Neurologists Unite for Ukraine: Grassroots Movement Transformed into Lasting Collaboration
Christina BriscoeAbath1, Olha Tychkivska2, Aristides Hadjinicolaou3, Anna Minster1, Irina Anselm4, Danielle Friedman5, Alina Ivaniuk6, Elaine Wirrell7, Alina Sharinn8, Alexander Paciorkowski9, Yuliya Snyder10, Mike Corcoran11, Todd Stone12, Ozzy Samad13, Agnieszka Kielian14, Svetlana Faktorovich15
1Boston Children's Hospital, 2Lviv City Children's Hospital, 3CHU Sainte-Justine, 4Boston Children'S Hospital, 5Boston Children’s Hospital, 6Cleveland Clinic Charles Shor Epilepsy Center, 7Mayo Clinic/Dept of Child Neurology, 8Midtown Neurology MD, 9URMC, 10Rochester Regional Health, 11Medical Center Orthotics and Prosthetics, 12Hanger Clinic, 13Brother's Brother Foundation, 14Children's Hospital Boston, 15Marcus Neuroscience Institute
Objective:
To describe the work of a group of neurologists who have partnered with non-governmental organizations including Brother’s Brother Foundation (BBF) to provide (1) crisis relief and (2) sustainable support for Ukrainian neurology patients during the Russian invasion.
Background:
In the days following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, war and displacement quickly created many unanticipated needs. This included access to anti-seizure medications, placing estimated 250,000 of people with epilepsy at risk for serious injury and death. Dr. Olha Tychivska shared the challenges in obtaining medication for her patients with her North American neurology colleagues.
Design/Methods:
Utilizing social media and professional connections to catalyze rapid relief efforts, a small group of neurology providers from across the country joined forces to support Ukrainian neurology patients. A partnership with BBF and other non-profit organizations allowed this group to fundraise, procure, and safely deliver neurology medications to Ukraine, as Ukrainian neurologists directed needs and ascertained ethical use of medications and supplies. As the collaboration evolved, new needs for patients with neurologic injury surfaced, including traumatic brain injury and limb amputation.
Results:
Over 450,000 dollars have been raised and donated to date, with minimal overhead cost, towards neurology efforts. These include anti-seizure medications and equipment (EEG machine, VNS tablet/wand, and neurorehabilitation equipment). Additionally, a seizure resource guide was created, translated, and widely distributed.
Conclusions:
Grassroot movements can serve as catalysts for aid, as their dynamic model can address local needs in an effective and timely manner. We hope that this effort will serve as a roadmap for future efforts, and as a model of how neurologists can respond during future humanitarian crises to serve vulnerable patients.