Connecticut coalition commemorates disaster's anniversary (05/14/06)

THE 20th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHORNOBYL NUCLEAR DISASTER

Connecticut coalition commemorates disaster's anniversary

by Alexa Milanytch

HARTFORD, Conn. - Ukrainian Americans and environmental activists from across Connecticut gathered on April 26 at the State Capitol in Hartford to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster. The candlelight vigil was organized by the Council of Ukrainian American Organizations of Greater Hartford. Among the featured speakers was the newly ordained Eparch of the Ukrainian Catholic Diocese of Stamford, Bishop Paul Chomnycky OSBM, and Orest T. Dubno, the former commissioner of revenue for the state of Connecticut and former chairman of the board of the Children of Chornobyl Relief and Development Fund.

Mr. Dubno acknowledged the important contributions of many Ukrainian American donors from across Connecticut who have helped to finance hospital development projects in Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Rivne and Ivano-Frankivsk. He especially noted Olympic and World Champion Viktor Petrenko who helped to organize the "Viktory for Kids" charity gala at the International Skating Center in Simsbury that raised $200,000 for a neonatal intensive care unit at the Odesa Regional Children's Hospital. He also praised the generosity of the Ukrainian National Home of New Haven that contributed $70,000 for a neonatal unit in Ivano-Frankivsk.

Mr. Dubno cited new health studies that have shown a sharp increase in birth defects and cancers among Ukrainian families affected by radioactive fallout. He noted the thyroid cancer epidemic caused by radioactive iodine, and warned that the latency period for many cancers can be as long as 20 years. Several speakers called on the international community to remain vigilant for other health effects that are expected to emerge in the years to come.

Since 1991 the Hartford, Danbury and New Haven chapters of CCRDF have been among the most active and strongest supporters of the fund's humanitarian mission. Most recently, the Hartford Chapter hosted a children's talent night and art auction that raised an additional $6,000 for new technology for the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Children's Hospital.

The current president of the Hartford Chapter, Julie Nesteruk, thanked all those who helped to organize the 20th anniversary vigil, including Lana Babij, Irene Oleksiak, Ihor Stasiuk, Nadia Haftkowycz, Ihor Rudko, Natalie Pollock, Inna Stachiw, Halyna Shulewsky, Halyna Dumanska, Anna Pokora and Marta Derhak. She also thanked the Ukrainian National Women's League of America and the Women's Association for the Four Freedoms for Ukraine for their active participation.

The candlelight vigil received television news coverage on Channel 3 (CBS) and Channel 61 (Fox) and in the Hartford Courant.

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