Surviving the War in Ukraine

June 29, 2025 – An Update From Alla

This night we had one of the most terrible massive attacks, the explosions weren’t concentrated in Kharkiv only, but all over Ukraine. The night was absolutely terrible, the alert didn’t switch off, we couldn’t sleep and had to stay in the cold basement. But thanks God we are alive! I wanted to write this post so that you do not have to worry about us.

June 6, 2025 – An Update From Alla

The hostilities here do not stop, the situation continues to aggravate and we continue to live in the hell. The video shows the recent explosions, several of them were close to our house, the house cracked and I really do not like the crack, I’m afraid that the walls will start driving apart, so possibly I will need to find someone who will be able to make some repairs … Civil houses are destroyed every day and every day I’m afraid so much about our house and our lives… The assault on my region continues and the news are not encouraging at all… Also the situation in Sumy region became really terrible, this is the neighboring region and it seems that the fights for Sumy will start very soon, it’s a big city and the inhabitants are already forced to flee, because the front line is already in 15 kilometers from the city which means massive strikes with FPV drones all the time, soon the city will be within the reach of the artillery which will be a real disaster. Also the frontline will drive very close to us because Sumy region borders Kharkiv region… We are absolutely terrified… The talks gave no results… we see that the war won’t stop and that the attacks only grow in number…

I didn’t feel well recently. Yesterday I had to visit the hospital, I had several moles that were bothering me and the doctor recommended that I definitely remove these growths. Yesterday I finally managed to find some time and go to the hospital because lately my family have had health problems and I just don’t have time for myself at all.

All in all, I can say that I feel exhausted… I am very concerned about the health of my loved ones. I almost do not post in the social media, it’s so difficult for me to write about the war… I understand how everyone is tired of this war, but unfortunately it isn’t going to end… I’m absolutely grateful for your help and constant support on this resource, because otherwise we won’t be able to survive at all. Knowing that I have so many people believing in me, helping and supporting me and my family keeps me resisting all these circumstances and keeps me still alive.

April 14, 2025 – An Update From Alla

The attacks here continue in the regular mode – every day… Although there are talks about truce, in reality nothing is being done at all and people in my city are being killed… The frontline continues to drive closer as well… The local authorities say that in summer a new assault on our region will start – to tell the truth, we are terrified, but we can do nothing about it… Just live and see what happens next… I try not to think about this – I have so much work with my loved ones, around the house that by the evening I feel exhausted, it helps not to think about the war too much…

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!!