Moore County doctor facing hurdles to help sick family member in Ukraine
A Moore County doctor is sending medical supplies to Ukraine and for him — it's personal because he's got family still in the country.
Dr. Anton Vlasov said one of his family members is sick and in serious need of supplies. He began sending supplies to his uncle who is battling cancer in Ukraine, and then it turned into something bigger.
One of the most recent airstrikes from Russia was in the town of Poltava, which Vlasov said he knows well.
"I was born and raised in Ukraine," said Vlasov. "I lived there until I was 14."
Vlaslov, who now lives in Pinehurst, said he has family staying in a house just outside of Kyiv. Vlaslov said getting supplies to his uncle wasn't easy, even after his cousin gave him very specific instructions.
"She gave me a stranger's name in Poland, she will contact my cousin in Ukraine and they will meet at the border there with the package," he said.
Then, Vlaslov said his colleagues started giving him extra supplies for the people in Ukraine, including walkers, crutches, canes and slings.
This time, the logistics of getting the supplies to people in need would be easier. Samaritans Purse, which is known for delivering aid to countries and people in need, will get the donations to those suffering in and near Ukraine.
"With the help of my family here [and] my job — everybody has been extremely helpful. It is a good thing that people are understanding and can come together," said Vlaslov.
Vlaslov said the best way to connect with people needing in help in Ukraine is by contacting established groups like Samaritan's Purse or the Red Cross to find out what items are needed and letting those groups handle it from there.
