FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA21) – It’s been more than three months since Russian troops invaded Ukraine and millions of families have been forced to seek refuge, including a mother and her two children.
Ever since the war began, Iloni Prosniakova has been searching for a safe hope for her and her two sons. Her best friend Alona Bobeck, who is also from Ukraine, has been living in Fort Wayne for several years.
Bobeck helped translate Prosniakova’s story.
“I love Ilona very much, I’ve been worried about her all this time,” Bobeck said. “The war started, they kept hearing shootings, explosions and they had to hide in basements with their kids. It was getting too dangerous.”
Bobeck says she welcomed her family in last week. Before they escaped, Prosniakova was staying with Bobeck’s brother with their family. They then traveled to Italy, then to the United States.
“It was a really tough decision, the kids were really scared at that point,” She said. “She knew she had some people here who love her and will be able to support her and her kids. Of course it’s really hard because now she’s so far from her husband and her home.”
Bobeck says shes happy to know her friend is safe, but she wanted to do more. She says they organized a Golf Ball Drop for Ukraine Sunday at Chesnut Hills Golf Club. It’s happening at 10a.m. and people can golf or they can buy t-shirts and hats to show support for Ukraine. The money raised will go towards the military efforts in Ukraine and some to Prosniakova and her family.
“Please support Ukrainian families, open up your heart. I love Fort Wayne and I love it here,” Bobeck said. “She says she feels home in my house, she considers me my sister and she’s very grateful that we met.”
You can find the details for the event here.
Copyright 2022 Fort Wayne’s NBC. All rights reserved.