Ukrainian Family Flees War-Torn Country, Escapes To Rockville

ROCKVILLE, MD — A Ukrainian family in Montgomery County is among the millions of refugees who've recently fled their homes as Russian soldiers continue their attempt to gain total control of the war-torn country.

Sergii Bodak, his wife and two young sons fled their home in Kyiv two days after Russia invaded Ukraine.

While many Ukrainians have sought refuge in countries like Poland, Romania and Moldova, Bodak said he and his family were fortunate enough to make it to the United States.

This was only possible because of a prior ten-year tourist visa, FOX 5 reported.

"We are grateful for some many things – to have made it safely to America and to have found a family willing to help us until we are capable of living on our own. We are currently staying in Rockville, MD with the Stepensky family," he posted to the online fundraising platform, GoFundMe.

His family's journey to get to the United States, however, was not an easy one. After leaving their home on Feb. 26, they ended up in Ivano-Frankivisk, a city in the western part of Ukraine.

"We lived in underground shelters the entire time we were there – we were under constant shelling by Russian artillery and missile attacks. All day long, we heard sirens and booms," he said.

With the constant attacks and fear of death, on March 6 Bodak said he and his family started their journey to a refugee camp in Poland where they stayed for a few days.

"We became very ill while in the refugee camp. My youngest son had a fever of 100.5 degrees. But we are so grateful and happy to recover and make our way to America," he said.

And that they did. The Bodak family has now called Rockville home for less than two weeks since their arrival on American soil March 11.

Bodak admits, however, the adjustment hasn't been easy.

"I helped my family escape the war but part of my heart is with my Ukrainian brothers defending our Motherland," he said.

While grateful to be safe, his family came to the U.S. with only a few belongings.

That's why his host family in Montgomery County recently launched a GoFundMe page to help them with their basic needs like clothing, food, transportation, medical care, etc.

As of Wednesday evening, the page has raised more than $5,600. To make a donation to the Bodak family, click here. The family hopes to raise at least $25,000.

Note: GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner