The war in my homeland of Ukraine has been going on for over 3 1/2 months now. You all have been so amazing in reaching out and offering  your support to me, and I have appreciated it more than you know. However, with the Ukrainian army heroically pushing back the Russian forces in the North back to the border, the pressure has shifted to the South and the East, which now hits even closer to home for me. Literally.

My hometown of Odesa is under constant attack, and my family and friends there are in constant danger. I am trying to raise funds to send to my uncle and his wife, who have chosen to stay behind to defend our city. To defend our country. They have had no income since the war started and have been getting by any way they can. Traditionally, they operate a karate school for children, but as you can imagine there's not much need for that when many of the residents of Ukraine have been forced to flee.

My family needs equipment and supplies so they can continue to defend and assist our home. They have been volunteering nonstop with whatever the city needs most at the time. They're found almost daily in the kitchen serving food to the elderly of Odesa. They also temporarily adopted a baby girl, while her father is fighting on the frontlines.

I know times have only been getting harder all around, but I humbly ask you: if you have anything you can contribute, I would be beyond grateful for your kindness and compassion. I don't ask for help often, so when I do, it's serious. Thank you for  your time, and if you can't donate, please consider sharing. 

Slava Ukraini! Слава Україні!