We Are Stronger Together (Razom Syl’nishi)
We at Razom believe that the best results can be achieved when organizations work together. This is why we not only strive to provide grants to Ukrainian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) but also empower them by sharing best practices, collaborating, and learning from each other.
In May, Razom Relief traveled to Ukraine to be able to do exactly that. We organized a two-day meeting in Lviv for over 60 civil society organizations from across Ukraine to come together.
“The goal of the meeting was to have organizations get to know each other, share their experiences, and create organizational networks across regions,” Anna Solovei, the Director of Razom Relief program, said. “From the start, one of our aims was to build a community of civic organizations, which so far existed only in the common chat where we invite all our grantees.”
During the meeting, partners had a chance to learn nonprofit management best practices from fellow Razom grantees.
Kateryna Lutsyk represented NGO “Zakhyst” from Khmelnystkyi — the organization opened a social space that offers comprehensive support to internally displaced people, including psychological and legal help, housing assistance, and career development. Over the course of a year, the organization supported over 12,000 internally displaced people (IDP), and at the event, Kateryna shared the approaches that helped “Zakhyst” to be effective in their work.
Kateryna Terekhova of IT Troops shared how she used a small grant of less than $30,000 from Razom to efficiently restore an abandoned school into a shelter that can host up to 60 IDPs.
Our friends from Building Ukraine Together (BUR) shared with participants how they work with and engage their volunteers. From 2014 to 2022, the organization has engaged more than 6,000 young people to restore houses with a social purpose and, throughout 2023, hopes to engage 6,000 more volunteers to help rebuild Ukraine. The BUR team also discussed the organization’s brand development and social media strategy.
Nataliia Kidyba, a BUR representative, said that it was amazing to see a huge community of passionate people whom Razom supports.
Kidyba said that the meeting was structured in such a way as to allow each organization to reveal more about themselves so that they could find ways to support each other. During the events, BUR met some of the organizations it had helped previously and received a couple of proposals to work together in the future.
Our partners also participated in two working group events — one based on the organization’s geographic region and the other based on the sphere of work. By getting to know each other, discussing their challenges and solutions, and brainstorming ideas, our partners form networks in Ukraine that help them more efficiently support civilians during the war.
A visual representation of our participants’ feedback from the meeting
For many of our grantees, the meeting was inspiring and led to new ideas and connections. They enjoyed getting to know like-minded people in a cooperative environment.
Andrii Hrushevskyi from the NGO “Tepla Gora Foundation” said he was inspired by the event to increase the organization’s online presence, while Davyd Dzhalagonia from the charitable foundation “Help Group” said he learned how to interact with local government officials efficiently.
Vlad Samoilenko of “Hurkit” shared with Razom that during the event, he established many connections. The organization is able to help others with aid transportation and has agreed to provide humanitarian aid to another Razom grantee — International Development Center “Elpis”.
Several organizations that deliver help to front line areas created a separate chat to coordinate work and help each other.
These are just a few small stories from the meeting. Each connection or shared experience helps organizations become more efficient on the micro-level in their day-to-day operations — creating a big impact together. The results of this event became apparent in June after the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam. Our grantees were very effective in sharing information about the needs and coordinating aid deliveries.
New Poll for Razom/Change Research: Americans Want the US to Stand Up to Russia

Razom Advocacy has released the results of a poll measuring Americans’ attitudes about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the role of the United States in the world, conducted by Change Research this past August. The survey was conducted online between August 10-17, polling 4,190 voters across the country.
The poll found that support for Ukraine among Americans endures, with a majority wanting the U.S. to continue to support Ukraine militarily, until the situation has stabilized and Russia leaves Ukrainian territory entirely. More broadly, the poll found that Americans strongly believe America should stand up for vulnerable, bullied people around the world whose freedom is at risk.
Key Takeaways

Do you support or oppose America continuing military support for Ukraine in next year’s federal budget?
Americans strongly value freedom and believe that America should stand up for vulnerable people whose freedom is at risk. Large majorities agree that countries that bully others will do more damage if they aren’t stopped (83%), that everyone has the right to live in freedom and the U.S. should stand up for that right (83%), and that the U.S. should stand up for vulnerable people and their human rights whenever possible (81%).

Support for policies (% Support)
A majority of Americans want to see Ukraine victorious. 63% support American continuing military support for Ukraine in next year’s federal budget. The majority (59%) of Americans believe we should end financial military support to Ukraine only when the situation has become stable and Russia leaves all Ukrainian territory.
Majorities of voters support American aid to Ukraine so far and are more likely to vote for a candidate who articulates this vision over someone opposed to American aid. When presented with information about the breadth of Ukraine’s achievements in the war, the agreement rate among respondents increases on the question of if American support for Ukraine has been worth it so far.

Support for Statements About Russia’s War in Ukraine (% Agree)
Americans have strong negative feelings about Putin and Russia. 68% recognize that Russia’s actions are genocidal. 63% agree that “we need to defeat (Putin) now.”
Less than 20% of Americans want Ukraine to settle the war now and cede territory to Russia. Voters also oppose setting arbitrary dates for withdrawal of American aid.
Most Americans’ support for Ukraine increases (across parties) when they hear that “winning” is the goal. Although the U.S. has not stated victory as the goal, Americans would prefer to see that the U.S. wants Ukraine to prevail against the invasion and not just to seek a stronger negotiating position.

Support for Statements About Russia’s War in Ukraine (% Agree)
Razom Advocacy is a branch of Razom for Ukraine committed to advancing policy for Ukrainian victory, and to nurturing community engagement across the United States and Ukraine. For more information or with questions, email advocacyteam@razomforukraine.org. This survey is part of a larger research project into public opinion on Russia’s War in Ukraine funded by the Open Society Foundation.
RAZOM Relief Grantee Spotlight: Vaad of Ukraine
After the full-scale invasion in early 2022, Joseph Zissels was evacuating families from the then-occupied Kyiv region and dropping them in shelters for internally displaced people (IDPs).
“I did not like that shelter, as nobody was caring for families there,” Zissels said, noting that all families had severe mental conditions. “They had food, a place to stay, but nothing to do, and were all extremely stressed.”
According to Zissels, about 20% of war-affected civilians develop post-traumatic stress disorder, but timely psychological support significantly reduces the risk.
With over 30 years leading Vaad of Ukraine— the Association of Jewish Organizations and Communities — Joseph used its resources and connections with leading Ukrainian psychological institutions to launch “Recovery During the War.” This initiative provides intensive psychological rehabilitation for women and their children, particularly those who had stayed in occupied territories, endured heavy shelling, or suffered familial losses due to the war.
“Recovery During the War” is a three-week program, offering group and individual therapy for adults and children, art therapy, workshops, and hiking trips. Program sessions take place in a secure setting in the west of Ukraine, accommodating small groups of families.
Every session is unique and adapted to the specific needs of its participants. A week before the start, psychologists receive needed information and arrive at the location earlier to work on the specific program for the coming families.
Since May 2022, “Recovery During the War” has held 56 program sessions and supported 843 families (or almost two thousand individuals). RAZOM Relief provided $100,000 in grants to support seven camps.
The program is continually improving and growing.
In some cases, three weeks of psychological recovery aren’t sufficient. This year, Vaad partnered with psychological institutions to offer an ongoing, free online consultation course after in-person sessions for those who need it.
To manage thousands of requests, the program developed a screening process. Those not needing intense intervention get a “self-support package.” Some families receive online consultations, while those with the greatest needs join in-person sessions. Vaad has also teamed up with 10 qualified psychiatrists to enhance rehabilitation. When therapists deem it necessary, these psychiatrists provide supplementary support.
Following the invasion, the demand for psychological recovery is high in Ukraine. Since the start of the program, 374 psychologists and 56 art therapists have contributed, helping participants and gaining valuable experience for the nation’s ongoing recovery. Vaad constantly organizes seminars and training with international specialists to further develop the skills of psychologists, therapists, and volunteers.
This past August, with the support of RAZOM, the program started a new project-session working with women who suffered conflict-related sexual violence in occupied territories or in captivity.
One participant, Halyna, volunteered to help Ukrainian service persons and orphanages for eight years. Under occupation and fearing for her safety and that of her adopted one-year-old son Sashko, who had cerebral palsy, brain damage, and severe cataracts, she sought refuge in a small village near Kherson, where she would not be recognized as a volunteer.
Despite the risks, Halyna continued humanitarian efforts in the village and coordinated the essential aid delivery from free territories. Her active work led occupiers to capture and torture her.
The local families confirmed she was solely helping children, yet before Russians let Halyna go, they committed sexual violence against her. Following her release, Halyna and her son left the occupied territories still under attack.
“Work(ing) with psychologists was useful — they taught me to look differently at things…This project gave me new strength to live and fight further. I understand there is a lot of work to be done, but there are people ready to help, and I am grateful to them,” Halyna said.
After the program, she will be helping Sashko get on his feet and plans to visit Bakhmut and Kherson to continue supporting Ukrainian civilians and servicepersons.
Natalia, another participant in the session, was trapped with her two children for six months under occupation in the Donetsk region as Russians did not let people leave. She constantly feared for her two children and often did not know how she would feed them, commenting, “If the shell does not kill them, starvation can.”
Natalia said her children had heavy, adult-like questions and thoughts following the occupation. While in the program, they had a chance to work through their trauma with qualified child therapists.
It also became a space for Natalia to connect with understanding individuals.
“People who did not go through it do not know what was happening to us [in the occupied territories]. But here, in the program, everybody has their own similar story — all somewhat different, but equally painful.”
The program helped Natalia to improve her sleep and calm down. She discovered comfort in fabric drawing and intends to continue the practice post-session.
Joseph Zissels is compassionate and philosophical saying, “Life constantly gets harder [in Ukraine], and we must adapt. We make our program more complex to address the need.”
The psychological rehabilitation program is vital for the functioning of Ukrainian society during and after the war. There are thousands more people on Vaad’s waitlist and it constantly grows.
To increase capabilities, the program needs more funding and support, which is only possible with your help. Please donate to RAZOM today.
Razom For Ukraine Announces New Advocacy Advisory Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 6, 2023
Contact:
Nana Gongadze, Head of Advocacy Communications
nana.gongadze@razomforukraine.org
Razom For Ukraine Announces New Advocacy Advisory Board
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Razom Advocacy, a program of Razom for Ukraine committed to advancing Ukrainian victory, announces the formation of a new advisory board. Composed of experienced leaders, the advisory board will guide the Razom Advocacy team as it seeks to ensure that Ukraine receives the tools it needs for a swift victory.
“Bipartisan American support for Ukraine is a hallmark of US foreign policy and will remain so. Razom for Ukraine is fully committed to ensuring that Ukraine gets all of the resources it needs to defend itself. We are grateful to the top policymakers, experts, and executives who have joined Razom Advocracy’s advisory board,” said Mariya Soroka, Vice President for Advocacy at Razom for Ukraine.
Established in the United States in 2014, Razom strives to create a more democratic and prosperous Ukraine. Razom Advocacy was created in March 2022 as part of Razom’s response to Russia’s full-scale invasion. Since then, Razom has raised more than $100 million for emergency relief and psychological assistance to Ukrainian civilians, supplies and generators for medical facilities, tactical medicine and communications gear for the armed forces, and support for Ukrainian cultural projects.
The Razom Advocacy Advisory Board includes the following members:
Dr. Anders Åslund, Senior Fellow at the Stockholm Free World Forum for Global Affairs
Ambassador Paula Dobriansky, Former U.S. Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Metropolitan-Archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia
Victor J. Herlinsky, Jr., Attorney, Sills, Cummis & Gross
Yevhen Hlibovytsky, Partner, Pro.Mova Consulting
Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges (ret.), Former Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe
The Honorable Tom Malinowski, Former Representative for New Jersey’s 7th District, U.S. House of Representatives
Oleksandra Matviichuk, Head, Center for Civil Liberties & 2022 Nobel Laureate
Nate Mook, Former CEO, World Central Kitchen
Nataliya Popovych, Founder & President, One Philosophy & WeAreUkraine
Christina Walsh, Senior Director of Activism and Coalitions, Institute for Justice
Diane Zeleny, Head of External Affairs, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
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For media inquiries or other questions, Nana Gongadze at nana.gongadze@razomforukraine.org. Razom (“together” in Ukrainian) is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to helping build a more democratic and prosperous Ukraine. More information is available at RazomForUkraine.org.
Faces of Freedom: Uniting for Ukraine
This year to honor the Ukrainian Independence Day on August 24th, Razom has launched a celebration of the incredible freedom fighters within our community. From dedicated delivery drivers in Ukraine to passionate volunteers in New York, behind every face is an inspiring story about freedom which we are excited to share and encourage you to create your own.
Meet the Razom Ukraine Response Initiative team! They assist externally displaced Ukrainians in the New York area with everything they need to gain a sense of normalcy after being forced to flee Ukraine because of russia’s full scale invasion. They provide vital support, including legal consultations, clothing and food distributions, and medical services, such as flu vaccines. And they do all that with a big smile! It takes a lot of care to help the displaced Ukrainians – many of them fled their homes in places like Mariupol and Kharkiv with just a backpack and came to New York, where they know no one and are often faced with challenges such as health problems and difficulty finding a job to provide for their families. But the Ukraine Response Initiative doesn’t only provide material help. They also provide a much-needed sense of community. Many of the recipients of the Initiative’s aid also become volunteers to help other Ukrainians. Because together – we are Ukraine.










We’re honored to feature Texas Congressman and Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Michael McCaul, among our Faces Of Freedom. He emphasizes the importance of supporting Ukraine: “Supporting Ukraine and standing up to unprovoked aggression that violates sovereignty and territorial integrity is in the U.S. and free world’s interest, especially with China closely watching the world’s response to Russia’s full-scale invasion. Razom is critical in keeping up this support by educating the American people on why a victory for Ukraine is imperative.”

We thank Mr. McCaul for the kind words and for all his support of Ukraine! We thank ALL of Congress for its unwavering and crucial support of Ukraine not only over the last year and a half, but the last 32+ years. It’s amazing to walk down the halls of Congress, as the Razom Advocacy team often does, and see so many signs of support for Ukraine – from Ukrainian flags to “We stand with Ukraine” posters.








The day before Ukrainian Independence Day, Razom’s team presented the results of the Razom Heroes program at a press conference in Kyiv. We were thrilled to share that $45 million worth of aid was provided to Ukraine’s defenders through this project. Razom has delivered over 15,000 radios right into the hands of the defenders and helped evacuate over 1,300 injured soldiers from the frontlines on medical vehicles. Razom has also delivered hundreds of tons of tactical medicine, medical equipment and medicine, thousands of drones, walkie-talkies, radios, generators, portable charging stations and other supplies to Ukrainian defenders, emergency services, hospitals and clinics. To celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day and thank the brave defenders of Ukraine, the Razom Heroes team hosted an impactful meeting with many of the recipients of Razom’s aid from the frontlines. We were so happy to have so many of our partners and friends in one room!

In honor of Ukrainian Independence Day, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskiy held an award ceremony to recognize the “National Legends of Ukraine”. One such is Dr. Andriy Sirko, the head of the neurosurgery department at Mechnikov Hospital in Dnipro. Aside from being a talented and skilled neurosurgeon, Razom is proud to call Dr. Sirko a partner in our Co-Pilot Project. Just recently, three American neurosurgeons travelled to Ukraine to support Dr. Sirko’s department through the Co-Pilot project. Additionally, Razom shipped 21 pallets of donated neurosurgery supplies to the frontline hospital. We are grateful to Dr. Sirko for his incredible work! We thank all the doctors, surgeons, nurses, medical workers and professionals working to bring Ukrainian victory closer every day!





Faces Of Freedom would not be full without one of our largest programs – Razom Relief and all its amazing partners. In 2022, Razom Relief team provided $5MM in grants to a network of 123 volunteer organizations in Ukraine that help local communities. The impact of this work is vast. Among other aid, these organizations distributed 221,458 food packages to people in need, evacuated 9,640 people, renovated 91 buildings including 11 shelters, and supported 18 shelters that provided 2,375 sleeping places. Surely, the people behind these organizations, some of which are pictured in here, are real Faces of Freedom. We asked a few of them what freedom meant to them. Read their responses and get inspired to continue working together for Ukraine.
Finally, we are excited to share a very special video with you – the video that marked the finale of our Faces Of Freedom campaign. As the Ukrainian community gathered for an Independence Walk (organized by Svitanok) starting at Washington Square Park (NYC) on the Ukrainian Independence Day, we set up a photo booth where we asked the participants what “freedom” meant to them. Their words are felt deep and touch our hearts.
We thank the filmmaker Polina Buchak and photographer Irynka Hromotska for making this project come to life. You’re an incredible creative duo and we’re so happy to have you as part of our community.
We thank all of you, who are not mentioned here, but feel for Ukraine, support Ukraine, and do a lot to contribute to Ukraine’s freedom. YOU are, too, the faces of freedom. Thank you!
Anton Ptushkin and Razom Heroes Host Fundraiser for Mobile Shower Units
Razom together with the famous Ukrainian travel blogger Anton Ptushkin, held a fundraiser in the United States to purchase 10 mobile bath and laundry complexes for the defenders of Ukraine on the front lines.
The fundraiser included two charity meetings with Anton Ptushkin in New York, which drew over 300 attendees, as well as an online auction where people could purchase valuable commemorative items to support the defenders of Ukraine.

Some of the items up for auction included:
- A flag with the signatures of three Ukrainian generals — Zaluzhny, Syrsky, and Pavlyuk — which sold for $6,900.
- A copy of Time magazine with Valery Zaluzhny on the cover and his autograph, which sold for $5,600.
- A baseball bat signed by members of the New York Yankees baseball team, which sold for $3,700.
- A bracelet with the “Azovstal” logo and the signature of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, which sold for $2,600.
- Chevrons with the image of Patron the Dog, the hero dog who helped detect landmines in Ukraine, which sold for $3,700.

“Before I came to the United States, I tried to raise funds for one bath and laundry complex through my social media in Ukraine,” said Anton Ptushkin. “I was surprised to raise the money we needed in just two hours, and I raised the money for the second complex just within a day. This showed me that Ukrainians are willing to donate to humanitarian items for the military. However, people in Ukraine are also willing to donate to weapons and drones, while American people are more cautious about donating to these things and prefer to donate to humanitarian items. This is why I decided to try to raise money for mobile bath and laundry complexes in the United States. We did our first fundraiser and it was a success, so we decided to continue.”
Ptushkin also said that he chose New York as the starting point for the fundraiser because there is a large Ukrainian diaspora in the city. Jason Birchard, an owner of famous New York restaurant Veselka, generously donated $20,000 from his Stand With Ukraine Fund to the event.
Overall, the fundraiser raised $200,000, which will be used to purchase 10 mobile bath and laundry complexes. The showers are currently being manufactured near Kyiv and will soon be delivered to the front lines.

“It’s great to see that people from all over the world are coming together to support Ukraine,” said Olya Yarichkivska, one of the founders of the Razom foundation and the head of the Razom Heroes program in the United States.
“The money raised from this fundraiser will provide our defenders with much-needed bathing and laundry facilities, which are essential in this hot weather. We will continue to do everything we can to support Ukraine and its defenders.”
The Razom Heroes program is one of the many initiatives of the Razom foundation and the “Together for Ukraine” non-profit that are providing vital assistance to the defenders of Ukraine.
The program has already provided the frontline with over 130,000 tactical first aid kits, 3,000 combat medic backpacks, 100 pickup trucks/evacuation vehicles, 2,000 drones, walkie-talkies, repeaters, generators, starlinks, and other essential items for victory.

Razom is a presenting partner on the US theatrical release of 20 Days in Mariupol
A BRAVE, VISCERAL, MERCILESS MASTERPIECE… FEELS LIKE A CINEMATIC SIEGE OF THE SOUL.
Ed Vulliamy, The Guardian
Razom is proud to be a presenting partner with PBS Frontline and the Associated Press on the US theatrical release of the award-winning Ukrainian documentary “20 Days In Mariupol,” directed by the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and filmmaker, Mstyslav Chernov. Earlier this year, the film won the audience award at the Sundance Film Festival.

The documentary follows an AP team of Ukrainian journalists who were trapped in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol during the first weeks of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The film documents their struggle to continue their work documenting Russian atrocities. As the only international reporters who remained in the city, they captured what later became defining images of the war: dying children, mass graves, the bombing of a maternity hospital, and more.
Our own Polina Buchak and Christopher Atwood helped coordinate the screenings with PBS Frontline. After a packed pre-release private screening, Polina Buchak moderated a conversation with director Mstyslav Chernov. The two spoke about how and when his reporting shifted into documenting the invasion of the city. Mstyslav spoke about how he navigates being a journalist, filmmaker, and, most importantly, Ukrainian while documenting the brutal invasion of Mariupol.

Razom co-presented the sold-out first screenings of the film, on July 14th-16th in New York, together with the Ukrainian Institute of America and PEN America. We are proud to have connected the film to our extensive network of organizations and activists around the film to promote the screenings in cities around the country. We want to thank Film Forum for supporting Ukrainian storytelling as well as our friends at the Ukrainian Institute of America and PEN America for helping us amplify and raise awareness about the documentary. In fact, the film has proven so popular that its New York screening run at Film Forum has been extended until August 3rd.

We encourage you to help us continue to make noise and spread the word on social media and find tickets to a screening near you via 20daysinmariupol.com. Keep in mind that screening dates can be extended, so always double-check with your local theater. And remember to tag the filmmakers while you’re making noise online, so they can feel your support!
Info Sheet: Russia’s Forced Deportation of Ukrainian Children
Statement on NATO Summit and Proposed Amendment to Ban the Transfer of Cluster Munitions
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In 2018 we’re planning to cover expenses for 30 teams (6 people per team) at Oblast STEM competitions.
Total Budget is $4500
Director, writer and cinematographer with three completed award-winning shorts as well as a feature documentary in post-production. After starting his filmmaker career at 2009, Ruslan brings his skills in project management, process analysis and systems models (received during obtaining MA in cybernetics 2003-2008) and applies them to the creative thinking and artistic thought-processes of film. He also holds BA in Film and Television directing (from the Kyiv National University of theatre, cinema and television by Karpenko-Karyi).
“A chance to participate in The Co-Pilot project it’s an amazing opportunity to help others and to tell the story that will engage and inspire people around the world”
We are gearing up for our 2017 Mission trip. It’ll be a 3-month adventure during which we plan to work with neurosurgeons from several centers from all around the country. Dr.Tomycz has also been invited to deliver an address at the annual Ukrainian Neurosurgery Conference 2017 in Kharkiv.
May 20: arrive in Kyiv, Ukraine
May 22-26: meet with area surgeons at participating centers
May 29- June 9: two week master class with Igor Kurilets MD at the International Neurosurgery Center
June 12-13: Visit to Medical Institute of Sumy State University
June 14-16: Ukrainian Neurosurgery Conference 2017 in Kharkiv
June 19-23: one week course and master class operating in complex spine and craniocervical with Ukrainian spinal surgeons and trainees from Romadanov Institute and International Neurosurgery Center
June 24-July 7: Come back to United States for two weeks
July 10-21: two week master class with Dr. Schlegov at the Neurovascular Institute
July 24-August 4: two week master class in pediatric neurosurgery with surgeons at Lviv Children’s Hospital
August 5-18: travel to out-lying centers of excellence (Stryii, Ivano-Frankivsk, Odesa)
August 21-31: operate with surgeons at Central Military Hospital and International Neurosurgery Center in Kyiv
September 15: leave Ukraine for United States
The best way to train surgeons is by providing hands-on mentorship and assistance in the operating room. One of the primary goals of the Co-Pilot Project is the continued recruitment of high quality surgeons from United States and Canada to spend time with Ukrainian counterparts, consulting on patients and performing procedures.
Surgical Mentors traveling to Ukraine
- Jefferson Miley, MD – neurointerventionalist
- Jonathan Forbes, MD – skull base neurosurgeon
- Matthew Geck, MD – orthopedic spine surgeon
Not all of the healthcare volunteers will be able to travel to Ukraine but they still will play an important role from home. Utilizing contemporary technology, including live streaming of surgeries and communication via social media the medical support staff will advice and mentor Ukrainian neurosurgeons as they confront difficult cases.
Medical Support Staff
- Bido Patel, MD – neuroradiologist
- Chandra Krishnan, MD – neuropathologist
- Ginger Harrod, MD – neuro-oncologist
Advisory Staff
- Tim George, MD – pediatric neurosurgeon
- Jim Rose, MD – vascular neurosurgeon
- Ryan Murdoch, MD – orthopedic spine surgeon
- Patrick Combs, MD – craniofacial surgeon
- Nestor Tomycz, MD – functional neurosurgeon
- Aaron Stayman, MD – vascular neurologist
- Jim Rutka – pediatric neurosurgeon
- Ben Warf – pediatric neurosurgeon
Since our exploratory trip in 2016 we have identified a cohort of motivated and talented surgeons who are hungry for additional instruction and eager for collaboration.
- Igor Kurilets, MD (International Neurosurgery Center)
- Ivan Protsenko, MD (Romadanov Institute)
- Kostiantyn Kostiuk, MD (Romadanov Institute)
- Vitali Ganjuk, MD (Central Military Hospital, Kyiv)
- Taras Mykytyn, MD (Lviv Children’s Hospital)
- Dmytro Shcheglov, MD (Neurovascular Institute)
Dr. Luke Tomycz is the newest addition to the pediatric neurosurgical team at Dell Children’s Medical Center. Dr. Tomycz finished first in his high school class of over 200 students and attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, MA where he double-majored in biology and chemical engineering. He accepted the prestigious Dean’s Full-Tuition Scholarship to attend medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where he first developed an interest in neurosurgery. After medical school, he began his formal neurosurgical training at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN where he trained under the late Noel Tulipan, MD, a pioneer in fetal neurosurgery for myelomeningocele. During his seven-year residency, he spent two years obtaining an in-folded fellowship in endovascular surgery, becoming proficient in the treatment of aneurysms, AVMs, Moya-Moya syndrome, and complex dural AV fistulae of adults and children. After this, Dr. Tomycz spent an additional year at Seattle Children’s Hospital performing a large volume of complex epilepsy surgery with Jeff Ojemann, MD. Following an exhaustive job search, Dr.Tomycz was attracted to Austin as the city was in the process of launching a new medical school at the University of Texas.
Dr. Tomycz specializes in all aspects of pediatric neurosurgery including brain tumors, epilepsy, Chiari malformation, tethered cord syndrome, CSF shunting, and intracranial endoscopy. As one of the only dual-trained, pediatric and endovascular neurosurgeons in the country, he is particularly interested in Moya-Moya, brain aneurysms and AVMs, arteriovenous fistulae, and other complex neurovascular disorders in children as well as adults. His research interests include the use of engineering innovations to improve treatments for hydrocephalus and he has published on a wide variety of neurosurgical topics. Outside the operating room, Dr. Tomycz enjoys playing guitar and hiking in the mountains. He has travelled extensively to perform neurosurgery and take part in short-term medical mission work – in Cuba, Kenya, Honduras, Ecuador, and Ukraine.
Dr. Tomycz grew up with four grandparents who told stories of their youth and taught their grandchildren the language of their homeland – Ukraine. His parents were both born in refugee camps following the second world war, and came to this country in the early 1950s with virtually nothing. His father excelled in academics and went into medicine, and both Luke and his brother Nestor followed suit, pursuing a career in neurosurgery. During a long period of study and training that lasted more than 15 years, Luke resolved to return to the homeland of his grandparents and provide the kind of high quality care that children receive in the United States.
In 2014 at the peak of protests in the Maidan, Mariya joined several fellow Ukrainians living in New York City to create Razom, a young, energetic, and progressive start-up which seeks to amplify the voice of Ukraine to an American audience. An active member of the board, she is responsible for organizing cultural events as well as cooperating with government representatives, activists, and various civic groups and human rights organizations in support of Ukraine’s quest for democracy.
CPP info
Mariya is also heavily involved with fundraising for Razom’s projects via crowdsourcing, charity events, and online petitions. After graduating from Penn State University with a BA in Advertising and Public Relations and a dual minor in Entrepreneurship and International Studies, Mariya spent over 5 years in Manhattan working within the content marketing industry. She believes in the enormous potential of dedicated volunteers around the world working to rebuild Ukraine one project at a time.
Mariana Magala was born in Lviv, Ukraine. She graduated from The University of Chicago in 2013 and holds a B.A. in Economics and Slavic Languages and Literature. Currently, Mariana is a Strategic Analytics Manager at Interline Brands (subsidiary of The Home Depot) in Jacksonville, Florida. She specializes in analytics, business strategy, and nonprofit development. Mariana was the co-chair of a pro-bono consulting group for nonprofits in Chicago for 3 years and is currently the treasurer for a young professionals group at MOSH (Museum of Science and History in Jacksonville).
Mariana joined Razom’s Neurosurgical initiative in 2016. She is very excited to collaborate with the team and develop the initiative into a highly successful program.