Chernobyl Children Project USA

ANNUAL REPORT AND PROJECT SUMMARY 2007-2008
                                   
MISSION
As a sign of hope for life, the Chernobyl Children Project USA, Inc., offers an experience of care, compassion, and relief to the forgotten children of the Chernobyl region

PROGRAMS
The Chernobyl Children Project USA, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides respite and relief to the children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986.  Based in Boston, Chernobyl Children Project USA arranges medical care in the U.S. for children suffering from a wide variety of ailments and places them with volunteer host families during their stay. The project has provided care for more than 1,500 children.
Chernobyl Children Project USA has also provided donated equipment, supplies and training to medical institutions and personnel in the Chernobyl region totaling over $5 million. Boston-area doctors and hospitals have performed surgeries totaling more than $6 million. Each year, more than $450,000 in diagnostic medical services is donated from 16 area hospitals. U.S. doctors also travel to the area to train their counterparts in the use of donated medical equipment, such as ultrasounds for diagnosing thyroid problems.
 

Program and Evaluation Summary:
Medical/Dental
On June 24, 2008, 73 children, eight interpreters and six doctors arrived at Boston’s Logan Airport.  The 73 children were seen at four medical clinics in Canton, Lowell, Cohasset and Nashua, NH.  The children were also seen at two dental clinics run by volunteers at Tufts Dental School.  Medical screenings revealed: one case of lung cancer, one case of bladder cancer, two brain tumors, one case of eye cancer requiring surgery for a prosthetic eye, one case of a heart defect requiring surgery and two severe cases of scoliosis requiring spinal fusion.  Other children required medications, lab work, tests, or recommendations from physicians.  Their treatment plans were reviewed with a physician from their homeland to be carried out upon their return.  There were many success stories from 2008 including Michael Ushakov, Nastya Kovalyova and Valentina Kobylichenko. Michael had both feet operated on to correct a birth defect.  Nastya had her right leg operated on and spinal fusion surgery and Valentina had spinal fusion surgery.  They have all returned home in great health. Nastya will return to have surgery on her shoulders. Preparations are underway for the arrival of the children on June 23, 2009. 

Social Programs
The children enjoyed many social activities with their host families.  These activities included a trip to a Revolution Soccer Game, a Trolley Tour around Boston, a Boston Harbor Cruise and a trip to the Franklin Park Zoo and Babson College.  They also enjoyed dances, bowling, pizza parties and a cookout and activity day at Hale Reservation in Westwood, MA.  All of these social activities were sponsored by local businesses so costs were minimal.  The activities allowed the children to bond with their host families.  Many of the activities also gave the children the opportunity to explore the local area and learn about American History.  The bonds formed between the children and their host families last a lifetime.  

Fundraising Efforts
Chernobyl Children Project continued its tradition of successful fundraising initiatives.  This year marked the first year of the Goodwill Gala which took place in Braintree, MA. The event was a lovely evening of entertainment and live and silent auctions.  Other major fundraisers include the Festival of Hope and the Golf Tournament.  Character Breakfasts continue to be successful fundraisers for local communities.  These community efforts raised over $75,000.  The Annual Fund kicked off its second year in September as the Project continues to be supported by generous individuals, corporations and foundations. In addition to the monies raised, the Project supported the Chernobyl area through in-kind donations of goods.  In July 2008, the Project sent a large shipment of toys, shoes and knitted clothing to an orphanage in Russia.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Revenue and Expenses for the Years Ending December 31, 2006 and 2007