Helping the children of Belarus
Family finds joy, sorrow, in hosting child
by Gail Martin, Elmira Independent

The following is the first of a three-part series on the children of Belarus. These children are hosted by the Canadian Friends of Chernobyl's Children each summer, to help the children recover from the harmful effects of radiation in their country. Look for more articles in future issues of the Elmira Independent.

Marion and Ken Israel spent a good part of the year waiting for a special six-week visit from a special young friend. Every year, for the past eight years, the couple has hosted a child from Belarus.

They are part of the Canadian Friends of Chernobyl's Children, a local not-for-profit organization that brings children from Belarus to Canada, to escape the radiation from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, which occurred 16 years ago today. Today is declared a "Day of Hope for Chernobyl's Children" by the international community, in honour of the children who have suffered because of the nuclear accident.

Children who live in the shadow of the Chernobyl have more than their share of health problems. The incidence of a number of cancers has been on the rise in Belarus ever since the accident occurred, and the children who escape these diseases are often underweight and susceptible to other illnesses.

The Israels have hosted two different children as part of the program. Both were named Yura, so they have jokingly referred to the children as Yura I and Yura II. Yura Yourchenko was eight when he first visited the Israels for the summer. He kept coming until he was 15. The next summer, Yura Padgaisky started his annual visits. Padgaisky is now 15, and has visited the Israels for four years.

While in Canada, the children gain weight, have increased energy, and get
their medical and dental problems corrected. Marion Israel recalls that Yourchenko, when he first arrived, was very short of breath. "He couldn't run as far as our grandchildren; he couldn't keep up," said Israel. "He was cold. He wanted a sweater all the time. It was July." After a couple of weeks in Canada, said Israel, he was very much improved. "He could keep up with everybody," said Israel.

Padgaisky, on the other hand, seemed to have good health when he arrived. However, it has since been discovered that he has a heart murmur - something that will be checked out by a local doctor when he returns to Canada this year.

Padgaisky has a number of other concerns weighing on his young mind, however. His mother, Marina, has been ill, and has been hospitalized on a few occasions. Her thyroid is enlarged, and she has too much sugar in her blood. Doctors still aren't quite sure what is wrong. What makes it even more frightening for this 15-year-old, however, is the fact that his aunt died two years ago, of kidney cancer.

While Padgaisky was in Canada, he learned how to use the Israel's computer, and became quite proficient at email. Now he sends email messages regularly to the Israels, updating them on his life. "We're quite worried," said Israel, who added that Marina had taken over the care of her sister's baby, Vika, and her son, Kiryl, after her sister died. "She's so young, and such a nice person," said Israel.

The Israels have visited both of their Yuras in Belarus, and have met their families. That makes it even harder to hear about the hardships Padgaisky's family is facing. One consolation is the love and support that they can give Padgaisky, both through their emails, and through his annual visit to Canada.

As well, through Canadian Friends of Chernobyl¹s Children, additional aid was sent to Padgaisky's family, to help the baby Vika. Formula and clothing
was sent -- and was very much appreciated. Israel said that Padgaisky has a great personality, and is very smart. His English has improved a great deal, and his computer skills that he has learned in Canada continue to benefit him back home.

One of the other benefits of having children come to Canada, said Israel, is that they get to see how the rest of the world works, and how they might improve their own country. Israel said that during her trip to Russia and Belarus, she noticed how Russia is striving to change, with property now being privately owned (farmland is being returned to original owners), and with increased efforts to attract tourists.

In Belarus, however, people are still clinging to the old ways, looking to a central government to take care of them, and not wanting their economy to change. "Fields were not plowed, and the weeds were taking over," said Israel. "It's such a contrast to Russia."

Israel said she hopes that the 100,000 or so young children who have left Belarus for summer visits to other countries will come back with new ideas, with fresh ways of thinking. She has already seen this in Padgaisky. "I've noticed that he's more aware of the differences between our countries, and of how his country could be improved," said Israel. "I'm sure that children that go to other parts of the world will take home new ideas with them and, eventually, things will change in Belarus."

Israel enjoys being a part of this program, and being a part of Padgaisky's
life. This is likely to be their last year of hosting children, since it does place a few demands on them during the six-week visit. The Israels had actually planned on quitting last year, but changed their minds. "We decided that Yura needed to come one more year," said Israel.

They would also like more time to spend with their 10 grandchildren, and
pursue other interests. However, added Israel, "If he comes knocking at our door, we'll let him in. He has a place to stay any time he wants."

Canadian Friends of Chernobyl¹s Children is planning a special fundraising dinner on June 2, at 5pm at the Carriage Hall. Tickets are $15 each, and are available at the Elmira Photo Lab. The evening will include door prizes and a silent auction.

Those who are interested in hosting a child next summer can contact Michelle Ellig, at 669-2556.