Help Anatoliy Berezyuk’s Battle With Cancer

Over the holiday break, our friend Anatoliy Berezyuk received devastating news that he has an aggressive form of brain cancer.  It began with mild headaches and within days doctors found tumors in his brain and spinal column.  Since the diagnosis, Anatoliy has been in the hospital receiving treatment to ease the pain and try to stop the cancer’s spread.  As you can imagine, the treatment for brain cancer has caused incredible physical, emotional, and financial strains on him and his family.  Community outreach is incredibly helpful to raise awareness, raise funds, and keep Anatoliy in good spirits as he battles this illness.  It is a concrete way that his community can support Anatoliy and his family.

Having immigrated to the United States from Ukraine when he was young, Anatoliy has faced many challenges adjusting to a new country such as learning English and keeping in touch with family in Ukraine.  Despite his struggles, he has never failed to keep a positive attitude and make his friends and family smile. Anatoliy is an exemplary older brother to Sam, who is five years old, and Dennis who is three years old.  He is a loving son, grandson, and brother to his family who has learned to live and prosper in America.

Over the years, Anatoliy has thrived in the United States and earned his way into Boston College High School.  He is a standout member of the BC High community in the classroom, on the field, and off the field. Anatoliy is a highly regarded student who has challenged himself by taking many Advanced Placement classes and being an attentive student who is eager to learn. He is trilingual, fluent in Russian, Ukrainian and English. Anatoliy was recognized for his efforts in the classroom, earning high honors roll, acceptance into the National Honors Society, and the BC High Scholar-Athlete Award.  His hard work in the classroom recently came to fruition as he was accepted through a competitive admissions process into Boston College. 

Anatoliy excelled outside of the classroom as well.  For the last three seasons, he has served as a starter on the varsity soccer team, receiving recognition on the All Scholastic Team, All State Team, Eastern Mass All Star, Catholic Conference All Star, and numerous team accomplishments throughout his soccer career, including starring for many of the area’s top club programs.  Anatoliy also pioneered the Russian Language Club at BC High, which already has 60 members.  He is an active and involved member of the BC High community and adored by those who meet him.

Funds raised will be used to help lessen the burden of the medical and living expenses for his family over the course of his treatment and care. He has already been through two surgeries and undergoing radiation and other forms of treatment.  All of this necessitates changes in his living arrangement at home and very frequent travel to and from the hospital.  The money will help his family navigate through many extra costs now and in the future and give them flexibility to make ends meet.  Although we may feel powerless in this difficult time, raising money to assist will simplify the lives of Anatoliy’s family and allow them to concentrate on supporting Anatoliy and his brothers.  

The overwhelming amount of support for Anatoliy and his family has been greatly appreciated and is keeping Anatoliy energized and in good spirits as he continues to battle. Donations of any amount will be greatly appreciated and will be a tremendous help to Anatoliy and his family during this difficult time.  We ask that you keep Anatoliy and his family in your thoughts and prayers.  He has already expressed immense gratitude for the support that has been shown, and will truly appreciate all who donate and are inspired by his fight.  Keep the faith.  All in for Anatoliy.  Thank you.