The first container of life-sustaining medicine and food that we packed and sent to Ukraine from St. Paul, Minnesota on July 18^th arrived safely in Chernigev, Ukraine on Friday, August 30th. Chernigev is a city of 320,000 which lies 40 miles east of the ill-fated Chernobyl nuclear power station.

On Thursday, September 12 my sister Lydia Bauer and I both spoke with Dr. Vasyl Pasechnik who directs new Children's rehabilitation center called "Revival." He updated us on the arrival of the 20 foot ten ton container. Here are highlights of his discussions with us.

Customs has now released most of the items that we shipped.

All medicines purchased by The Chernobyl Fund (levothyroxine sodium, children's vitamins, cephafexin, erythromycin suspension, children's liquid aceteminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and cough formula were received. These items were within 18 months of expiration date. Customs released it all.

Most medicine which were expired (mostly samples) are being held by the central pharmacy commission. Although our consulting physicians and pharmacists told us they were still effective, they probably won't be released to Dr. Vasyl Pasechnik.

All hospital supplies were received without any problems in customs. This included supplies such as surgical packs, linens, exam gloves, suture, surgical blades, disposable syringes, bandages, and IV kits. Therapeutic toys and art supplies which were almost non-existent in the center were provided in generous quantities. They were happy and excitedly to receive these items.

Although some products were disallowed by Ukrainian Customs, no great financial loss or loss of product was sustained. The disallowed items represented less than two percent of the value of the shipment. The best vitamins, antibiotics and supplies got through.

All 233 boxes of clothing were received. Dr. Pasechnik is organizing a g eneral distribution of clothing those in need.

Lydia Bauer is leaving for Ukraine on October 16 and plans to visit Chernigev. She is in the process of trying to arrange donated cargo space from the airline she is traveling on. She will bring several sorely-needed items with her. Dr. Vasyl Pasechnik told us that they really need soy-based formula for children, children's epilepsy medicine and medication for central nervous system disorders.

We need your help to continue helping the children of Chernigev who are still being affected by the radiation. Our fund as of September 16^th stands at only $231.70. We are able to leverage your donation many times over by purchasing medicine at ten percent of cost. Also, because of our efforts others join in to help fill the container. The Chernobyl Fund actually contributed only $1526.30 to this massive effort. Your tax-deductible donation will go a long way to bring needed medicine and proper food to this area of need.

In the United States you can make a tax-deductible contribution payable to THE CHERNOBYL FUND. Please mail your donation to:

In the United Kingdom, you can send your donation to: