SOS Ukraine - assistance for the disabled

Dear Friends,

Today, we want to share a story that touched all of us deeply — a story of two courageous Ukrainian twin brothers from Lviv (Ukraine), whose lives have just become a little safer, more comfortable, and filled with hope thanks to your generosity.

Mykhailo and Serhiyko were born on the same day, but each of their journeys has been different.

Mykhailo is considered the “lighter” case medically — he sits more steadily and needs less support to feel safe. His brother Serhiyko faces far greater challenges. His breathing depends on the position of his body, and he can only sit while leaning forward, resting on a special table that supports his elbows, chest, and fragile balance. Both boys rely on wheelchairs every day to move, play, learn, and simply live.

Their mother told us:

“We have two boys… two different worlds. Mykhailo moves more freely. Serhiyko needs constant positioning and careful support. But they always smile — together.”

Until now, their old equipment was no longer meeting their needs. The boys were growing, and every day without proper wheelchairs put them at risk of pain, breathing difficulties, and further complications. Their family worried constantly — but lacked the resources to provide specialized equipment.

Thanks to your donations, the PAY IT FORWARD Foundation purchased two adaptive wheelchairs designed to meet each boy’s unique medical needs. These wheelchairs provide:

• Safe, stable sitting positions
• Proper chest and side support
• Individualized posture control
• Greater comfort and mobility
• The ability to participate more actively in everyday life

On 1st December something wonderful happened!

A courier knocked on the door in Lviv.

Inside the package was the first specialized wheelchair — delivered safely into the hands of a family who has been waiting for this moment with hope and anxiety.

Their mother’s message to us was simple, but full of emotion:

“It arrived. Thank you. You cannot imagine what this means for us.”

And truly — you made this possible.

Your support is not just a donation.

It is the breath that comes easier for Serhiyko.

It is the independence Mykhailo works hard to achieve.

It is the relief of a mother who finally knows her children are safer. At least a bit safer.

More equipment will follow, and we will continue supporting this family and others like them — families living through war, displacement, and unimaginable stress, yet doing everything they can for their children.

Thank you for giving these brothers a chance for a safer, more dignified life.

Thank you for believing that every child deserves comfort, care, and opportunity — even in the hardest of times.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The PAY IT FORWARD Foundation Team

Couple of days ago, we received a chilling video from one of our Ukrainian beneficiaries, Ivan.

In the video, Ivan walks us through the remains of what was once his family’s home — now shattered walls, broken windows, and fragments of missiles scattered on the floor. He picks up a jagged piece of metal and says quietly, “It’s hard to say exactly when it hit. But it hit our house. Dead center.”

This didn’t happen years ago. It happened recently — within the past year.

The house is located in Kherson Oblast along the front line, near a river. On the opposite bank, Russian troops are stationed. Ivan’s father still returns to that ruined house from time to time. But only when it rains.

Why?
Because when it rains, he knows drones won’t fly.
And when drones don’t fly, he’s less likely to die.

This is the terrifying reality our Ukrainian friends live with every day. A father who can only visit his home in bad weather — because it's the only moment he feels safe.

Ivan is now safe in Poland. He brought these shrapnels to our Foundation as a terrifying reminder of everyday threats which are still present throughout Ukraine. 

Through your support, we’re helping families like Ivan’s find shelter, rebuild hope, and feel safe again — no matter the weather.