Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, millions of lives have depended on both domestic and international humanitarian supplies. And not just the basics, such as food or clothing, are needed immediately.
New life is born under siege. Having a baby is a huge challenge for all parents, no matter how easy or difficult the circumstances. Now imagine that you are in a bomb shelter, and your favorite baby was born prematurely, has yellowish skin and is poorly fed. These are the symptoms of neonatal jaundice, a common disease among infants. Unfortunately, due to the huge increase in premature births in Ukraine due to maternal stress, many children born with jaundice in these difficult conditions cannot receive treatment. Untreated neonatal jaundice can lead to seizures, cerebral palsy and permanent brain damage.
«And we still wonder how medical equipment alone can change the lives of newborns and their parents so much.»
Bili Blanket is a phototherapy device used to treat jaundice in newborns. “My husband and I know exactly how useful this equipment is – all four of our children suffered from this condition, and we were able to treat two of our younger children at home with Bili Blanket, and two of the older ones had to be treated in hospital. It is difficult and stressful under normal circumstances and actually impossible in a combat zone. Our experience has inspired me to create a company that provides parents with White Blankets so that their children are safe and safe during this urgent treatment. Our mission of safe and effective treatment of jaundice gained new significance when we began to read reports of an increase in the number of premature births and the lack of opportunities for mothers and babies in Ukraine.
Emma’s husband, Alex, who was born in Ukraine and moved to Colorado with his parents when he was 12, decided to help and literally took matters into his own hands. He transported 12 blankets worth more than $ 36,000 to Krakow, Poland, the nearest and largest humanitarian aid center in the region, just a 2.5-hour drive from the Ukrainian border. The blankets were donated by Emma’s company, Bili Blanket Baby.
"When I landed in Krakow with all the equipment, I did not know what to expect. The parents of one of Emma's former patients connected us with Anton and Alina, Ukrainians who live and run an IT company in Krakow, while helping out as humanitarian workers. Then I was introduced to Tomasz, who runs a consulting company with his brother and daughter-in-law Jarek and Camila. They took the medical equipment to their office and invited me to live at their home. "
Immediately after his arrival, the Bili Blankets began their journey from Krakow to Ukraine. “Looking at my WhatsApp messages, which are filled with photos of Bili Blankets moving by trucks and trains to Ukraine and finally to perinatal facilities and maternity hospitals, brought tears to my eyes in Colorado. I knew that donating our equipment was the right decision for us as a family and for me as a business owner. “
While in Krakow, Alex began looking for more ways to help on the spot. “I was advised to visit the Jewish Community Center (JCC), which is located in Kazimierz, the historic Jewish district of Krakow. I was amazed not only by how many refugees seek help there, but also by how many locals invest their time and resources in this cause. As a former refugee, I knew I had to join.
"There is an urgent need for all kinds of basic things: food, medicine, household chemicals, baby goods, the list goes on"
Inspired by what he saw, Alex launched a fundraising campaign. He buys the materials online himself, working closely with JCC, whose delivery staff. So far, goods worth $ 5,350 have been delivered to the needy. The action continues, and everyone can make donations.
Another parcel with 18 more blankets from Bili Blanket Baby arrived in Krakow in early June, and now they are heading to Ukraine. Emma says: “We are looking forward to new first-hand photos that show that the white blankets have reached their final destination. This opportunity to help us has truly deepened our commitment to providing safe and effective phototherapy techniques that allow children to remain in the arms of their parents. We are proud that our small business was able to donate more than $ 90,000 to Ukrainian babies without outside contributions. ”
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