Dear Friends,
All of you have seen the tragic events in Ukraine, my homeland (I was born and raised in Odessa), the unfolding devastation is unthinkable. My mom and dad are still there and I ask that you please pray for their safety, as tomorrow is uncertain. As I look at my 11-month-old son, my heart especially breaks for babies born in a bomb shelter as delivery rooms and NICUs are now located underground… All this suffering is unimaginable.
In an effort to help we organized a drive for donations of humanitarian and medical support items. It is called “NADIYA” — which means “HOPE” in Ukrainian.
The most immediate need in Ukraine is the severe shortage of medical supplies, especially items for trauma and injury care and we are focusing a large effort on this specific need. We are working tirelessly around the clock to procure these supplies and organize and fund their efficient and urgent delivery to the distribution centers on the ground in Ukraine. We are also collecting items for those who have just lost everything and have been displaced.
AEI’s Dr. Svetlana Pilyugina on ABC News Discussing Humanitarian Relief Efforts to Help Ukraine
We are astounded and humbled by the incredible outpouring of support from our patients and doctors in response to this call for help! Our team has already sent two (!!) 26-foot trucks of humanitarian aid (crew and transport to the processing centers were generously donated by the Total Corporate Solutions Company).
A team of volunteers has sorted and counted and prepared your donations for shipment and the first aircraft of donations has already arrived at the Ukraine/Poland border.
We have secured over 30 pallets of supplies waiting to be transported, and the collection continues.
In this effort we have teamed up with the Ukrainian Culture Center of Los Angeles, Ukrainian Shipping company Meest, Redcaboose Co, and are fortunate to have the support of Los Angeles Mission, United Rescue Mission, and other organizations who have stepped up to help to scale our operations.
In doing this work, we are witnessing the best of humanity – and the power of people coming together to help other people in crisis.
Thank you for your incredible support from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of Ukraine 🇺🇦
Svetlana “Dr P” Pilyugina and the AGEI Team
| HOW YOU CAN HELP: 1) Cash Donations: Your gift will be used to procure and transport urgently needed medical supplies. To make a contribution CLICK HERE. You can also send a check or money order made to Assil Gaur Eye Institute with a memo “for Ukraine Relief Fund”. Cash donations can be made in person at our office as well. If you wish to make a contribution via a 501c3 tax-deductible account, please contact us here: email link. 2)Humanitarian and medical support items. Due to the significant cost of air transport, only the priority items listed below are accepted. We cannot accept any used clothes at this time. Some requested priority items are: MEDICAL SUPPLIES even expired (please bring in a container labeled “medical” separate from other items): Hemostatic tourniquets** Topical hemostatic agents/dressing** Tourniquet for critical bleeding (CAT or SICH)** Tourniquet for pelvis injury with inflatable cuffs Bandages 4”6”12”** Safety Scissors Compressive bandages** Hemostatic bandages Hemostatic sponges IV starter kits Abdominal Pads Airway Kit Butterfly strips Syringes/Needles Cervical collar CPR Masks Emergency blankets Chest seal with and without valve Burn dressing of all sizes Halo Chest Seal Gloves sterile and non-sterile (Size L requested) SAM Universal Splint Disposable scalpels Sterile 4×4 sponges Stainless steel Hemostats Sutures IV Catheters 18 , 20, 22 G Decompression needles any and all medical supplies are accepted, even if not on the list MEDICATIONS: Ibuprofen Tylenol Broad Spectrum Antibiotics Triple Antibiotic Ointment** Diarrhea Medications Analgesics IV Solutions FOOD: MRE Canned goods (preferably with pull tab) Non-perishables:grains, rice, beans, pasta Protein/energy bars/snickers Electrolyte packs Meat Jerky Instant/ground coffee/tea in bags (no coffee beans, please) Quick cook/instant packages CLOTHES (USED CLOTHES NOT ACCEPTED at this time) Large socks Warm outerwear (size L preferred) Fleece Jackets Tactical pants Gloves Thermals Camouflage Uniforms Men’s Boots size 11 and up Scrubs CHILDCARE: Formula Hypoallergenic formula Baby food Bottles Pampers of all sizes Diaper rash cream Wipes Antiseptic Childrens’ liquid Tylenol/Benadryl/ Ibuprofen/Cough Syrup Female Hygiene products EQUIPMENT: Canes Crutches Wheel Chairs Medical Backpacks First Aid Kit bags Walkie-Talkies 5w signal Kevlar plates Kevlar Vests protection Standard IV SURVIVAL ITEMS/TOOLS: Sleeping bags Garbage bags Sleeping pads Folding/protable beds Tents Flashlights Head Lamps Screwdrivers Duct Tape Wrenches Wire Sandbags (empty) Donation Drop Off Locations There are several locations at which donated items can be dropped off. They are: Assil Gaur Eye Institute (7:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday – Friday) 450 N Roxbury Drive 3rd Floor Beverly Hills CA 90210 310-651-2300 Assil Gaur Eye Institute (7:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday – Friday) 2222 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 107 Santa Monica CA 90404 310-382-5050 St. Andrews Ukrainian Orthodox Church (10 am to 10 pm Daily) 1456 Sutherland St. Los Angeles, CA 90026 18125 Napa St. (8 am to 9 pm Daily) Northridge, CA 91325 (747) 333-7165 (Jenia) (818) 471-8111 (Nico)  |
As a member of an elite group of only 3000 retina-vitreous specialists in the United States, Stanford trained Dr. Pilyugina brings to AGEI a unique skill set in the treatment and surgery of retinal disease. Her academic credentials include numerous research papers, conference presentations, medical publications, and clinical trials.
In recognition of her expertise, Dr. Pilyugina was asked to serve as Chief Editor for New Retinal Physician, a supplement published by the Retinal Physician Journal.
