Support Tanya & Dasha from Ukraine

Hi, I am Tetiana, a 64-year-old retired tax accountant from Ukraine. I am seeking support for my granddaughter Dasha. We have just escaped the war and Russian attacks in Ukraine after being trapped for more than one month in our hometown of Kupiansk near Kharkiv. My son, Dasha's dad, is dead, and I have been taking care of Dasha.

 

We have endured more than a month of life-threatening fear from constant bombings, explosions, gunshots, tanks, military equipment, and Russian soldiers' flow. It took Dasha and me more than four weeks to be able to leave our city. Russians have destroyed bridges, telecommunications, and water systems. Local authorities in our town were kidnapped, and everyone is afraid. We are among the lucky 5 million women and children who have escaped the horror of war. But our families, husbands, sons, and friends in Ukraine are still defending our homes and are suffering deeply.

 

Russians are kidnapping Ukrainian women and children and sending them to Russia. I had to leave my house and all my belongings because I was afraid for my life.

 

It took us more than 48 hours to reach Poland. It was a dangerous trip. We passed 15 checkpoints with Russian Soldiers always pointing rifles and guns at us, going through our belongings. Many of the roads were mined.

 

I was lucky to have a US Visa and be fully vaccinated. I arrived in Florida on April 2nd, but Dasha stayed in Poland, seeking refugee status with other family members.

 

When I arrived at the airport in the United States, the immigration officers were kind and helpful, offering a translator. Even one senior immigration officer came to ask me detailed questions about the war situation in Ukraine. I answered, confirming that everything shown on the news is true or worse.

 

As I was coming out of the plane, the flight attendant asked me about Ukraine, and the airline Pilots, the crew, and many passengers around started to applaud and cheer in support. It was an incredibly moving moment for me. I admire the enormous humanity, care, and kindness since my arrival.

 

I am raising funds to be able to pay for subsistence expenses for Dasha and me during the coming weeks or months as we find a way to reunite and seek legal advice to make sure that we can get the correct immigration status.