It is difficult, perhaps impossible, to speak or write about Chornobyl and its aftermath without bringing in political statements. This is not the page for that. The reader is invited to open Ukraine Links on the menu and then open Elena Filatova’s site under the Chornobyl heading. Elena, to your site editor’s mind, expresses the truth about this tragedy in a way it needs to be expressed. She will also take you on a memorable historical photographic journey not soon forgotten.

Having said that, Michael’s and Lisa’s beautiful book, Forgotten Faces: Orphans of Ukraine, is a photo gallery of orphans. They are from what is now the second generation afflicted by the radioactive fallout from the Chornobyl nuclear power plant that literally blew up in northern Ukraine the morning of  April 26, 1986. It deals with heart rending very tough material. Please allow me to quote Lisa’s instructions to your site editor.

“Due to the vulnerability of the orphans and the confidentiality to which I am strictly committed, I do not want the location of the orphanages disclosed ever. Yes, the children are victims of exposure to ionizing radiation but also victims of a crumbling developing country with rampant alcoholism, drug abuse, and poor, if nonexistent, prenatal health care….. This is such a delicate area to publish….. I led an orphanage mission trip 2006 sponsored by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Children of Chornobyl Relief and Development Fund (CCRDF). Michael was on the team.

"I have led previous medical missions with Volunteers in Medical Missions (VIMM) in the underserved villages surrounding Chornobyl in years past. I conducted my graduate research project in transcultural nursing with the nurses who serve in the Zone 2 villages surrounding Chornobyl. I was inspired to create a photo essay to tell the story of marginalized orphans. Most people have never held an orphan in their arms. I have. My mission is simple: I seek to raise awareness and funds to improve the basic living standards and health care for orphans in Ukraine.”

Lisa Prytula, April 24, 2007

David  Cottrell

For ordering instructions email Lisa at  lisapwsp@comcast.net

Links to the Children of Chornobyl Relief and Development Fund

and to the Volunteers in Medical Missions are in the Ukraine Links page under Chornobyl.