Experimental Theatre. Reception sponsored by Razom for Ukraine immediately following the event.The event is dedicated to Victoria Amelina, who was killed last summer. Tern Kuzma will perform her poetry, while Olena Stiazhkina will speak about Victoria Amelina and the New York Literary Festival she founded in Ukraine.The event is inspired by a recent poem by Serhiy Zhadan: “It feels like every year in November a forest surrounds poets – a forest of the condemned…”In “A Forest Surround Poets” Yara artists perform in English the poetry by such cultural giants of the 1920s as Les Kurbas, Pavlo Tychyna, Volodymyr Svidzinsky, Mikhail lohansen, and Hat Khotkevych, accompanied by master-bandura player Julian Kytasty, as well as the wild verse of Futurists Mykhail Semeneko and Oleksa Vlyzko. Then, Yara’s George Drance, Silvana Gonzalez, Susan Hwang, Petro Ninovskyi and Lesia Verba perform a concert version of the third act of “Radio 477!” by Serhiy Zhadan, accompanied by composer Anthony Coleman. The act opens with a scene that draws a connection between the destruction of Ukrainian culture in the purges and the assault on Kharkiv in the first days of the russian invasion and then plunges into Serhiy Zhadan’s newest poetry.
Pamfir is a 2022 Ukrainian fictional feature film directed by Dmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk, which premiered on May 22, 2022, at the 75th Festival de Cannes.
“Savagely cinematic, charged with feral energy and exploring a story that dances between muddy realism and a mythic, quasi-magical abandon, Pamfir would be impressive even if it hadn’t been made in Ukraine on the cusp of conflict.” – The Guardian
MONDAY NOVEMBER 13th
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL), 455 Fifth Avenue, NY 6:30 PM
The New Ukrainian Novel: Kurkov, Lutsyshyna, Stiazkina
Presented by New York Public Library and Razom
Join some of Ukraine’s most prolific and distinguished writers – Olena Stiazhkina, Oksana Lutsyshyna and Andrey Kurkov – for this evening celebrating the rich literary culture of Ukraine. The authors will discuss their latest works, which illuminate Ukraine’s diverse society and deal with the legacy of Soviet and post-Soviet rule, as well as the present situation in the country.
Please join us for an evening celebrating Sergei Bortkiewicz (1877-1952), a brilliant Ukrainian composer and pianist, whose deeply lyrical and expressive piano music will take center stage.
Program:
Crimean Sketches op. 8
Three Pieces op. 24.
1001 Nights op. 37.
Performers: Alexander Chaplinskiy, Pavlo Gintov and AnnaShelest.
Sergei Bortkiewicz was born and grew up in Kharkiv, a birthplace of Ukrainian Romanticism and one of the country’s most significant cultural centers. A true romantic, he often drew inspiration from literature and nature, and in spite of him facing incredible hardships, his music never wavered in its pursuit of beauty.
We are dedicating this program to the people of Kharkiv and their courageous stand in the face of the blatant russian aggression. All funds raised from this concert will go to Razom for Ukraine toward their relief work in the Kharkiv region.
Today is a Different War: Poetry of Boris and Lyudmyla Khersonsky
Presented by Shevchenko Scientific Society and Razom
Poetry in Russian and in Ukrainian with English translation. Conversation is in English. Moderated by Marie Howe, the State Poet for f NY.
Boris Khersonsky and Lyudmyla Khersonska write poetry that speaks to the crisis of our times. Widely regarded as one of Ukraine’s most prominent rusophone poets, Boris Khersonsky was born in Chernivtsi and spent most of his time in Odesa, where he practices psychiatry. Born in Tiraspol, Moldova, Lyudmyla Khersonska is an award winning poet. Her first collection in English came out recently in Arrowsmith. Boris and Lyudmila’s joint collection “The Country Where Everyone’s Name is Fear” came out in Lost Horse Press in 2022.
You can mail a check to 140 2nd. Ave., Suite 305, New York, NY, 10003
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Oblast Competitions
In 2018 we’re planning to cover expenses for 30 teams (6 people per team) at Oblast STEM competitions. Total Budget is $4500
Ruslan Batytskyi
Director, writer and cinematographer with three completed award-winning shorts as well as a feature documentary in post-production. After starting his filmmaker career at 2009, Ruslan brings his skills in project management, process analysis and systems models (received during obtaining MA in cybernetics 2003-2008) and applies them to the creative thinking and artistic thought-processes of film. He also holds BA in Film and Television directing (from the Kyiv National University of theatre, cinema and television by Karpenko-Karyi).
“A chance to participate in The Co-Pilot project it’s an amazing opportunity to help others and to tell the story that will engage and inspire people around the world”
2017 Trip Itinerary
We are gearing up for our 2017 Mission trip. It’ll be a 3-month adventure during which we plan to work with neurosurgeons from several centers from all around the country. Dr.Tomycz has also been invited to deliver an address at the annual Ukrainian Neurosurgery Conference 2017 in Kharkiv.
May 20: arrive in Kyiv, Ukraine
May 22-26: meet with area surgeons at participating centers
May 29- June 9: two week master class with Igor Kurilets MD at the International Neurosurgery Center
June 12-13: Visit to Medical Institute of Sumy State University
June 14-16: Ukrainian Neurosurgery Conference 2017 in Kharkiv
June 19-23: one week course and master class operating in complex spine and craniocervical with Ukrainian spinal surgeons and trainees from Romadanov Institute and International Neurosurgery Center
June 24-July 7: Come back to United States for two weeks
July 10-21: two week master class with Dr. Schlegov at the Neurovascular Institute
July 24-August 4: two week master class in pediatric neurosurgery with surgeons at Lviv Children’s Hospital
August 5-18: travel to out-lying centers of excellence (Stryii, Ivano-Frankivsk, Odesa)
August 21-31: operate with surgeons at Central Military Hospital and International Neurosurgery Center in Kyiv
September 15: leave Ukraine for United States
Surgical Mentors and Medical Support Staff
The best way to train surgeons is by providing hands-on mentorship and assistance in the operating room. One of the primary goals of the Co-Pilot Project is the continued recruitment of high quality surgeons from United States and Canada to spend time with Ukrainian counterparts, consulting on patients and performing procedures.
Surgical Mentors traveling to Ukraine
Jefferson Miley, MD – neurointerventionalist
Jonathan Forbes, MD – skull base neurosurgeon
Matthew Geck, MD – orthopedic spine surgeon
Not all of the healthcare volunteers will be able to travel to Ukraine but they still will play an important role from home. Utilizing contemporary technology, including live streaming of surgeries and communication via social media the medical support staff will advice and mentor Ukrainian neurosurgeons as they confront difficult cases.
Medical Support Staff
Bido Patel, MD – neuroradiologist
Chandra Krishnan, MD – neuropathologist
Ginger Harrod, MD – neuro-oncologist
Advisory Staff
Tim George, MD – pediatric neurosurgeon
Jim Rose, MD – vascular neurosurgeon
Ryan Murdoch, MD – orthopedic spine surgeon
Patrick Combs, MD – craniofacial surgeon
Nestor Tomycz, MD – functional neurosurgeon
Aaron Stayman, MD – vascular neurologist
Jim Rutka – pediatric neurosurgeon
Ben Warf – pediatric neurosurgeon
Participating Centers in Ukraine Page
Since our exploratory trip in 2016 we have identified a cohort of motivated and talented surgeons who are hungry for additional instruction and eager for collaboration.
Igor Kurilets, MD (International Neurosurgery Center)
Ivan Protsenko, MD (Romadanov Institute)
Kostiantyn Kostiuk, MD (Romadanov Institute)
Vitali Ganjuk, MD (Central Military Hospital, Kyiv)
Taras Mykytyn, MD (Lviv Children’s Hospital)
Dmytro Shcheglov, MD (Neurovascular Institute)
Luke Tomycz, MD
Dr. Luke Tomycz is the newest addition to the pediatric neurosurgical team at Dell Children’s Medical Center. Dr. Tomycz finished first in his high school class of over 200 students and attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, MA where he double-majored in biology and chemical engineering. He accepted the prestigious Dean’s Full-Tuition Scholarship to attend medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where he first developed an interest in neurosurgery. After medical school, he began his formal neurosurgical training at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN where he trained under the late Noel Tulipan, MD, a pioneer in fetal neurosurgery for myelomeningocele. During his seven-year residency, he spent two years obtaining an in-folded fellowship in endovascular surgery, becoming proficient in the treatment of aneurysms, AVMs, Moya-Moya syndrome, and complex dural AV fistulae of adults and children. After this, Dr. Tomycz spent an additional year at Seattle Children’s Hospital performing a large volume of complex epilepsy surgery with Jeff Ojemann, MD. Following an exhaustive job search, Dr.Tomycz was attracted to Austin as the city was in the process of launching a new medical school at the University of Texas.
Dr. Tomycz specializes in all aspects of pediatric neurosurgery including brain tumors, epilepsy, Chiari malformation, tethered cord syndrome, CSF shunting, and intracranial endoscopy. As one of the only dual-trained, pediatric and endovascular neurosurgeons in the country, he is particularly interested in Moya-Moya, brain aneurysms and AVMs, arteriovenous fistulae, and other complex neurovascular disorders in children as well as adults. His research interests include the use of engineering innovations to improve treatments for hydrocephalus and he has published on a wide variety of neurosurgical topics. Outside the operating room, Dr. Tomycz enjoys playing guitar and hiking in the mountains. He has travelled extensively to perform neurosurgery and take part in short-term medical mission work – in Cuba, Kenya, Honduras, Ecuador, and Ukraine.
Dr. Tomycz grew up with four grandparents who told stories of their youth and taught their grandchildren the language of their homeland – Ukraine. His parents were both born in refugee camps following the second world war, and came to this country in the early 1950s with virtually nothing. His father excelled in academics and went into medicine, and both Luke and his brother Nestor followed suit, pursuing a career in neurosurgery. During a long period of study and training that lasted more than 15 years, Luke resolved to return to the homeland of his grandparents and provide the kind of high quality care that children receive in the United States.
Mariya Soroka
In 2014 at the peak of protests in the Maidan, Mariya joined several fellow Ukrainians living in New York City to create Razom, a young, energetic, and progressive start-up which seeks to amplify the voice of Ukraine to an American audience. An active member of the board, she is responsible for organizing cultural events as well as cooperating with government representatives, activists, and various civic groups and human rights organizations in support of Ukraine’s quest for democracy.
CPP info
Mariya is also heavily involved with fundraising for Razom’s projects via crowdsourcing, charity events, and online petitions. After graduating from Penn State University with a BA in Advertising and Public Relations and a dual minor in Entrepreneurship and International Studies, Mariya spent over 5 years in Manhattan working within the content marketing industry. She believes in the enormous potential of dedicated volunteers around the world working to rebuild Ukraine one project at a time.
Mariana Magala
Mariana Magala was born in Lviv, Ukraine. She graduated from The University of Chicago in 2013 and holds a B.A. in Economics and Slavic Languages and Literature. Currently, Mariana is a Strategic Analytics Manager at Interline Brands (subsidiary of The Home Depot) in Jacksonville, Florida. She specializes in analytics, business strategy, and nonprofit development. Mariana was the co-chair of a pro-bono consulting group for nonprofits in Chicago for 3 years and is currently the treasurer for a young professionals group at MOSH (Museum of Science and History in Jacksonville).
Mariana joined Razom’s Neurosurgical initiative in 2016. She is very excited to collaborate with the team and develop the initiative into a highly successful program.
