Dear Friend of the Ukrainian Diabetes Project,
“It was the children. I just could not forget the children.” (Quote from Andy Skrypka after her first trip to Ukraine in 1990)
The Ukrainian Diabetes Project celebrates its 20th year of work in Ukraine. To date we have provided for nearly 4246 children with diabetes throughout Ukraine. We are so grateful to you, our donors; both financial and diabetes supply donations. Over the years this has been essential to our success. We thank you for your generous contributions over the years. Here is a brief look of the work that has been done:
- 1990-1992: regions assessed for needs in Kiyiv and Cherkasy
- 1992-1996: clinic/camps in Cherkasy, Chyhyriyn, Kanev, Poltava, Vinnitsa, and Ternopil
- 1997-2009: clinic/camps in Sudok (Crimea) and Kyiv
- 2009-2012: clinic/camps in Kyiv and Kherson
Our initial years were supported through efforts of a non-profit organization, Promoting Enduring Peace. In 1997, the Diabetic Youth Foundation sponsored the UDP. Then in 2005, UDP became its own non-profit organization, operating under a board of directors and volunteers. We have a website at http://www.sonic.net/~udpandy, A presentation of UDP’s work is available for viewing. Annual fund raising events over the years are the main means of our financial support.
From its inception the UDP has collaborated with the Ukrainian medical staff. We have set up clinics/camps and provided a year’s worth of diabetes supplies to every child participating. We have produced a video, brochure, and were featured in Diabetes Forecast Magazine and Channel 7 ‘Salute of the Week’. Over the years the UDP has sponsored diabetic camp exchanges, provided educational training to both children and medical staff, translated and printed diabetes instruction guides and blood glucose logbooks into Ukrainian.
There has been a good deal of improvement over the years in terms of diabetes programs in Ukraine. Programs are now offered by the local Ukrainian medical staff. I would like to think the efforts of the Ukrainian Diabetes Project have played a part.
The UDP typically ships diabetes supplies for up to 300 children annually. The supplies and shipment cost $50,000-$70,000. The supplies include blood testing strips for managing control of daily blood sugar levels, blood testing meters/kits, and low dose syringes that are especially needed by the younger children. UDP obtains supplies at charity rate prices; this keeps the cost to a minimum. Our affiliates in Ukraine continue to distribute the supplies. The staff in Ukraine continues to do a commendable job in operating a summer camp for the diabetic children, teaching clinics with the physicians, nurses and diabetes educators. Camps are offered year round by the locals. The UDP is committed to continue providing supplies and supporting educational services to these children.
For our donors who shop online, please consider doing your shopping through GoodSearch.com. By choosing the Ukrainian Diabetes Project, a percentage of your spending will go to us. There is no charge to you or the UDP for this and can help increase our fundraising efforts.
Twenty years is a milestone for celebration. With your continued financial donation, we look forward to supporting the children of Ukraine for many years to come.
