Dr. Bogdana Schmidt
***As of July 13, 2022, the U is no longer accepting donations to the Utah for Ukraine Supply Drive, led by Dr. Bogdana Schmidt (Huntsman Cancer Institute and University of Utah Health).
The outpouring of support has been absolutely inspiring and we are grateful to be part of this big-hearted community. The last shipment of 143 boxes was picked up July 14 and we hope to share some numbers illustrating the impact of our collective efforts soon.
Though we are no longer collecting on campus, donations are still appreciated through other organizations. If you wish to donate supplies, please direct them to the Utah Ukraine Association.
Thank you to everyone who supported this humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine.***
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Dr. Bogdana Schmidt, a urologic oncologist at Huntsman Cancer Institute and University of Utah Health, has been seeking ways to give back and support her native country during this time of need. With the aid of the Office of Global Engagement, a supply drive is currently underway to provide much-needed humanitarian relief for Ukrainian refugees.
“As a cancer surgeon I spend every day fighting for human life–for someone to have another year with their family, attend another wedding, meet a grandchild. To see the devastation of thousands of lives in a matter of days is soul crushing. I’m here today doing my job with my patients in Utah but my heart is with Ukraine and in these horrific times,” said Schmidt.
Members of the campus community are invited to drop off supplies at the following locations:
- Office for Global Engagement (Gardner, room 3105)
- Learning Abroad Office (Union, room 159)
- International Student & Scholar Services Office (Union, room 410)
- Biomedical Polymers Research Building (room 408C)
- Huntsman Cancer Institute—Cancer Learning Center Multipurpose Room (6th floor, N6230)
- Eccles Health Sciences Library
Schmidt is partnering with fellow Ukrainian and Urologic Oncologist Fellow at the Fox Chase Cancer Center, Dr. Laura Bukavina. Bukavina is currently volunteering at the Ukraine-Poland border and is communicating directly with Schmidt and a non-profit partner, the Cleveland Maidan Association.
Schmidt met Dr. Laura Bukavina years ago at a medical conference and the two became fast friends. “It’s not every day you meet another female Ukrainian urologic oncologist,” said Schmidt, a provider at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Cancer Institute. The two doctors are now joining forces to collect supplies for the people of their homeland who are affected by the current conflict.
“Right now it’s very cold in Ukraine and they’re seeing a lot of cold-related injuries among refugees,” said Schmidt, noting an express need for coats and blankets.
Items urgently needed include:
All items should be new and unused. Thank you.
Clothing
Warm jackets for women and childrenBlankets, hats, glovesSweatersChildren’s clothes all ages
We are no longer accepting clothing. Thank you.
Medical Supplies
- Bandages ISRAELI EMERGENCY BANDAGE and Comparable in 4″, 6″ & 12″
- Compact Bags BVM Manual Resuscitator
- Vein Tourniquets NAR BOA IV – CONSTRICTING BAND 30-0009
- Tactical Medical Backpacks and Shoulder Bags
- Tourniquets: CAT GEN 7 (GEN6), SOFT, SAM
- HALO CHEST SEALS, CELOX CHEST FOX SEAL & Comparable
- Hemostatic Bandages QuickClot Combat Gauze & Comp.
- Burn Aids BURNSHIELD HYDROGEL any form
Baby /Child Supplies
- Diapers & wipes
- Baby bottles
- Formula
- Children’s/baby medications (Tylenol, ibuprofen)
- Children’s vitamins
- Baby food/packets
Personal care
- Towels
- Tooth paste & brushes
- Combs
- Soap
- Menstruation products
Food
- Nonperishable food items
Groups or individuals interested in supplying medical equipment should contact Schmidt directly via email.
“I began my work at the U in October 2021, and I have been impressed with how friendly, compassionate, and caring this community is. I have been so grateful for the support and love I have received from my Utah colleagues who know how hard it is for me to see images of my hometown in rubble,” said Schmidt.
Once collected, the materials will be sent directly to refugees by Schmidt and distributed with the help of the Cleveland Maidan Association.
ABOUT CLEVELAND MAIDAN ASSOCIATION
Started in 2014 as an effort by members of the Ukrainian diaspora to provide financial aid to those who were wounded or the families of those who died during the Euromaidan Revolution in Kyiv. As a new conflict arose in eastern Ukraine, the Association began to also provide financial and material support to the families of those wounded or killed during the war. The CMA is a certified 501(c)(3) charitable organization.