Surviving the War in Ukraine

Year Four – An Update From Alla

Kharkiv, Ukraine
March 2025

Friends,

Several days ago, the fourth year of the war began. This feels both terrible and unbelievable. The situation in my country is becoming increasingly difficult as hostilities continue. The frontline is moving closer, and the number of missile, drone, and glide bomb attacks is not decreasing. Last night, my city was heavily bombed, with more than 10 explosions causing our house to shake several times.

The infrastructure and economy of my country are nearly destroyed, and inflation has turned into hyperinflation, making it almost impossible to survive. Unfortunately, the hardest times are ahead of us.

Thanks to the support we have received, my family has managed to endure these long three years, which feels like a miracle. That’s why I try to remain hopeful, and when I feel too down, I try to push those thoughts away and… to think about the flowers…

With big gratitude,

Alla

Winter in Kharkiv, Ukraine (again)

Alla and her loved ones are in their FOURTH YEAR of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine. Over 1,000 days since Alla and her husband, Vitaliy’s world in Kharkiv, Ukraine, was ripped open and terror set in. Only 40 miles from the Russian border, their days are filled with missile and drone attacks, glide bombs, air raids and blackouts. Explosions that rock their house almost daily. And winter is still here.

Tough decisions have to be made again by Alla Olkhovska. When to run the generator – fuel is expensive. Medicines are crucial for her loved ones. They are budgeted first along with food.  Winter brings darkness with the constant blackouts. No light means no Internet as well as other utilities. Air raids are incessant.

All hope is not lost. Alla does have her garden and her clematis seeds that she sells. She has her camera that creates a much needed stillness in a world surrounded by chaos. She has her husband, Vitaliy, who still battles long Covid and her mother-in-law. And hope, most of all she has hope.

Hope that her country will win the war.  That she will rebuild her city with all of her loved ones by her side. And that her garden will thrive.

How Far We’ve Come

Its been over 1,000 days since we began helping Alla and her family, its hard to believe the Russian Invasion continues. The money we raise goes to surviving. Over the years  we have helped Alla with house repairs due to constant missile and drone attacks in Kharkiv. Medicine and health care are essential, someone is always ill.  In Ukraine everything medical is out of pocket. With doctors and pharmacists being sent to the front lines. Local health care is becoming hard to find and gets more expensive every day.

We have unfortunately assisted with two funerals. Alla’s great-aunt and her precious Granny.

As the war continues its destruction, we will continue to help.

We can’t do this alone.

Thank you so much!!