Inna, a single mother and director of a school in Ukraine, fled the violence of the onset of war in 2022with her young daughter, Kira. My grandmother in Białystok welcomed them into her home, offering warmth and safety when they needed it most, while Inna helped take care of her. Over Facetime, I bore witness to how history repeats, and how kindness can ripple across generations - ultimately inspiring me to publish my grandmother's experience surviving WWII with a call to end not only the war in Ukraine, but all wars in the world.
Years later, Inna wrote: "We wholeheartedly wish to thank Ms. Iza and her dear Grandma—people with truly big hearts. You welcomed strangers like family. You gave us warmth, security, and a sense of home. We sincerely love you and your family. We always remember you with great warmth and gratitude, which will remain with us forever."
The love and gratitude from Inna carries the same resonance as the kindness my babcia received decades ago.
Now, Inna faces new challenges. She has lost her job in Ukraine, and her mother is undergoing cancer treatment in Norway. Inna dreams of bringing her daughters to visit their grandmother, giving them a break from the war and a chance to regroup, replenish and find hope during a daunting time.
The funds raised will help cover transportation and travel costs, and supplement the loss of income as Inna supports her family through these uncertain times. Please help us continue the arc of kindness and give Inna and her daughters the safety and hope they deserve.
The funds will be allocated to me, Isabella Skrypczak, based in the United States. I will then send them to Inna Kovalevich who resides in Kolomyya. Funds will be used for the following, which donors will be updated with for accountability and transparency:
Round-Trip Transportation from Kolomyya to Poland (Rzeszow or Krakow, depending on most economical flights)
Round-Trip Flights from Poland (Krakow or Rzeszow) to Norway
Travel Costs while in Norway
Supplement Inna's living expenses for three months (housing, food, utilities) while in Kolomyya while she finds another job
I write more about Inna and her family here:
Kindness is a Force that Bends History
You can view a previous fundraiser I have raised here.
Each dollar counts, and we thank you for donating anything you can, as it truly goes a long way.
With gratitude,
Iza on behalf of Inna