Our Programs

Assistance Committee

The UUARC’s Assistance Committee has received and processed over 3,000 requests for assistance since January 2002. Many requests come for specific medical supplies or equipment, such as wheelchairs, prostheses, crutches, and glasses. Other requests are for monetary donations that contribute to life-saving medical procedures, rehabilitation, and medicine. The requests are reviewed and granted when possible, resulting in hundreds of parcels of clothing, shoes, and other necessities, which are packed by our volunteers, and sent to our offices in Ukraine for distribution to those in need.

 

The monthly budget for the Assistance Committee has been $5,000 per month. However, due to a poor economic state and the rise of illnesses in Ukraine, the Assistance Committee finds itself going over budget. For example: in 2015, UUARC’s Assistance Committee received 191 letters requesting aid and granted ~ $55,250.  In 2016, 462 requests for aid was received and $97,057 in aid was provided. In 2017, through November, UUARC received 513 requests and has provided financial aid in the amount of $70,800. These requests need very serious attention and would not be possible without you, our generous donors.

Help UUARC Help Mariam Morys!

For the past 6 years, Mariam Morys, who lives in a small village Ripchytsi, region Drohobich, in Ukraine, has been fighting with chronic glomerulonephritis, a disease that increases the risk of hypertension, leading to kidney failure. Please help UUARC raise the $70,000 needed for an urgent kidney transplant that is crucial for Mariam's survival via GoFundMe. Click here to learn more and donate today!

Help UUARC Help Maksym, 5-years-old

Five year old Maksym Atamaniuk from Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine will undergo a “Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy Surgery” on March 16. Although born at 30 weeks, weighing 1320 g (2,910 lbs.), he is developing well, regardless of heart problems and spasticity to his lower extremities which incapacitated his ability to walk. Today after intensive therapy and care in Ukraine, Maksym walks with the help of special crutches, however to make greater strides he needs this surgery, which is not performed in Ukraine nor Europe.

 

After careful review of his case, specialists at “Children's Hospital St. Louis, Missouri” feel that Maksym is the ideal candidate for this and expect the following improvements: spasticity will be permanently reduced, sitting and standing postures will improve, transitions between postures will be easier and faster, balance and level of comfort will improve, and expect that Maksym will be able to walk independently, however may need a device for long distances. He will require orthopedic surgery for both calf muscles to achieve the best possible outcomes, which will be performed at this facility by Dr. Dobbs via percutaneous lengthening.

The cost of this phase of treatment, for a duration of one month  is $56,036, which includes both, the Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy and Orthopedic surgeries – hospital and physicians’ fees, post-operative therapy services and includes a bracing and equipment deposit. Тhese funds have been collected by the family, with aid from Parishioners and Sisterhood of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church in Trenton, NJ and United Ukrainian American Relief Committee.

 

UUARC is appealing to the Ukrainian American Community to help this family with ongoing medical and therapy expenses, medications, orthopedic devices, their stay and living expenses in the US and airline tickets. All collections are 100% designated to Maksym’s surgeries, on-going treatment and related expenses.  Funds will be given to the parents. All donations to UUARC are 100% tax-deductible and will be reported in public media.

 

If you would like to donate, kindly send your check to UUARC, 1206 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA  19111, designated in memo ‘Maksym’ or click here to donate online.