Let's Remember Chornobyl

On April 26, 1986, Ukraine and the Earth endured the worst nuclear disaster in history, a disaster which spewed out radioactive fallout many times that of the Hiroshima atomic bomb. Two decades have passed, and the effects of this disaster have not only continued but increased. In fact, hundreds of thousands of people, mostly children, are still suffering physical and psychological disorders. Two such children, twins Serhiy and Iryna, were born on June 15, 1994. Their mother was 5 years old and their father was 11 years old in 1986 during the nuclear accident. The parents were healthy at the time of the twins’ birth. The twins were born premature at 32 weeks gestation. They have had recurrent infections and show retarded development with cerebral paralysis. Serhiy and Iryna are but two examples. The United States National Academy of Science says the highest incidence of cancer is expected to occur over the next 5-10 years, so we have yet to determine the overall impact of this disaster.

In November of 1989, the Children of Chornobyl Relief and Development Fund was created. This organization has made over 30 airlifts of food and medical supplies to the area since its inception. More information about the efforts of this organization can be found at their website, www.childrenofchornobyl.org. The United Ukrainian Organization of Ohio, www.clevelanduzo.com, has created The Tremont Walk for Chornobyl organization to raise money for the affected children. The Tremont Walk for Chornobyl will take place on September 29, 2007.

The Tremont Walk for Chornobyl committee is asking for your help with this event. We have enclosed a sponsorship registration form and a description of each level of sponsorship. All funds raised through sponsorship will be used to cover the expenses of the Tremont Walk. The money raised by the walkers and any surplus money from the sponsors will be donated to the Children of Chornobyl Relief and Development Fund. All members of the committee have donated their time and are committed to maximizing the amount of our donation. We are very grateful for your consideration of this charitable cause.

Sincerely,

Matthew Zappernick
Chairman, Tremont Walk for Chornobyl
980 Hamilton Dr. Broadview Hts, OH 44147
www.tremontwalkforchornobyl.org