Travelogue October 2026: From Warsaw to Uzhhorod

Dear supporters and friends of Heart&Art Ukraine,

Having returned from my October trip to Poland and Ukraine, I would like to share my experiences with you:

Monday, October 19:

Breakfast in Budapest with Bill Hayes, founder of “Mission for Ukraine.” We travelled together for four hours to Uzhhorod (Ukraine), where we met with Dr. Yuri Yatsyna, the director of the Transcarpathian Regional Hospital; Miroslav Lavrink, head of the prosthetic team; and Dr. Olena Kubay, chief physician of the ophthalmology department. After a tour of the hospital, it became clear that the 160-year-old building is in dire need of renovation and that modern medical equipment is urgently required. While the Ministry of Health covers ongoing operating costs, there is no funding available for renovations or modernization. Every Friday, the hospital admits new war casualties arriving by train from the conflict zones.

We met Karol Kras, a young Polish man living in Ukraine who speaks Polish, Ukrainian, and English. He serves as a driver, translator, facilitator, and networker—and has been by Bill’s side since his very first visit to Poland.

Tuesday, October 20:

Together with Karol, we travelled to Mukachevo to visit the Transcarpathian Regional Pediatric Hospital, where we met with the director, Dr. Yuri Demyan, and his team. Dr. Demyan also manages the nearby military hospital, which we were permitted to visit—though photography was strictly prohibited. Dr. Demyan performs surgeries at the pediatric hospital from morning until midday, and then continues his work at the military hospital, often until late at night. Here, too, the buildings date back to the Austro-Hungarian era, and the medical equipment is from the 1940s. These two hospitals are also funded by the Ministry of Health; however, there is a lack of funds for renovations and modern equipment.

We were fortunate enough to meet Dr. Andrew Bauder from the Penn Center for Global Health, who happened to be at the facility as part of his mission.

https://www.directrelief.org/2026/01/medicine-in-its-purest-form-saving-limbs-in-ukraines-hospitals/

We learned more about his work with the severely wounded and his efforts to prevent the need for amputations. Dr. Bauder provides training to Ukrainian doctors—both on-site and at the Penn Center.

Bill and I said goodbye to Karol, travelled back to Budapest, and flew to Warsaw that evening.

We visited the “Love Does” school and met with its directors: Maciek, Iga, and Estera. We also had lunch with two scholarship recipients who have successfully enrolled at the Warsaw University of Technology (WUT).

Existing initiatives, such as the “Kids-Lunch” program and scholarship funding, will continue to be supported. Plans for expanding the school were discussed, though they are still in the very early stages.

In the afternoon, we were welcomed by Liliia, Leszek, and Svitlana at “SolNest.” The range of activities and services offered continues to grow, and they are well-attended and highly valued by people of all ages. Classes in art, language, and cooking—along with singing, theater, music, yoga, and more—provide a welcome change of pace and makes the learning process easier.

Svitlana’s media classes are now attended not only by teenagers but also by interested adults. There is tremendous interest in learning how to distinguish genuine information from “fake news” and propaganda. SolNest is visited by approximately 400 people each month and is fully funded—including Svitlana’s media classes—by Heart&Art Ukraine.

Over dinner, we met Damian Duda and Justyna Gotowicz, who serve as volunteer frontline medics. Their accounts of working in the war zone are almost too difficult to bear. We arranged to meet them at their headquarters on Friday.

Thursday, October 22:

We met Jana and Aleksander at SolNest for an interview with Bill. Although I am very familiar with the origin story of “Mission for Ukraine,” Bill’s account moved and inspired me once again.

And the children in the “Magic Kitchen” are again busy at work!

After lunch with Annemarie van Langedonck—formerly of Life Polska and now a staff member at the Warsaw Security Forum (WSF)—we visited Lyudmyla Galchun in a ballet studio, where 16 young ballet students receive additional training. Three of these ballerinas are being coached by Stella for international competitions. Heart&Art Ukraine covers the rent for the studio, as well as travel expenses, competition entry fees, and costumes for these three students. We also continue to support the workshops that Lyudmyla leads for families and seniors at the POLIN Museum.

This winter, Annemarie will once again travel to Kyiv, bringing warm clothing, generators, childcare supplies, and Christmas gifts.

Friday, October 23:

At 9:00 a.m., we arrived to meet with frontline medics Damian, Justyna, and Arthur. The quarters provide space for the training of 25 volunteers. It will provide education in the use of drone detectors, the construction of underground shelters for the injured, navigating hostile environments as safely as possible, transporting the severely wounded, and providing first aid. The volunteer group “Fundacja W MIEDZYCZASIE” has 45 members. Some have been wounded in the line of duty, but none have been killed. We pray that it stays that way!

“Fundacja W MIEDZYCZASIE” receives monthly support from Heart&Art Ukraine.

In the afternoon, we met with Agnieszka and Aneta from “Happy Kids” in Warsaw. The update on the planned day center for Polish and Ukrainian orphans—including those with disabilities—is extremely positive! Approval for the renovation has been granted, an architect has been secured, and the authorities are providing the building rent-free for ten years. If everything continues according to plan, the project could be inaugurated next February. Fingers crossed! Heart&Art Ukraine will cover the renovation costs, while the annual operating expenses will be met by various foundations—though this will still require a significant amount of fundraising effort. The day center will offer psychological and physical therapy, tutoring, medical support, and communal spaces for 25 children.

In summary:

• All existing projects in Warsaw are progressing to our satisfaction and are funded for the next three years.

• The institutions we visited in Uzhhorod and Mukachevo require substantial investment, totaling approximately 3 million euros. The formal applications and cost breakdowns are available.

I have endeavored to keep this report as concise and informative as possible. Please feel free to reach out if you require any further information. Our website can be visited at https://heart-art-ukraine.com.

With warm regards, I wish everyone good health and peace,

Majo Fruithof Humer