Separated In Ukraine: Northbrook Couple Assists Family Overseas

NORTHBROOK, IL — More than 8,000 miles away from the North Shore, war rages on in Ukraine. A Northbrook couple is especially concerned about the conflict, as they have family members fighting for their survival.

Matt Basinger told Patch that his brother-in-law and his family have "been separated and traumatized by the war." Volodymyr Boikov, and his oldest son, Vlad, 20, remain in Kyiv, Ukraine, while his younger son, Artem, 8, and his wife, Natalia, have fled the country to Poland.

Basinger's wife, also named Natalia, is a native of Kyiv. Matt and Natalia have three children of their own, living in Northbrook.

Matt Basinger said the family had to flee the north side of Kyiv when the war broke out with no warning or time to pack. Because Volodymyr and Vlad are of fighting age and male, they are not allowed to leave the country. Meanwhile, Natalia and Artem fled Ukraine via train.

"They are currently in Poland, with only the clothes on their backs. We are raising money to help with their living expenses, including housing, food, clothing, and other necessities needed to start a new life," Basinger said. "They are exhausted, scared, traumatized by war and now separated from their immediate family."

Basinger and his wife started a GoFundMe campaign earlier this week to help their family. As of Wednesday morning, they have raised over $12,000 of a $20,000 goal.

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.

Basinger said every dollar raised will be transferred directly to his sister-in-law and nephew.

"It will pay for an apartment. It will feed them. It will clothe them. Thank you, and please pray for the brave freedom-loving people of Ukraine," Basinger said.

To learn more about the GoFundMe campaign and make a donation, go here.