CHILDREN OF CHORNOBYL RELIEF FUND NATIONAL NEWSLETTER Summe r 2000 VOL.

Chornobyl Chronicle

INSIDE THIS EDITION:* Chornobyl to close by year s end (p. 3)* Opening of our New England Office* Book Tour for The Sky Unwashed* Gift from our Chicago Chapte r* You may now Donate on the Web!* Partne rship with Novametrix

Mrs. Lydia Welyczkowski, a long-time volunteer withCCRF from Florham Park, NJ examines newborn twinsrecovering in the Poltava Maternity Hospital

On May 11, three tons of medicationand hospital supplies arrived at the KrasnodonRegional Central Hospital to aid the victims andsurvivors of the Barakova coal mine explosionthat took the lives of 80 miners in March.Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund volunteer,Lidia Welyczkowski, and CCRF s Kyiv OfficeDirector, Pavlo Smyrnov delivered the humani-tarian cargo, valued at over $108,000.

The Children of Chornobyl representa-tives were warmly received at a press confer-ence at the hospital in Krasnodon. An officialletter from the families of Barakova miners stat-ed, The directors of the coal mine, family andfriends of the deceased are genuinely grateful toyou for your empathy and compassion for[those affected by] the horrible disaster thatstruck our mine.

Ms. Welyczkowski expressed sympathyas she presented the donations, We understandthat especially at this time of tragedy, the hospi-tal desperately needs a vast amount of effectivemedication. We are convinced that we re pro-viding the cargo for reliable partners and thatthis aid will be provided to those who need itmost.

An article appearing in the local news-paper Luhanska Pravda, entitled WhereCompassion is Concerned, the Ocean is NoObstacle, expressed amazement at howpromptly the cargo was transported toKrasnodon from Kyiv. Hospital authoritieswere impressed to learn that the antibiotics,medicines and hospital supplies arrived fromthe capital in a record nine days, when cargo ofsimilar size normally takes three months to clearcustoms and arrive from Kyiv.

On the second day of the monitoringvisit, in personal meetings arranged by the localcoal miners union, Mrs. Welyczkowski and Mr.

Smyrnov distributed direct cash grants and toysto each of the 80 widows and children of thedeceased miners. These gifts were made possi-ble by the generous donations of CCRF sup-porters in several cities throughout the U.S.CCRF is especially grateful to the parishionersof St. Mary s Protection Ukrainian OrthodoxChurch in New Haven, Conn. for offering thelargest donation, over $1500, to Krasnodon sur-vivors.

The relief mission was staged byChildren of Chornobyl Relief Fund in responseto a request for much needed supplies and med-icine for survivors of the mining accident fromUkraine s Ministry of Disaster Relief andHumanitarian Aid. Alex Kuzma, CCRFExecutive Director explained the link betweenthis latest tragedy and the Foundation s mission,We can t forget that in 1986, hundreds of min-

ers from this region were rushed to Chornobylto dig shafts and pour lead and concrete beneaththe melting reactor core, to protect the headwa-ters of the Dnipro River. These men risked theirlives to safeguard the drinking water for mil-lions of people living downstream. The least wecan do is to aid their widows and orphans in thewake of this new tragedy.

In addition to visiting the LuhanskRegion, Mrs. Welyczkowski and Mr. Smyrnovmade an extensive fact-finding visit to CCRF snew partner hospital - The Rivnenska RegionalChildren s Hospital in the city of Rivne whichwas significantly contaminated by fallout fromthe Chornobyl disaster. CCRF s next airlift willheavily target this region for assistance.

Since 1989, the Children of ChornobylRelief Fund has delivered more than 1,300 tonsof medical aid to Ukraine, valued at over $45million. (See page 4 for further details on thislatest shipment.)

A Joyous Reception in Krasnodon: Doctors and nurses at the Krasnodon RegionalMedical Center welcomed the arrival of 3 tons of medicine and hospital supplies valued atover $108,000. Local journalists and health authorities marveled at CCRF’s ability to over-come all bureaucratic obstacles and customs regulations, allowing for the delivery of thisaid from Kyiv to the Luhansk region “in record-breaking time”.

Survival Rates Improve by 90%in Poltava Maternity Ward

According to a recent article publishedin the Kyiv-based investigative newspaper

Fakty (Facts) the mortality rate amonginfants born at the Poltava Maternity ClinicalHospital decreased by 90 percent over the firstthree months of this year compared to the sameperiod of the last year. For the first time, infantswho once would have died due to lung failureor other complications now have a chance ofsurvival without brain damage or other severehandicaps.

Fakty credited this success to theefforts of the Children of Chornobyl ReliefFund (CCRF) that provided the Poltava mater-nity hospital with new infant intensive careequipment purchased from Fisher & Paykel, acompany from New Zealand specializing ininfant intensive care equipment. The companyprovides free technical support and service tothe hospital and last fall, CCRF provided train-ing for the local medical personnel.

In contrast to some medical institutionsin Kyiv, hospitals in outlying Ukrainian citiesoften lack essential medical instruments. Forthis reason, CCRF is working to provide thesehospitals with modern technology that can helpsave infants lives. CCRF staff and volunteersrecently visited Poltava to verify these dramat-ic improvements reported in the local andnational Ukrainian press (cont d on page 4).

Krasnodon Welcomes Medical Shipment Coal Miners’ Widows and Orphans Received Direct Aid

2 Letters to CCRF

Official thank you from thecoal miners of KrasnodonTo Dr. Zenon and Nadia Matkiwskyand the Children of ChornobylRelief Fund:

The directors of the coal mine, family andfriends of the deceased are genuinely grate-ful to you for your empathy and compassionin the wake of the horrible disaster thatstruck our mine. Your help to families ofthe deceased offered us great moral support.As Taras Shevchenko, our beloved poet,said, U kozhnoho svoya dolia i svyi shli-akh shyrokyi (Everyone is endowed withhis own fate and broad path ) May ourland be adorned by beautiful people, whoselives and work brighten day and night, bringgoodness, peace, and harmony!

We wish you the best of luck in your chari-table activity. May you be successful inyour life, your work, and your future path.

With deep respect and thanks,O.A. Chepurny, Director of the M. P. Barakova coal mineM.C. Krobka, Head of the Committee P.R.V.P.

D.D. Kolitventsev, Head of the Executive Office N.P.H.

Good Day, my dear fellow Ukrainians!You are performing a golden service forour long-suffering homeland.Unfortunately, I cannot make a larger dona-tion, because my finances are limited.

With respect to you all,Vasyl StetsenkoPhiladelphia, PA

We are enclosing a check in memory ofOstap Shenkiryk who showed great con-cern for the fate of Ukraine, and wasalways ready to help however he could. Atthe same time, we want to express ouradmiration for your professional work andyour effective assistance to benefit theseailing children. We are amazed by yourability to involve our American-born youthin your work.

Lesia and Yuri RakowskyWading River, NY

Honorable Dr. Zenon Matkiwsky!

We sincerely thank you for the aidwhich our Dnipropetrovsk City Children sHospital No.3 has received from [yourFoundation] over the course of many years.This hospital is the only regional and citycenter for the medical-social rehabilitation ofnewborn infants-invalids.

In recent years the mortality rateamong infants [in this hospital] has beenreduced significantly, but at the same time,we have seen an increase in the number ofchildren-invalids, partly due to the absenceof essential, modern medical equipment.

In view of the fact that on June 1,2000 we are planning to put into operation anewly reconstructed neonatal intensive careward, we ask for your help in providinghumanitarian assistance by procuring med-ical equipment appropriate for an intensivecare unit as outlined in the enclosed one-page attachment.

Respectfully,I. I. KulichenkoChairman of the Executive CommitteeDnipropetrovsk City Council, DnipropetrovskApril 19, 2000

Dear Dr. Matkiwsky,In commemoration of their First Holy

Communion, the children of the Annunciation of theBlessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church inMelrose Park, Pennsylvania (Monsignor JamesMelnic, pastor) collected a total of $302 for theChildren of Chernobyl RElief Fund s humanitarianassistance effort in Ukraine.

With regards,The parish first communicants:

Andrijko Andrusko Melanie KeerZachary Cehelsky DeAngelo Andrijka KellerJulia Anna Dykyj Emily M. KnihnickyChristina Fat Alexander KozakAlexandra M. Fylypovych Stefan O. LesiukMaria Geba Alexander MykijewyczSofia Karaman Paul Tershakovec

Long-term follow-up. CCRF representatives continue tovisit the Magnetic Resonance Imaging System installedin 1994 at the Kyiv Emergency Hospital and TraumaCenter. After 6 years of continuous use, the MRI hasprovided high-resolution diagnostic tests for over10,000 patients, allowing for hundreds of timely, oftenlife-saving procedures. Lydia Welyczkowski meets withMRI staff in April to review the hospital s priority needs.

Dear Dr. Zenon and Nadia Matkiwsky:

Enclosed please find a donation for theChildren of Chornobyl Relief Fund from the mem-bers of the KAZKA Ukrainian Folk Ensemble. Wehope that this small donation will be of some assis-tance to the children of Ukraine.

Wishing you a blessed Pascha. Christ is Risen!

Sincerely,Dr. Paula A. Duda

Ukraine Update 3

The sarcophagus surrounding Chernobyl reactor number 4

courtesy of the Associated Press

Ukrainian and U.S. officials are still grapplingwith a wide range of health issues that haveplagued the Chornobyl region in the accident swake. Thyroid cancer rates among childrenand adults have risen to levels 80 times higherthan normal, and continue to climb. Birthdefects in Belarus have more than doubled,according to an extensive research study by ateam from the University of Hiroshima com-pleted in 1994. And new evidence compiledby researchers in the provinces of Volyn andRivne indicates that the extent of geneticdeformities in Ukrainian newborns may be fargreater than once assumed.

Many environmental advocates fearthat with Chornobyl s closure, the internationalcommunity may be lulled into a false sense ofsecurity. Ukraine is currently working to com-plete construction on two more nuclear stationsin Khmelnitsky and Mykolayiv to replace theelectric generating capacity that will be lostonce Chornobyl Unit #3 goes off line. Thoughsubstantially safer in their design than theRBMK model, these new plants still fall shortof Western safety standards.

The Chornobyl disaster site and its sur-rounding villages will require continuous envi-ronmental monitoring, waste storage and secu-rity. This imperative was underscored in Juneas brush fires burned a portion of the contami-nated woodland within the Chornobyl exclu-sion zone, releasing more radiation and raisingconcern for communities downwind from thesite. In the years and decades to come, over-sight activities will inevitably expose manymore workers to potential health risks.

The Children of Chornobyl Relief Fundis working with the US Department of Energyto improve health care services in the city ofSlavutych which is home to thousands ofChornobyl workers and their families, many ofwhom will soon lose their primary source ofincome. This summer, CCRF will deliver over$330,000 worth of antibiotics and hospital sup-plies to the main hospital in Slavutych thatserves the nuclear workers and their children.

Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma meets with President Clinton during the June 6th summit conference in Kyiv to finalizeplans for the permanent closure of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor. Uncertainties remain as to the fate of atomic workersemployed at the site and the completion of decontamination efforts.

CHORNOBYL’S LASTOPERATING REACTOR TO CLOSEBY DECEMBER 15 Clinton-Kuchma SummitWrestles with Long-term IssuesSurrounding Energy Supply,Decontamination, and Health

(Kyiv, Ukraine) On June 6th, duringhis last official foreign policy tour of Europe,U.S. President Bill Clinton met with UkrainianPresident Leonid Kuchma to discuss many crit-ical issues tied to the permanent closure of theChornobyl Atomic Energy Station. Clintonpledged $78 million dollars in U.S. aid to helpUkraine close the last of the four nuclear reac-tors at the Chornobyl site that still remains inoperation. Many Ukrainian energy officialshad urged that Reactor #3 should continueoperating, in light of the millions of dollars inforeign investment that significantly strength-ened environmental safeguards and safety pro-cedures at the plant. However, bowing toWestern pressure, President Kuchma pledged toshut down the reactor by the end of 2000.Most nuclear experts insist that even with sub-stantial improvements, the RBMK graphite-core reactor design used to build the Chornobylplant is inherently unsafe and unstable.

Despite the closure of Chornobyl, theUkrainian government and Western advsers

such as the U.S. Department of Energy willneed to continue monitoring and decontaminat-ing the site of the world s worst nuclear disas-ter for many years to come. Chornobylreleased more than 185 million curies of radia-tion (as opposed to 15 curies officially reportedfollowing the Three Mile Island accident inPennsylvania in 1979.) One of the most com-mon and most dangerous radioactive elementsreleased by the disaster - cesium 137 has ahalf-life of 28 years and is widespread through-out northern Ukraine and southern Belarus.

Beyond the enormous volume of radia-tion released in 1986, there is a continuing dan-ger that stems from the deterioration of theconcrete and steel sarcophagus - the giantencasement that was hastily constructed around

the ruined generating station by hundreds ofthousands of nuclear cleanup workers. DuringSenate hearings in 1992, US experts from LosAlamos and Oak Ridge testified that this struc-ture was already cracked and unstable andcould collapse, releasing another cloud of radi-ation into the environment. Barring such anadditional catastrophic event,

“Chornobyl is a word we would all like toerase from our memory. Not until 2016,

at the earliest, will be known the fullnumber of those likely to develop seriousmedical conditions....Three million chil-

dren require treatment and many will dieprematurely.”

Kofi Annan, U.N. Secretary-GeneralApril 26,2000

CCRF will deliver $330,000 in medicalsupplies to city of Slavutych to

improve health care of Chornobylatomic workers & their families

4

Poltava: An early list of Mothers whose children recoveredfrom complications with the help of CCRF Dr. Natalia Udovytska, the chiefdoctor at the Poltava CityMaternity Hospital has forward-ed a preliminary list of motherswho gave birth to infants requir-ing intensive care in the neonatalstation installed by CCRF lastfall. According to Udovytska,many of these infants would nothave recovered, if it had notbeen for the timely delivery ofCCRF technology:SvitlanaKurtlushayeva, SvitlanaYeremenko, Vera Shcherban,Vita Moloshna, LarysaHrusheva, Marina Chirvona, Elena Lubkova, Svitlana Lytvynenko, Victoria Kulashova.

Feature Story

(continued from page 1)Last year, CCRF organized scientific confer-ences which addressed the need for more in-depth training for Ukrainian neonatologiststhrough the participation of leading Americanexperts in the field. Among the participantswere several trainees from Poltava who nowstaff the Maternity Hospital s NICU.Eventually, CCRF hopes to raise the qualifica-tions of these Ukrainian doctors to the level oftheir American colleagues. A recent Ukrainiantranslation of a neonatology textbook publishedby CCRF is becoming increasingly popularamong the doctors, helping to instill superiormethods of treatment.

For the first time, some women whowere once discouraged from becoming preg-nant due to their exposure to Chornobyl radia-tion now have a chance to become mothers. Dr.Natalia Udovytska, the chief doctor of thePoltava maternity hospital, shares one of theseamazing stories. A 28-year old evacuee fromthe 30-kilometer exclusion zone surroundingChornobyl had moved to Poltava and decided tobecome pregnant. Severe prenatal complica-tions forced an early delivery. Her prematurebaby-girl and her mother would have died hadshe been delivered prior to the installation ofthe new CCRF technology. But the latestmethodologies and modern equipment resultedin full recovery.

If only we could also get modern diag-nostic equipment and an ambulance, - saysNatalia Udovytska, - We could decrease notonly the infant mortality but also cases of otheranomalies. CCRF hopes to expand the capa-bilities of the Poltava Neonatal Unit by deliver-ing additional equipment over the coming year.We would like to add at least another complete

neonatal station in Poltava, said Dr. ZenonMatkiwsky, Chairman of the Board of CCRF.With only one respirator, there is a danger that

two or more babies born at one time with respi-ratory complications could be deprived of life-saving aid. We don t want the doctors to beplaced in the heart-breaking position of choos-ing which baby lives or dies.

CCRF is especially grateful to the peo-ple of Rochester, New York, our Rochester chap-ter and the Rochester Ukrainian Federal CreditUnion for their generous support of the PoltavaMaternity Hospital. We also thank the organiz-ers of last year s golf tournament, theIrondequoit-Poltava Sister Cities Project, FatherRichard Kinsky, and the Basilian FathersFoundation of Toronto for their support.

(Left) In Krasnodon, LydiaWelyczkowski and a local unionofficial comfort the widow of ayoung miner kied in the Marchexplosion at the Barakova coalmine. CCRF hand delivered cashstipends to the families of the dis-aster victims, along with toys forthe orphans and medication forthe local hospital. (Below) InMay, doctors and nurses from theKrasnodon District Hospitalgreet miners representatives andCCRF s Kyiv Office Director P.Smyrnov at the entrance of thehospital. (Right) LidiaWelyczkowski examines stacks ofmedical supplies delivered to theKrasnodon Hospital by CCRF.

*********************************NOW YOU CAN DONANOW YOU CAN DONATE TOTE TO

CCRF CCRF ONLINE!!!ONLINE!!!VISIT OUR WEBSITEVISIT OUR WEBSITE

HTTP://WWW.CCRF-ICCF.ORGHTTP://WWW.CCRF-ICCF.ORG

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Dr. Natalia Udovytska (left), head doctor and members of the Neonatal Team at the Poltava City Maternity Hospitaladjust the settings on an infant warmer donated by CCRF for baby twins struggling to increase their low birthweight and lung capacity. (See close-up below)

5

Medical Manufacturer DonatesPulse Oxymeters to CCRF(Wallingford, CT) At a press conferenceon April 24th, the Connecticut-based cor-poration, Novametrix Medical Systemsdonated three pulse oxymeters to theChildren of Chornobyl Relief Fund, to helpexpand the Fund s successes in combatinginfant mortality in Ukraine. The goodwillgesture was timed to coincide with theopening of CCRF s Connecticut office andthe 14th Anniversary of the Chornobylnuclear disaster. Among the special guestsattending the press conference were U.S.Representative Rosa DeLauro (Connecticut3d District), and novelist Irene Zabytkowhose Chornobyl novel The SkyUnwashed has received wide acclaimfrom literary critics.

Congresswoman DeLauro thankedthe Children of Chornobyl Relief Fundfor their undying dedication to the inno-

cent victims of this nuclear disaster. N oother U.S. organization has equaled thevolume and value of aid delivered by the Relief Fund to Chornobyl victims. Rep. DeLauro thanked CCRF and especially the

New Haven Chapter for keeping the mem-ory of Chornobyl alive. To most of theworld, Chornobyl is long past and nearlyforgotten, said DeLauro. For the peoplein Ukraine, it s an ongoing daily night-mare. The Congresswoman expresseddeep concern for the plight of familiesstruggling to cope with their children scancer and birth defects. The infant mor-tality rate in Ukraine today is three times

the rate of other European countries. Birthdefects have nearly doubled and oncologi-cal illnesses have tripled.

DeLauro praised Novametrix fordonating pulse oxymeters to CCRF, notingthat the company s contributions havehelped CCRF to reduce the infant mortali-ty rate in some Ukrainian hospitals by

more than half. William J. LaCourciere,president and chief executive officer ofNovametrix welcomed the Congresswomanand guests, saying that he has been hum-bled by the energy and dedication thatCCRF has shown in helping the victims ofChornobyl. This company is proud to bea small part of your mission.

Following the press conference, theCongresswoman joined Mr. LaCourciereand local activists of CCRF for a tour ofNovametrix s manufacturing facility whereengineering director Joel Maynardexplained the critical role that pulseoxymeters have played in monitoring thepulse rates and oxygen levels in infantssuffering from respiratory complications.CCRF has placed Novametrix pulseoxymeters in hospitals in Lutsk, Poltava,and Vinnytsia.

Orest Dubno, a member of CCRF sBoard of Directors thanked Novametrix forits generous support of CCRF. ExecutiveDirector Alex Kuzma thanked Mr.LaCourciere and International SalesDirector Patrick Shannon, for making thedonation possible. Kuzma also praisedNovametrix s European partners, Mr. BobSklar and Volodymyr Mitin of NZ Technofor providing free on-site service and train-ing for Ukrainian hospitals. The announce-ment of CCRF s partnership withNovametrix received extensive coverage inthe New Haven Register , the WallingfordVoice, and other newspapers.

Our CCRF family has been deeply saddened bythe passing of two of our finest community lead-ers. Stephanie Pryshlak and Zenon Bodnarskyjboth passed away at the age of 62 after waging avaliant struggle against long illnesses. Both hadmade invaluable contributions to CCRF s missionand played a pivotal role in the establishment oftwo of our strongest grassroots chapters.

Stephanie Pryshlak was one of seven sis-ters and brothers in the Krasij family that hasbeen a pillar in the Ukrainian community in

Hartford, CT formany years.Active in the youthorganizationPLAST, the St.Michael sUkrainian CatholicChurch choir andthe UkrainianNational Women sLeague ofAmerica,Stephanie took the

initiative to establish the Hartford Chapter of theChildren of Chornobyl Relief Fund in the springof 1990. Her tireless efforts on behalf of CCRF

led the national organization to present her with aspecial award in September 1998 at a fundraisingbanquet in Hartford (See Chornobyl Chronicle,fall 1998). Speaking on that occasion, ExecutiveDirector Nadia Matkiwsky called Mrs. Pryshlakthe moving spirit and motivational catalystbehind the Hartford Chapter. Though soft-spo-ken, Stepha has always been fiercely devoted toher community and to the future of Ukraine. Sheis a fighter who believes that when the health ofchildren is at stake, failure is not an option.

Mrs. Pryshlak coordinated the localefforts for CCRF s mammoth airlift in March,1991, launched from Bradley InternationalAirport in Connecticut. She helped to organizeseveral benefit concerts for CCRF and forged astrong coalition with Connecticut environmentalgroups that have remained steadfast and generousin their support of the Fund s mission.Stephanie s effectiveness in mobilizing theHartford community was cited in two editorialsin the Hartford Courant, including a December26, 1990 op-ed by respected columnist DennisHorgan, entitled Ukrainian-Americans hard atwork on relief mission.

Stephanie leaves behind her devoted hus-band Peter, three children Daria, Christine, andAdrian and three grandchildren.

CCRF is equally grieved to learn of thedeath of Zenon Bodnarskyj, organizer and mov-

ing spirit behind the CCRF chapter in Buffalo,New York. Mr. Bodnarskyj brought a wealth ofexperience as a local leader with PLAST and as a

former organizer ofthe Buffalo branchof Americans forHuman Rights inUkraine. Workingwith family andfriends, he organ-ized a series ofmemorial programsand fundraising din-ners for CCRF,including the April

1996 banquet that raised over $15,000 forCCRF s 10th Anniversary Campaign. Mr.Bodnarskyj attended the CCRF Convention inSeptember of 1997 where his daughter Olenka, astudent at the University of Buffalo, was present-ed with a special award as CCRF s OutstandingStudent Activist for her work with the UkrainianStudents Club. Mr. Bodnarskyj leaves behind hisloving wife Maria, his son Roman and daughterOlenka.

We extend our heartfelt condolences tothe Bodnarskyj and Pryshlak families. May thememory of these two outstanding individualsserve as an inspiration to all of us.

Donor News

“No other U.S. organization hasequaled the volume and valueof aid delivered by the ReliefFund to Chornobyl victims.”

--U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro,3rd District Connecticut

In the Novametrix manufacturing plant, engineering director Joel Maynard explains the design and function of pulse oxymeters producedby his company to Congresswoman DeLauro and representatives of CCRF. From left to right: Donald Horbaty and Irene Zabytko.

IN MEMORIAM

At the Novametrix press conference, (from left to right):CCRF Executive Director Alex Kuzma, Irene Zabytko, OrestDubno, Rep. DeLauro, Novametrix President Bill LaCourciereand International Sales Director, Patrick Shannon.

6 Chapter Update

For ten years, our New Haven Chapterhas provided staunch support for CCRF s over-seas medical mission. Beginning in 1990 withan International Dance Festival hosted by theVeselka Dance Ensemble, the Chapter hasdeveloped many innovative programs that havedrawn extensive coverage from the Connecticutmedia and have raised record funds for CCRFprojects. Among the highlights of its activitieswere the 1995 banquet at the New HavenLawn Club honoring US Senator JosephLieberman, the 1996 Chornobyl Conference atYale University, and a 1997 concert at WoolseyHall featuring the Ukrainian Bandura Chorus.

Now, thanks to the generosity of a local

businessman, Edward Harms, the New HavenChapter has established its own office in theheart of New Haven s Westville district, at1358 Whalley Avenue. On April 25, the newoffice held its Grand Opening, with a wine andcheese reception, followed by a communityforum at St. Mary s Protection UkrainianOrthodox Church. In May, the Chapter hostedits third annual Spring Dance Zabava featur-ing the band Zorepad . AlthoughChornobyl itself was a tragic event, it gave

birth to a wonderful movement that hasrestored Ukraine s freedom and heightenedawareness of the environment, said oneactivist. Today we are celebrating the lives ofchildren who would not have survived their ill-nesses if it hadn t been for the aid provided byCCRF. One of those children came toConnecticut under CCRF s auspices in 1991 toundergo leukemia treatment at Yale-NewHaven Medical Center. Today, in full remis-sion, she is a student at the University of NewHaven. We wish our New Haven colleaguesMnohaya Lita! - Many happy years of pro-

ductive activity in their new corporate home.Reason to celebrate: At the school hall at St. Michaels Ukrainian Catholic Church, dancers Pavlo and Lev Czerepacha, RomanHorbaty, Andy and Stefan Nagorski demonstrate the stamina and resiliency of the New Haven Chapter of CCRF.

Book of the YEAR:Golden Opportunity for Chapters To Broaden Awareness of Chornobyl

Since our last edition, the highlyacclaimed novel The Sky Unwashed byIrene Zabytko has been honored as theBook of the Year by the Northeast

Booksellers Association. The book hasalso been reviewed in the New YorkTimes, Reuters, and other prestigiousvenues. The book has been called rivet-ing, unforgettable . Focusing on the lifeof one family whose lives were shatteredby the 1986 nuclear disaster, this noveloffers an unprecedented opportunity tospread the word about the continuingimpact of Chornobyl. On July 19th, at7:30 p.m., Ms. Zabytko will be appearingat the Harvard Ukrainian ResearchInstitute at 1583 Massachusetts Avenuein Cambridge. Other book readings andsignings are being planned in Chicago,Indiana, Philadelphia, and New YorkCity. We urge our chapter coordinatorsto contact their local bookstores, librariesand universities to explore the possibilityof extending an invitation Ms. Zabytkofor a local appearance. Book signings donot require large audiences to be effec-tive. Intimate gatherings may be suffi-cient to draw the attention of literary crit-ics. Once again, we congratulate Ms.Zabytko on her stunning achievement.For more information, please contactJoseph Sywenkyj at (973)376-5140.

CCRF s Spring Book Tour for The SkyUnwashed, was well-received at Yale andSeton Hall Universities. In April, author IreneZabytko was hosted by CCRF at book-signingceremonies at the Yale University Book Storeand Seton Hall s School of Diplomacy.(Above) Ms. Zabytko signs books for Yale fac-ulty and students. From left to right:Professor Joseph Levitsky, OlenaMaslyukivska, Adrian Slywotzky, Ms. Zabytko,Natalia Uboha, Prof. Halyna Hryn andAnatoly Bizhko. (Right) Zabytko embracesSchool of Diplomacy Deans Amy Talkow,Marilyn DiGiaccobe, and Wilmara Johnson asDr. Matkiwsky looks on.

New Haven Chapter Celebrates Grand Opening of New Office

(Above, veteran organizers Mary Antonyshyn and Chrystyna Sheldon join Roman and Chrystia Horbaty, Julie Blasiak,Andy and Stephan Nagorski and other friends at the May 20 Spring Dance)

Today we are celebrating the livesof children who would not have

survived their illnesses if it hadn’tbeen for the aid provided by

CCRF.”

7A Bittersweet FarewellOn June 1st, CCRF was saddened to learn of thedeath of Mr. Anton Piszczak of Linden, NewJersey. Just last January, CCRF honored Mr.Piszczak during a New Year s reception wel-coming the New Millennium. Shown in thisphoto with CCRF donors and volunteers (seatedthird from the right), Mr. Piszczak was one ofthe charter members of our Zapovit LegacySociety who bequeathed a significant portion ofhis estate to a medical training program in hisnative region of Ivano-Frankivsk. Mr. Piszczakwas an active member of the St. Vladimir sCatholic parish in Elizabeth, NJ. He devotedmuch of his life to the restoration of freedom inhis native land, and was outspoken in advocat-ing a strong commitment to the newly emergingdemocracy in Ukraine. Shortly before hisdeath, he sponsored a visit by one of Ukraine smost respected journalists, Lydia Kuchar to theUnited States. We are eternally grateful for Mr.Piszczak s exemplary vision and support.

Chapter Update

(Boston, MA) On May 21st, activists from across the Greater Boston area gathered in the churchhall of St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Jamaica Plain for a traditional community din-ner celebrating the Paschal Season. Over $1,000 in proceeds from the dinner were earmarkedfor the Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund. (Left: Coordinators of CCRF’s Boston Chapter organizeda literature table and sold copies of Irene Zabytko’s Chornobyl novel “The Sky Unwashed” tothose in attendance. (From left to right: Debra Luchanin, Hanna Melnychuk, Pat Coatsworth,Natalie Plaskonos and Joseph Stecewycz). CCRF is grateful to Rev. Archimandrite AndrijPartykevych and to all parishioners at St. Andrew’s for their hospitality. This summer, the chapterwill be working with the Harvard Ukrainian Summer School to arrange book-signings for Ms.Zabytko in Eastern Massachusetts. The Boston Chapter of CCRF is planning another fundraisingreception for September 17th in Cambridge. For more information on how you can get involved,please call Pat Coatsworth at (617) or Natalie Plaskonos at (781) 862-3234

CCRF staffer Inya Chehade thanks all the CCRF supporters and performers who took part in the rock concert at theRutgers University Student Center on April 4th. As the former President of the Rutgers Ukrainian StudentOrganization, Chehade helped to spearhead earlier fundraisers for CCRF. Under the leadership of RomanHolowinsky and Matthew Rakowsky, the RUSC has helped to carry on the tradition of creative charitable events.

Boston Chapter Mobilizing for Fall Campaign Plans Underway for Cambridge Fundraiser

Rutgers Students HostRock Concert for CCRFOn Tuesday, April 4th, students gathered atthe Rutgers College Student Center to attenda benefit concert for the Children ofChornobyl Relief Fund. Sponsored andplanned by the Rutgers Ukrainian StudentsClub, the event featured five bands whodonated their time and talent to support thecharity. The performers included the popularNew Brunswick bands, including Shiloh,Ben Trovato, The Copasetic, Faux Monks,and Lloyd s Limit. Numerous students fromthe Mason Gross School of Art contributedtheir personal artwork and materials to deco-rate the concert space. Attendees were alsoinvited to leave their mark on a large bannerin memory of the Chornobyl victims.Members of the Rutgers USC contributedmany hours to preparing and executing thisconcert.

Among the organizers were: PresidentRoman Holowinsky, Vice President MatthewRakowsky, Secretary Roman Bauer,Treasurer Stefan Kachala, and membersDeanna Yurchuk, Adrian Chraplyvy, NatalkaHucul, Lida Boychuk, Paul Farmiga, AlexBrozyna, Chrystia Lucyk, Tina Warianka,Greg Maliczyszyn, Mark Chirovsky, DamianHolynskyj, Halia Salabey, and AndrewMandzy.

CCRF s former country director inUkraine, Inya Chehade, an alumna of theRutgers Graduate School of Social Work,greeted the audience and thanked them fortheir support of CCRF. A photograph of therock concert and CCRF s banner was fea-tured on the front page of the RutgersUniversity student newspaper, the Targum.

Supporters of the Chicago-based campaign to support CCRF Airlift #26 gather on the steps of Sts. Volodymyr and OlhaCathedral on Superior Avenue to present a check for $12,000. These funds will be used to purchase a neonatal incuba-tor for the Rivne Regional Children s Hospital. (From left to right: Bohdan Kosoput, Bohdan Watral, CEO Self-Reliance Credit Union, Rt. Rev. Ivan A. Krotec, Pastor of Sts. Volodymyr and Olha, Irene Kaminska, Segei Mychaluk,Christine Kosach, Rev. Oleh Kryvokulski, Dr. Christina Petrykiw-CCRF Chicago chapter coordinator, Pavlo Velemay).

Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund, Inc. / International Children of Chornobyl Foundation272 Old Short Hills Road, Short Hills, NJ 07078 / Tel: 973.376.5140 / Fax: 973.376.4988

252002, vul. Khreshchatyk 25/28 Kyiv, Ukraine / Tel-Fax: 011.380.44.228.1870 / 464.1207

www.ccrf-iccf.org or www.childrenofchornobyl.org

Board of Directors: Staff: Editorial Staff: CCRF is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. All contributionsDr. Zenon Matkiwsky, Chairman Alexander B. Kuzma, Executive Director Alexander B. Kuzma are tax-deductible. The Chornobyl Chronicle is published Thomas N. Denny Olenka Welhasch , Director of Procurement Christine A. Telyan by the Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund. Please credit Orest Dubno Olya Datsenko, ICCF Administrator CCRF/Chornobyl Chronicle for all reproduced materials.Orest Fedash Pavlo Smirnov, Ukraine In-Country Director Graphic Design:Nadia Matkiwsky Olesia Yavorivsky, ICCF Press Coordinator Christine A. Telyan Printing& Production: Print TechJoseph A. Vena Officers: Martha Andriuk, Valerie Burachinsky,

Tanya Vena, Financial Director

8

BE A VISIONARY! Remember theChildren In Your“Zapovit”

One of the first poems that everyUkrainian schoolchild is required to memo-rize is Taras Shevchenko s Zapovit - thefinal Will and Testament in which thisgreat human rights champion described thelegacy he hoped to leave for future genera-tions in his beloved homeland.

Unfortunately, many NorthAmericans who care deeply about Ukraineand the children of Chornobyl forget to fol-low Shevchenko s example. They forget towrite their own Zapovit !! Your will andyour estate can be a powerful instrument inpromoting your vision for a new Ukraine,where children can live in a healthier, moredemocratic environment with decent med-ical care and dignity and hope......By desig-nating a portion of your estate to theChildren of Chornobyl Relief Fund, youcan reap important tax benefits and you canplan your future with the comfort of know-ing that you are leaving a cherished legacyfor some of the world s neediest and mostdeserving children.

CCRF is very grateful to the manyindividuals and families who have remem-bered to include the Children of Chornobylin their estate planning. Their gifts haverestored the strength and life of some ofUkraine s most promising and idealisticyoung citizens. They have helped to buildthe strategic partnership with a newUkraine which is so vital to the long-termsecurity of the United States and the entireworld.

If you have not yet drawn up yourwill, please contact an attorney today. Youmay also contact our office at (973)376-5140 or write to CCRF, attn: ZapovitLegacy Circle, 272 Old Short Hills Road,Short Hills, New Jersey 07078.

We promise: Your generosity will not beforgotten.

An Invitation for November:Join Us for CCRF’s10th Anniversary StrategicPlanning Conference !!

This fall, the Children of Chornobyl ReliefFund will mark the 10th Anniversary since itsfirst airlifts were launched in 1990. CCRFremains the leading medical aid organizationserving Ukraine, with 26 airlifts and 9 seashipments, delivering more than 1,300 tons ofcargo valued at $45 million dollars. OnSaturday, November 18th, we will hold an all-day caucus at the Ramada Hotel & ConferenceCenter on Route 10 in East Hanover, NewJersey to help chart the course of CCRF for thenext ten years. We invite all our regional coor-dinators and new activists to take part in thishistoric conclave. Delegates from many areasof North America, including the Midwest,California, New England, Canada and the Mid-Atlantic States are expected to attend, !!

Pysanka Workshop raises$800 for CCRFCCRF would like to thank Michigan resident,Mr. Peter Martyn (right), for conducting anEaster-egg work-shops as a fundrais-ing effort on ourbehalf. Martyn smastery of the tradi-tional Ukrainiancraft and altruisticnature fostered asuccessful event,raising nearly $800.Appealing to indi-viduals of all levelsof expertise, Martynspeaks about the craft, You don t have to bean artist. You will like the results even if someof your lines are crooked. Mr. Martyn, how-ever, is distinguished by his precision, and agenerous spirit that won the recognition ofCCRF supporter, First Lady Hillary RodhamClinton. In a letter to Martyn dated February24, Mrs. Clinton wrote: Your hard work inhelping those who are most vulnerable... iscommendable. In its children resides eachnation s greatest treasure. As we nurture thattreasure, we ensure the world s future.

Welcome Aboard !CCRF is pleased to welcome two newmembers of its staff: procurementdirector Olenka Welhasch of BerkeleyHeights, New Jersey (r) is a recentgraduate of Penn State University andour summer intern, Joey Sywenkyjwill be starting his senior year at theNew York School of Visual Arts thisfall. Joey and Olenka have becomeinvaluable members of our team, inpreparation for our 26th airlift.

along with guests from our partner hospitals inUkraine, members of our Medical AdvisoryCommittee and key allies from the corporate,government and non-profit sectors. This willbe a unique opportunity to build on the suc-cesses of the past decade, and to address themost critical health challenges facing Ukraineand other emerging democracies. The lives ofthousands of children are at stake. With yourhelp, CCRF looks forward to expanding itsmission, developing new models and localinstitutions that can provide high qualityhealth care for some of the world s neediestchildren. For a registration packet, please call(973)376-5140, or visit our website.

St. John s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Newark hostedan ecumenical service commemorating the 14thAnniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster with pre-sentations from the Newark City Council and Ukraine sPermanent Mission to the United Nations. (Above) TheRev. Bohdan Lukie (center right) welcomes author IreneZabytko, Rev. and CCRF co-founder Dr. ZenonMatkiwsky and Executive Director Alex Kuzma.

In our next edition: In-depth coverage ofCCRF s role in the OPSAIL 2000 Festival andour humanitarian shipment to Sevastopolaboard the Ukrainian naval vessel Slavutych .